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Discover magnificent wildlife on foot, explore silent lagoon waters in a kayak or get up close to marine life while snorkelling. Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers limitless options to make your holiday memorable with an expansive range of area excursions that complement our Abu Dhabi luxury accommodation. Anantara’s tranquil Sir Bani Yas Island resort offers excitement, adventure and relaxation for all ages.
Archery is a long-cherished, Arabian tradition. Today, you can try your hand at this fun-filled activity with the entire family. Archery at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is a great way to practice this traditional sport in a unique surrounding. Practice your aim with targets from as close as five metres to 30 metres away. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we’ve got the equipment and training on hand to make sure we get you closer to that bull’s-eye.
Suitable for ages six and above.
To experience Sir Bani Yas Island’s natural wonder in full, a kayaking trip is not to be missed. The quiet waters are perfect for paddling across and will truly provide an appreciation of the stunning nature and wildlife. Instructions are provided before all kayaking trips.
Eastern Mangrove
Taking you through the mangroves on the Island’s eastern side, this is the most beautiful kayaking area on Sir Bani Yas Island. Beginners as well as experienced kayakers are welcome; however, due to the island’s natural tidal systems, the Eastern Mangrove kayaking route is only available at high tide.
Suitable for ages eight and above.
Leave the comfort of the resort behind as you pedal across the more rugged areas of Sir Bani Yas Island on your mountain bike. Personal guided tours take you to some of the island’s most interesting areas and keep you in shape while enjoying the views. A number of different mountain bike tracks cater for both experienced and inexperienced riders. Don’t forget your camera, after all, this is wild country and you never know when you may encounter an animal!
Suitable for ages one and above.
As a working and constantly developing wildlife sanctuary,Sir Bani Yas Island provides exciting encounters with unique environments and endangered animals. Watch elegant gazelles make their way through the savannah. Gaze at the rare Arabian Oryx, one of the world’s most endangered Oryx species.
Most of the Nature & Wildlife Drive routes are along dirt tracks, adding to the authenticity of the wilderness experience. Throughout the journey, you’ll be able to get up-close to the animals, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities. All the while you’ll be under the expert guidance of our guides, whose knowledge of the flora and fauna on Sir Bani Yas Island will help make this a truly memorable experience.
Suitable for ages one and above.
Different types of walks allow you to get a closer look at the island’s scenery and wildlife. Depending on your interests and fitness levels, choose from a wadi walk, self-guided walk or nature & wildlife walk. Enjoy the scenery while exercising at the same time.
Wadi Walk
This walk passes through the naturally-formed salt dome hilltops in the middle of Sir Bani Yas Island. If you want to experience the unspoilt sand dunes or explore rock corridors containing a variety of ancient fossils and minerals, then this is the walk for you.
Self-Guided Walk
This walk consists of a seven-kilometre self-led adventure behind the tranquil mangrove lagoon; look out for flamingos! You can enjoy the beautiful salt-dome hilltops, unusual rock formations, free-roaming animals and the mangrove lake on this walk.
Nature & Wildlife Walk
Head down to the eastern side of the island and embark on a walk with an experienced guide to learn about the stunning flora and fauna of Sir Bani Yas Island. The opportunity of spotting giraffe in the wild will add more excitement to your adventure!
Suitable for ages six and above.
Discover the secrets of the world beneath the surface of the water. No trip to Sir Bani Yas Island is complete without exploring some of the beautiful reefs on a guided snorkelling expedition. A colourful underwater world, teeming with marine life awaits.
Beach reef snorkelling
Explore our offshore reefs on a guided snorkelling expedition. The warm waters of Sir Bani Yas Bay are the ideal place to get up close to some ofArabia’s exotic sea life. Our guides will point out the highlights of the underwater surroundings and help you relax. On most occasions the iconic Arabic fish, the Hammour, can be spotted along with a variety of small and colourful fish and sea urchins. It’s a beautiful and relaxing way to enjoy some fun in the sun with the whole family.
Boat Snorkel
Embark on a memorable snorkelling experience with the Boat Snorkelling trip. Enjoy a boat cruise to one of Sir Bani Yas Island’s reefs and unveil the colourful beauty of its underwater world, teeming with marine life. Play explorer for the day as you dive along the reef in this real-life aquarium.
Suitable for ages ten and above.
As sailors have known for millennia, it’s hard not to have a smile on your face while on a good day out on the water. The wind, scenery and action will get you in touch with how our ancestors travelled. Sailing is a thrilling activity for everyone. Here on Sir Bani Yas Island we offer sailing experiences for all abilities; from those trying sailing for the first time to the seasoned mariner, everyone can have a great time in the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf.
One Hour Introductory Sailing Lesson
We have the perfect package for those guests who want to experience the thrill of sailing for the first time. Under the watchful eye of our skilled instructors we will take you out onto the sea and teach you the basics of how to handle a small sailing vessel, from rigging a boat to learning to tack and jibe, we’re confident that this ‘taster’ will whet your appetite for enjoying sailing for years to come.
Sail Boat Hire
For the more experienced sailors we offer the chance to sail one of our craft solo. Once fully briefed and equipped, you will be ready to head out into the bay and enjoy a sailing experience that will be the highlight of your holiday.
Make a visit to the eastern side of Sir Bani Yas Island and discover the remains of an early Christian monastery site, dating back to the late 6th century AD. The monastery was abandoned by the last few monks in 750 AD, following the coming of Islam in the previous century. This is the only early Christian site in the UAE, and is of international historical significance.
One of the main reasons why the monastery was found here is related to Sir Bani Yas Island’s strategic location on a major sea trade route from Mesopotamia through the Arabian Gulf to south eastern Arabia and beyond. The Christians of this area were themselves involved in trade, including the Gulf pearling industry. Apart from getting a glimpse of a rare historic site, the tour also is a great way to explore the stunning beauty of the island along the way.
Falconry forms an integral part of desert life and has been practiced in the UAE for centuries. Originally, falcons were used for hunting to supplement the Bedouin diet with some meat. Today, falconry is predominantly practiced as a popular sport in the region.
Take this rare opportunity to experience the majestic and skilful flight of a falcon here at Desert Islands. Watch the powerful birds spread their wings and f ly and even witness how this amazing predator catches prey while f lying at a speed of almost 360 kilometres per hour.
Also learn about the history of falconry in the UAE during this activity and enjoy this exciting experience with the whole family. Refreshments will also be offered. Falconry takes about one and a half to two hours and is suitable for all ages.
Start planning your trip to one of Arabia's most cherished natural treasures now. Book at least 30 days in advance and benefit from a great 15% discount on room rates, including daily buffet breakfast.
