Things to do While in Sir Bani Yas Island

Among the popular nature based activities here are game drives in specially configured 4x4s. Accompanied by expert guides, wildlife enthusiasts enjoy a two hour journey where they have unhampered views of free roaming Arabian Oryx, gazelles, giraffe, hyenas, cheetahs and caracal among other animals. Guests staying at the Abu Dhabi villas of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort can easily enjoy such island excursions.

Such excursions accompanied by a naturalist on the eastern side of the island, introduce visitors to thousands of trees and plants and a large number of fauna and birds on Sir Bani Yas. Visitors learn about the daily lives, breeding patterns, food and care of the many park inhabitants.

This is a good way to explore the wadis, lagoons and beaches of the Island. A strenuous and a non strenuous route take visitors along scenic areas and to the top of many interesting geological formations found here. There is an even more strenuous route for the very fit.

Kayaking along the channels of the park's mangroves is another way to explore the many facets of island. However this is dependent on the weather as during high tide the beach areas are flooded and at low tide some of the channels are not navigable. Kayakers will be able to catch glimpses of flamingos, flying fish and a variety of coastal birds that area among the 100 species of birds found here.

The eastern side of the island also offers excellent shallow reefs with clear water populated by various types of corals, colourful fish, the brown spotted reef cod a denizen of the seas around the island and sea urchins. Dolphins and turtles have also been spotted in the sea around the island.

This is a leisurely way to experience the natural beauty of the island and to encounter some of its wildlife. Salt dome hilltops, sand dunes and rock corridors with exposed fossil deposits are the some of the unusual things to see out here.

Visiting the excavations of an early Christian monastery going on in the eastern side of the island is an opportunity to examine the island's history. Dated to the 6th century AD it is one of the earliest Christian sites in the UAE and appear to have been inhabited for nearly a century.

The Water Sports Centre on the island has its own series of activities that include sports fishing, deep sea diving and sailing. The centre offers a series of PADI certified courses for diving.

The island has its own stables and offers programs to suit every type of equestrian ability. Thirty horses from different breeds from around the world take riders around the island under the watchful eye of expert instructors.

Archery is available for anyone willing to try it. As it has been a part of Arabian culture for centuries it is still a popular sport here. Visitors can shoot at targets from five to thirty meters away and hit the bull's eye with a little practice. It is a fun sport for the whole family.