Leisure
Desert Islands Resort & Spa offers more than just an oasis of tranquillity surrounded by an island paradise. We also offer you unparalleled opportunities to experience all the beauty, history and intrigue of this once royal retreat. With an amazing array of wildlife, archaelogical sites dating back to the Stone Age, marine beauty and a unique desert island landscape, you'll find plenty of reasons to venture out of your villa and into the heart of this magical island.
Bird Watching
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, guineafowl and pheasant. Although the guest's perennial favourite is of course our flocks of pink flamingo, which can be seen by the hundreds in the island's mangroves and lakes.
Canoeing & Kayaking
What better way to explore the island's natural beauty up close than from a sea kayak or canoe? Our kayaking trips will take you across our lagoons to get a view of the island's fringes, while canoe trips through the mangroves expose our intrepid visitors 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 pink flamingos!
Diving & Snorkelling
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 exploring our pristine offshore reefs on a guided snorkelling or diving expedition. Desert Islands Resort, with our direct access to the clear open seas of the Arabian Gulf and our perfect location along the edge of a newly created lagoon mean that we are positioned at the heart of some of the region's best undersea environments. Protected from the rough waters by a newly formed reef system, guests will enjoy the perfect water conditions for swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. Our guides will point out the highlights of our underwater surroundings and help you on your way to certification if you're a diving first-timer.
Fishing
For centuries, the residents of Sir Bani Yas have made their livelihoods from the bounty of our surrounding waters, teeming with game fish – and even the nearby fabled pearl farms of the Arabian Gulf. We invite our guests to take part in this up-close glimpse at the island's traditional lifestyle on a guided fishing expedition to some of the best offshore locations. Snapper, sea bream, grouper and highly prized tuna teem in the Gulf's waters, and reeling them in makes for an invigorating start to your day!
Game Drives
Sir Bani Yas island is fortunate to house the one-of-a-kind Arabian National Park, the dream come true of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's former leader. His visionary concept for an offshore wildlife sanctuary, teeming with both indigenous and imported wildlife, have made possible one of the world's most unique settings for up-close wildlife encounters. While once only accessible to the royal family, today the park is accessible to visitors, and Desert Islands Resort & Spa is proud to be able to bring this experience to our guests.
Our guided game drives, using our air conditioned 4x4 vehicles, are a perfect way to explore the park and its population of indigenous animals such as the reem, oryx antelope, cheetah, hyena and desert wolf and the adjacent Safari Park with animals not indigenous to the Arabian peninsula, including llamas, ostrich and even giraffe. Follow the advice of our guides or consult with them to tailor an adventure to remember for years to come.
Game Walks
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 game reserve offer the perfect way to experience the island's unique beauty up close, at your own pace, or 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 game experts, you'll get an unparalleled up-close glimpse at this unique natural sanctuary.
Mountain Biking
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.