Joanna James
Although most travellers head to Sir Bani Yas Island to enjoy its luxury resorts and sailing possibilities, the island is an equally potent playground for adventurists with a passion for the great outdoors. Here are 7 activities outdoorsy visitors can enjoy during a stay on the paradise isle.
Ranked among the most rewarding and relaxing activities accessible on Sir Bani Yas Island, horse riding excursions also afford visitors the chance to explore the rugged landscapes of their holiday destination in a unique way. Whether it’s a ride across the island’s stunning beaches, its desert terrains or verdant enclaves, travellers are bound to discover a side to this holiday hub that’s not accessible on 4x4 drives or long hikes.
While there are a great many ways to explore the Arabian Wildlife Park, there are few that afford the spectacular views and the thrills of a safari excursion on an open-top jeep. Arabian Oryxes and the resident ostrich and giraffe populations are not all that safarigoers are likely to come across on this one-of-a-kind adventure, as the wildlife sanctuary is also home to its fair share of cheetahs. Sprawled across 4000 acres, it is the best way to catch a glimpse of the more than 17,000 majestic beasts roaming the park.
Those based at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara or any similar family resorts in Abu Dhabi can also embark on a Wadi walk during their time on the island. These windswept regions of Sir Bani Yas Island are not only some of the most dramatic landscapes in Abu Dhabi but also provide visitors the chance to learn more about the local flora and fauna that thrive in its wadis despite the high temperatures.
Travellers who prefer to explore their new surroundings on foot can also chart their course across the savannahs and the beaches of Sir Bani Yas Island on a hiking adventure. These guided tours take visitors to the heart of the island’s wildlife reserves and mangrove forests, while the archaeological sites occupying the isle can also be explored on a hiking expedition.
Avid anglers can also put their skills to the test and spend quality time with their loved ones on a deep-sea fishing excursion. Organised fishing tours that explore the top fishing locations around Sir Bani Yas Island are accessible via local resorts and tour operators.
Eco-friendly activities on Sir Bani Yas Island also include kayaking tours of the isle’s breathtaking mangrove forests. Paddling along the labyrinthine waterways of the mangroves also provides holidaymakers with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the plants and creatures that are part of this ecosystem.
Ranked among the best locations to learn how to dive in Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island ensures that scuba diving and other underwater excursions are also accessible to those with a passion for deep-sea exploration. Travellers looking to secure a PADI certification during their holiday on the desert island will also find plenty of instructors and diving courses at their disposal.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
