7 Best Spots to Kayak in Abu Dhabi
Looking for ideas for your next outing? Here are 7 best places to kayak in Abu Dhabi
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The Eastern Mangrove Promenade
Bordering the city with a view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline as well as the lush green protected mangroves where you can see its intricate tree systems and spot numerous bird and plant species. There are a variety of companies that run tours and activities including a number of kayak providers with single and double kayaks as well as kayak tours through the mangroves.
Where: Located close to the Anantara Eastern Mangroves, off Salam Street. Head to second building from the Eastern Mangroves entrance for free parking and entrance to the promenade.
Top Tips & Booking: Parking is easy! There is a free visitor’s car park and you won’t need to pre-book your kayak as there are many providers along the marina. However, it does get very busy in the evenings and weekends. If you wish to pre-book then Sea Hawk and MWS offer a booking service on their websites.
Facilities: Toilets, Starbucks, Waitrose plus 3 restaurants and the facilities within the Eastern mangroves Anantara Hotel
Jubail Mangrove Park
A mangrove sanctuary and the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi where you can explore native marine species of birds and fish with a dedicated boardwalk through the mangroves. Also rent Kayaks from MWS
Where: Located between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and can be accessed via both islands. If coming from Dubai then it's easier to travel via Yas Island.
Top Tips & Booking: Expansive and free visitors parking, advice to book online via a kayak provider, MWS.
Facilities: Toilets / Restrooms. There is a café on site open from breakfast plus food trucks in the carpark.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
A partnership with France, The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its doors in a Museum showing contemporary art from the Arab world and ancient art from diverse cultures. You can book yourself a tour on a kayak and learn all about Louvre Abu Dhabi’s architecture from a unique perspective.
Where: Located on Saadiyat Island.
Top Tips & Booking: The museum has free visitor parking, kayaking activities and tours must be pre-booked and paid online prior visiting. Booking info can be found here: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/learn/adults-activities
Facilities: The museum has many facilities – toilets/restrooms, gift shop, restaurants and refreshment counters.
Reem Central Park
Located within Reem Central Park on Al Reem Island, kayak along the waterfront. Google maps location:
Where: Reem Island, google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/ogCL1UrQdUsZSMzb7
Top Tips & Booking: There is limited parking nearby and your nearest would be Boutik Mall which is approximately a 10 minute walk to the kayak site. If you want to book your kayak online then Sea Hawk have an online booking service.
Facilities: Reem Central Park has open spaces, food trucks and sports facilities, and in close proximity is Boutik Mall with toilets/restrooms, cafes and restaurants.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Founded by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a wildlife haven for giraffes, Oryx, Ostrich, Gazelle, Deer and Cheetah’s. They offer a range of water and land activities including sea and mangrove channel kayaking.
Where: Part of the Al Garbia region and approximately a 3 hour drive from central Abu Dhabi.
Top Tips & Booking: The island is only accessible via a boat from the main island and leaves every 20 minutes. Currently activities only being offered to Anantara hotel guests, you can call or email to find out more: 971 2 801 5266 or email activitiesdirs@anantara.com
Facilities: Boat to Island from main island, parking and Anantara hotel facilities.
Zaya Nurai Island
A stunning natural boutique private island only 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi. Enjoy sea kayaking as well as other water activities.
Where: Arrive at the Nurai Island welcome centre on Saadiyat Island before taking a 15 minute boat ride to the island. More info on events and offers here.
Top Tips and Booking: Must book in advance, make a day or even a night of it.
Facilities: Resort services include accommodation, five restaurants, a beach club and a calendar of events.
Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi
Another private island with its own beach, pool and island facilities as well as sea kayaking and other water activities.
Where: 10 minutes off the main island. Access ferry from the departure point next to The Club in Abu Dhabi
Top Tips & Booking: Book in advance and make a day of it. There is a free carpark close to the departure point. For more information.
Facilities: Pool, beach, bar, restaurant, toilets / rest rooms and a boat dock with taxi service included in the booking.
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