Leisure

Work on your aim and discover the thrills of this relatively sedate sport. Archery targets are set amongst the rugged wadis on the Islands and can be pre booked on arrival at the hotel. Suitable for couples or larger groups, as part of a team building exercise.

Bird watchers will delight in the diverse multitude of birdlife that call the Sir Bani Yas island bird sanctuary their home, or temporary resting place on their migratory paths.  The result of a successful conservation and breeding project undertaken by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the island's bird sanctuary now teems with a range of native and imported birds, including the flightless African ostrich, rhea and emu, along with their flying cousins, the Egyptian goose, partridge, crane, guinea fowl and pheasant. Although the guest's perennial favourite is of course our flocks of pink flamingo, which can be seen in the island's mangroves and lakes.

What better way to explore the island's natural beauty up close than from a kayak? Depending on the tidal system, our kayaking trips will take you across our lagoons or through the mangroves where our intrepid visitors are exposed to the rugged splendour of the island's wildlife sanctuary. Glide quietly through the water in the early morning under a canopy of tropical greenery while your guide points out migratory birds nesting above and the occasional gazelle coming to drink at the banks. And of course, keep watch for the stars of the reserve, our resident flamingos!

Suitable for: Ages 10 and above. 

Sunrise on our island is when the island is at its most beautiful and when the sanctuary's wildlife are out in full force before the heat of the day.  Take advantage of the stunning setting and the perfect time of day with a morning bike ride through the islands hinterlands and desert salt flats to get a glimpse of the island as it comes to life. Your guide will have you back just in time for breakfast – and a day spent relaxing those spent muscles in the spa or by the pool.

As a working wildlife sanctuary. Sir Bani Yas Island provides exciting encounters with unique environments and endangered wildlife. The Nature & Wildlife Drive offers you behind-the-scenes perspective on the work that goes into caring for several thousand animals.

Most of the Nature & Wildlife Drive routes are along dirt tracks, adding to the authenticity of the wilderness experience. Throughout the journey, you will be able to get up close to the animals, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities. And all the while you will be under the expert guidance of our guides, whose knowledge of the breeding and conservation programmes on Sir Bani Yas Island will help make this a truly memorable experience.

A trip to Sir Bani Yas offers even more than just seaside fun in the sun. The rugged landscapes of our island surrounds beckon exploration, and the many walking trails that wind through the nearby bird sanctuary and nature reserve offer the perfect way to experience the island's unique beauty up close, with the expertise of an experienced guide. Trails wind along the sea and through the peaceful bird sanctuary and reserve, which are at their best just after dawn. Guided by our experts, you'll get an unparalleled up-close glimpse at this unique natural sanctuary. 

The island's abundance of wildlife doesn't stop on the surface – no trip to the island of Sir Bani Yas would be complete without going on a  guided snorkelling expedition.  Protected from the rough waters by a newly formed reef system, guests will enjoy the perfect water conditions for swimming and snorkelling.

Suitable for: Ages 10 and above.