Abu Dhabi is blessed with numerous kayaking options that can be enjoyed in any of its multiple kayaking hotspots. This Kayaking Abu Dhabi insider guide prepared by Arabiers gives you a good insight into the ideal kayaking venues in Abu Dhabi and some useful tips that will help you choose a memorable kayaking experience.
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Abu Dhabi is teeming with lush mangrove forests that lie among spectacular beaches, both of which are ideal places to give kayaking a go when in the city. Numerous professional companies offer kayaking adventures and mentioned below is a list of the top venues to have a memorable kayak experience.
Visitors are mostly used to seeing Abu Dhabi's modern side; creative high-rises, award-winning restaurants, record-breaking attractions and gigantic malls, to name a few. If you think that Abu Dhabi is all about the glam, discover it's raw side by boarding a kayak and paddling your way through the meandering canals of the eastern mangroves situated harmoniously amidst the metropolis. Open your mind to a whole new perspective of Abu Dhabi by picking a preferred timing (7AM, 9AM, 11AM, 2PM & 4PM) and follow your guide into the heart of this natural wonder. As you navigate through the mangroves you might spot rare species of birds, a variety of marine and mammal life, turtles, foxes and even some flamingos.
Book NowBest for : Those who visiting Sir Bani Yas island
Top tip : Book a stay in Sir Bani Yas island
Approximate Cost : 160 AED per adult & 130 AED per child
Are you ready to try out a unique way of sightseeing the Louvre Abu Dhabi's mind-blowing structure? Get hold of an oar and guide your way around it on board a kayak. Designed by a star architect, the Louvre's architecture is a masterpiece in itself as it is inspired by many Emirati elements. A professional guide will accompany you during this 60-minute tour. To maintain high safety standards a small briefing is given about paddling and other safety procedures before the tour starts. Kayakers of all levels are welcome and no experience is required for beginner kayakers. Parents or guardians should accompany children between 6 to 12 years of age. Guests opting for this tour are requested to dress appropriately. Changing rooms are present in close proximity to the meeting point. In case of sudden changes in weather the activities can be postponed or cancelled. If a session is cancelled you will be notified via phone. Cash and credit card payments are accepted for this experience.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10:00AM, 2:00PM, 4:00PM and 7:00PM
Best for : Getting close to Louvre Museum
Top tip : Special Full Moon Kayaking Tour
Contact details : +971555334238
Approximate Cost : AED120 per person
Positioned between Saadiyat and Yas islands, Jubail 15 minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and is a darling due to the stunning seashore sceneries it promises. Covering a total of 400 hectares of luxury and mid-range residential areas, retail options, offices and restaurants doesn't limit its capability to sustain Jubail's native mangrove ecosystem. You will be surprised by the amazing kayaking experience.
Best for : Get to know more about Jubail Island
Top tip : Book in advance for high tide
Contact details : +9712 558 1889
Approximate Cost : AED 200 per person
Grab a paddle and explore the shores of Abu Dhabi's Al Bahia beach with the help of your experience guide. This location is ideal for kayaking enthusiasts of all levels and promises a memorable experience sure to the serene atmosphere and good views. If this is your first time kayaking, the guide will happily arrange a 30 minute hands-on lesson before your kayaking experience begins.
Best for : Exploring shore of Abu Dhabi
Top tip : Book in advance
Contact details : +971 55 8855055
Approximate Cost : Single Kayak 2 hours at 250 AED
Enjoy a spectacular kayaking experience in the waters of an island regarded as the Maldives of UAE. The Zaya Nurai Island also has stand up paddle boarding experiences in addition to kayaking. These two activities are ideal to enjoy the Azure blue waters and the stunning views that surround it. This stunning island is a mere 12-minute boat ride away from the cultural Saadiyat island and a 60 minute drive from downtown Dubai. Some of this island resort's attractive features are it's lush greenery, soft sand and stunning water.
Best for : Weekend gateway
Top tip : Look out for day pass
Contact details : +971 2 506 6222
Approximate Cost : Day passes at the cost of AED 480, AED420 can be redeemable on F&B, spa and activities.
Extending over 1,100 meters, the whitewater channels at Wadi are regarded as the lengthiest in the world. Don't be spooked by its size as this location is ideal for anyone from beginners to experts. In addition to safety checks and pre-tour safety briefings, all rapids have a conveyor belt access. Safety gear is provided and lessons are also conducted for anyone who wants to learn the ropes before trying kayaking.
Best for : Adventurous kayakers
Top tip : Wear sports & Park 11am-7pm, Open Beach 3pm-7pm
Contact details : +971 3 781 8422
Approximate Cost : 175 AED + Entry 65 AED for adults
The 400m lengthy beach of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island is an ideal location for eco-friendly water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding. The warm waters that engulf this island are also frequented by dolphins that pop their heads up for a hello during kayaking sessions.
Best for : Who is staying Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort or near by
Top tip : Book in advance
Contact details : +971 2 811 4444
More populated compared to other Abu Dhabi kayaking spots doesn't prevent guests from having an amazing experience kayaking in the Abu Dhabi corniche. A 75 minute kayaking expedition will let you go from Hiltonia beach club to the UAE flagpole and back. If you stay close to the coast you can clearly spot attractions like the Abu Dhabi theater, Heritage Village, Marina Mall,etc and also get a good perspective of the Abu Dhabi skyline. If you are more of an experienced kayaker then a 4 hour kayaking trip to Lulu island and back is also an option you should consider trying.
Best for : Who is staying Abu Dhabi corniche area
Top tip : Kayak towards UAE biggest flag
Contact details : +971 2 681 1900
Approximate Cost : AED 60 for 30 mins, AED 90 for an hour, AED 180 for two hours
Nature-centric safaris, adventure excursions and spa retreats are few of the numerous activities that are available in Sir Bani Yas Island, a place that is regarded as the “World's Leading Tourism Destination”. One of the most popular of these activities is the expert-guided mangrove kayaking excursion that takes you between the lush mangroves of Abu Dhabi. Available throughout the year, this tour also includes a good lesson on the plants in the mangroves and their crucial role in the coastal environment. High tides are ideal for deeper exploration whereas low tide gives you a better chance of spotting crab, fish and many birds. Guides are well-experienced in emergency and safety procedures and provide hands-on instruction. Your kayak will be equipped with an emergency first aid kit and. You will be given a life jacket, but it is preferred if you wear clothes and shoes suitable for watersports as you have a high chance of getting wet. If the weather is sunny on your excursion day bring a hat and some sunscreen. A towel and some extra clothes will be necessary after the excursion. If you have access to waterproof camera equipment it's recommended you bring them along as the photo opportunities are high.
Best for : Those who visiting Sir Bani Yas island
Top tip : Book a stay in Sir Bani Yas island
Contact details : +971 2 681 1900
Location | Per adult – AED | Per child - AED | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|
Eastern mangroves | 160 | 130 | Single, double, family kayak boats available |
Louvre Abu Dhabi | 120 | 120 | full moon tour around the museum available |
Jubail Island | 200 | 120 | Needs to be booked in advance |
Al Bahia Beach | 250 | 120 | 2 hours tour |
Zaya Nurai island | 250 | 120 | Day passes at the cost of AED 480, AED 420 can be redeemable on F&B, spa and activities. |
Wadi Adventure | 175 AED + Entry 65 AED for adults | 120 | Guests must be higher then 1.2m |
Saadiyat island | 175 AED + Entry 65 AED for adults | 120 | Guests must be higher then 1.2m |
Abu Dhabi corniche | 175 AED + Entry 65 AED for adults | 120 | Guests must be higher then 1.2m |
Sir bani yas island | 175 AED + Entry 65 AED for adults | 120 | Guests must be higher then 1.2m |
Situated in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi’s city centre, the mangrove forests of the Mangrove National Park plays a vital role in the Emirate’s ecosystem. Ths biodiversity hotspot is regulated by the EAD (Environment Agency Abu Dhabi) and makes up 75 percent of the mangrove forests in the UAE. In addition to mangroves, the forests constitute algal communities. salt marshes and mud flats. A safe haven for humans and animals alike, the mangroves are not only a home to a variety of aquatic animals, bird species, mammals and reptiles but also protects the region from tidal surges as the trees act as windbreakers. It also plays a role in purifying the water and reducing carbon dioxide in the air. Crabs, herons, flamingos, turtles, foxes and dolphins are few of the commonly sighted animals.
Abu Dhabi’s first mangrove park that is self-sustained and offers educational, natural and leisure excursions. This mangrove sanctuary is a safe spot for birds and aquatic species. The park is equipped with boardwalks that guide visitors to different areas. The park strives to inculcate awareness, appreciation and understanding of the crucial roles the mangrove forests play in supporting the biodiversity of the Abu Dhabi coastal belt.
The 8 kilometre-long corniche road shows off a perfectly manicured waterfront equipped with kid’s play areas , cafes, restaurants and separate pathways for walking and cycling. The corniche beach park has numerous beach umbrellas that are filled in the weekends. The beach is watched by lifeguards and a floating ence keeps swimmers within a 40 meter distance from the shore. The Abu Dhabi Corniche is given the cherished Blue Flag Status, an eco-friendly guarantee which indicates clean waters in beaches and marinas. The corniche is sectioned into families, singles and a general area to accommodate the 50,000 orso visitors that visit this attraction.
If you enjoy doing things solo-style or want to own a kayak and kayak around during the weekends, listed below are some kayak shops that sell kayaking gear and other necessities.
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Shop NowNot many kayaking events are held in Abu Dhabi, however you could join for a kayaking group at meet up
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