Abu Dhabi | The Adventure Travel Site

Top Outdoor Activities in Sir Bani Yas Island – Captivating Discoveries, Exciting Adventures

Lying off the coast of Abu Dhabi is the enchanting island of Sir Bani Yas which apart from sublime seclusion and beachside bliss, offers lots of outdoor escapades for the whole family.

Wildlife Drives & Nature Walks

The key attraction is the Arabian Wildlife Park home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals. Those staying at properties like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort can enjoy guided wildlife drives and nature walks here to spot some of these amazing creatures; highlights include the iconic Arabian oryx as well as giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, flamingos, hyenas, mountain sheep and even cheetahs.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Other Popular Activities

Of course, Sir Bani Yas offers many more captivating activities in Abu Dhabi; you can embark on wadi walks traversing past imposing rock corridors and striking salt domes, ride the dunes atop Arabian stallions or mares or use pedal-power to explore off-road trails while mountain biking. Resorts here also offer archery, a great way to get in touch with your inner Hawkeye or Robin Hood!

Archaeological & Natural Attractions

Apart from wildlife, the island is also home to 42 distinctive archaeological sites as well as natural wonders that make the landscape here even more intriguing. You can go on a guided exploration of such attractions including a Nestorian Christian monastery that is said to go back to 600 A.D; don’t miss seeing the salt domes too which are around 20 million years old!

In the Water

There are lots of fun-filled things to do on Sir Bani Yas Island amidst the surrounding waters as well. An activity the whole family can try, snorkelling offers a glimpse of a fascinating underwater world home to protected reefs and thriving fish species. You can also look to go kayaking amidst the mangroves to spot diverse birdlife and enjoy more exploration while stand-up paddleboarding as well.

Horseback Riding for Novices – A Guide to Get You Saddled Up

Horseback riding has been in our societies for longer than we can imagine. What does it take to saddle up and go hopping about on a fine sunny day? Be it the English style or Western style, riding a horse is an art that takes time to master, but a worthy investment as you may discover your lifelong partner in crime, in a horse.

Set Up Safety Measures

Saddle up! Choosing a well-reputed and reliable stable that offers utmost safety to new riders is essential. Your checklist should include a certified instructor and a clean and legitimate establishment of good repair conditions. If you browse through the activities in Abu Dhabi for tourists, The Stables, which shelters over 30 horses is located within the premises of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, designed for tailormade safe horse-riding facilities.

Dress to Ride

While you must dress the part when setting off on your maiden horseback ride, it is important to keep in mind that each element of the attire serves a purpose. Do ensure that your stable provides a helmet for safety. Dress up in long pants so that your legs will be protected from chafing against the saddle. A simple shoe tip: close-toed shoes with a heel will work wonders to keep your foot from slipping out of the stirrups.

Timing

If you are a novice at horse riding, be sure to arrive at the stable well in advance to get to know your riding companion. This riding companion is none other than the horse that you will be assigned to. As horses are believed to have small brains, riders are advised to stand in front of the horse, towards the left side, during their first encounter.

Hop-On!

If you are a first-timer, the assistance of a mounting block will be required to climb onto the horse. Move with the horse as it walks, while relaxing in the saddle. The best way to begin is to get the horse walking, and not trotting or galloping. However, keep in mind that the horse is your friend, and therefore, be gentle with the reigns as you pull them to steer and stop it.

Travel Requirements to Enter Abu Dhabi – Guidelines You Need to Keep in Mind

Abu Dhabi is once more open for tourists and makes an ideal holiday destination; however, there are guidelines and protocols in place that you should know before travelling here.

Go Safe Certification

When it comes to accommodation including 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, ensure you choose one that has the ‘Go Safe’ certification from the Department of Culture and Tourism. These properties such as those belonging to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas have adopted stringent health and hygiene measures ensuring safe stays.

Image via Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Arriving in Abu Dhabi

Depending on where you are flying from, you will have to present a negative result of a PCR test for COVID-19 taken within 48, 72 or 96 hours of departure. On arrival at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will have to take another PCR test as well as on day four and day eight, depending on the length of your stay.

The Green List

Those from destinations on the Green List are not required to undergo a 10-day quarantine. You need to present a negative result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before your departure to Abu Dhabi, undergo a PCR test on arrival and self-isolate till the results are given.

You can find the Green List of countries at – https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel/permitted-countries

Other Travellers

If your country is not on the Green List, you will have a 10-day mandatory quarantine. After the PCR test on arrival, travellers must register and will be given an electronic wristband to be worn during quarantine; the local health authorities will determine a suitable quarantine location be it a hotel, your home or other accommodation option.

Since procedures can change depending on the global pandemic situation, always check for updated guidelines: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/covid-safe-travel

Exploring Nurai Island, Adu Dhabi – A sun-drenched paradise

To the east of the Abu Dhabi coastline, you find the Zaya Nurai Island (known as the Nurai Island commonly). It’s the place you need to visit in the UAE for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Getting to Nurai Island

Where are you from? If you are from Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, you just have to take a 15-min boat ride to come to this hidden paradise. If you are from Dubai, it’s a journey of 1 hour.

Operating hours

This sun-drenched island is open every day from 11.00 am to 11.00 pm. Its restaurants are open to serve you anytime, but make sure you book them in advance. It’ll be easier for you as well as for them.

For whom is this island?

Nurai Island is for everyone. While it offers the best for couples who are on romantic getaways and families who are on family getaways with kids, it’s also great for solo travellers.

What to expect?

The best thing about Nurai Island is its serenity and the uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Everything about the island is great including the garden scapes, beaches, and architectural buildings. Indeed, the best things to do in Abu Dhabi are here!

Extraordinary places to stay in the world

If the place you stay during your vacation is inspiring, your entire vacation is sure to be wonderful. The world has many extraordinary hotel ideas as such, and here are some of them.

Mihir Garh – India

Located in Rajasthan, India this hotel lies in isolation just like a massive sandcastle. The Thar Desert is what a visitor would see when he opens the windows, and that will indeed be a new experience for everyone.

Qasr Al Sarab – Abu Dhabi

If you are looking for an Abu Dhabi resort to spend your vacation, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara makes a great choice. It’s indeed a luxurious oasis on the edge of a massive, empty desert.

Image Credit: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Aydinli Cave House – Turkey

Ever thought about staying in a rock-carved hotel in Turkey? Aydinli Cave House is a small and very cooperative hotel that has been all carved from natural rock. You get to explore the best of Turkish culture during your stay here.

Gibbon Experience Treehouse – Laos

This is going to be an unforgettable treehouse experience in Laos. It’s a rustic abode and reaching the place located in the middle of a dense jungle itself is an awesome experience to cherish.

Complete Guide to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi with its whole list of world records for having the fastest rollercoaster on earth, the farthest leaning man-made tower and many more is a great destination to travel. And, here is a good guide if you want to have a great visit.

Best times to visit

From April to September, Abu Dhabi has the peak season during which all 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi become occupied as a whole. August is the hottest month of the year and of course the best month to go for a swim.

Image Credit: Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara

Things to do when you are there

If you stay at a hotel the likes of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara there are several things that you can try out during your stay without traveling much. Golfing, quad biking, water skiing are just some of the best and most exciting things you can do here!

Things to see and explore

Abu Dhabi Corniche, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District are some popular places to see when you have your days in this destination.

Alberto-g-rovi, Ferrari world-abu dhabi-2011 (11), CC BY-SA 3.0

Places to shop at

For shopping needs, Abu Dhabi has great places like Dalma Mall and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall and there are some good markets to visit too.

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

Planning visiting Abu Dhabi? You’re sure to feel like you’ve made a great choice from the moment you step into the city! Here’s a little more information.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Also known as The Grand Mosque, this is Abu Dhabi’s most famous attraction and is quite the masterpiece. You’re sure to be left awe-struck with its architecture, such as the 82 intricately detailed domes and reflective pools. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is believed t be the most beautiful mosque’s in the world.

Desert Safari

Let’s be real, no trip to the middle east is complete without experiencing a desert safari! Depending on when you’re in the mood, you can do either opt for a morning or evening desert safari depending on how you feel. You can request the resort in Abu Dhabi you’re staying in, the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort to recommend the best times.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

It doesn’t matter if you’re not into museums as the Louvre is truly an iconic structure that will leave you speechless! The collections housed inside are quite impressive and include artefacts from civilizations from all over the world, in different timelines.

Adventure-Filled Activities in the Abu Dhabi Desert

It may seem foreboding, but the deserts of Abu Dhabi are enchanting indeed and offer the perfect backdrop to enjoy some truly thrilling activities.

Camel Trekking

What better way to explore this unique landscape than on a “ship of the desert” AKA the camel! The quintessential way to enjoy an Abu Dhabi desert tour, camel trekking gives you an idea of the traditional ways Bedouins travel and lets you take in magical sunsets too.

Dune Bashing

For more action-packed escapades, you can look to try dune bashing. Offered at desert resorts the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, this activity involves being driven in 4WD vehicles by experienced drivers; they will take you on an exciting and speed-filled ride on the dunes you won’t soon forget!

Fat Biking

Pedal-powered adventures await for those who traverse the sands on mountain bikes that have been adapted to manoeuvre the sandy terrain. Featuring larger tires, and referred to as fat bikes, they provide another great way to discover the beauty of the desert.

Sandboarding

The desert can be compared to a sea of sand and the imposing dunes provide perfect slopes to enjoy some adrenaline-pumping sandboarding. The steeper the dune, the faster you can go and there are plenty of opportunities to surf your way down on a breathtaking ride!

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Best Adventure Activities to Try in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is becoming one of the most reputed cities in the world, with some truly unforgettable experiences for adrenaline junkies.

Drive an Exotic Sports Car

You can select from a series of exotic vehicles at the Yas Marina Circuit and receive training by a professional racing driver. The experiences available currently include the Aston Martin GT4, Jaguar F-Type, and the Chevrolet Camaro SS.

File:YasMarina1.jpeg — Pi3.124, YasMarina1, CC BY-SA 3.0

Ride the World’s Fastest Rollercoaster

The Formula Rossa, located at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World theme park, is the world’s fastest roller-coaster, with a top speed of 240 kph. You also get to visit the world’s first Ferrari-themed amusement park which is an additional experience right there.

Explore an Island Dedicated to Wildlife Preservation

This is definitely one of the best experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer, and the selection of adventurous experiences is astonishing, ranging from fat-biking to kayaking. You can go all the way and reside at an Abu Dhabi pool villa on the island, at one of the three Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts.

Image Credit: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts

Desert Safari

A desert safari will always be one of the most popular and sought-after experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer. After tackling the dunes in an 4X4, visitors will be taken to a camp where they can experience quad-biking, camel-riding, belly-dancing and a heap of other sights and activities.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Camel Trekking in Abu Dhabi

The camels are seen free roaming while driving around one of Middle East’s popular cities among tourists. Camels trekking is often regarded as a must do to enjoy the complete experience of Abu Dhabi desert holidays. Camel treks are offered by private tour operators as well as hotels in Abu Dhabi. One such hotel is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara which offers two daily camel treks one at sunrise and one at sunset.

Camels are gentle animals and the treks are often done in small groups. There is a handler for the camels and a guide who would take part in the tour. The sitting and standing motion of the camels requires one to hold on tight to them as they can be quite quick.

The journey on these gentle giants through the sand dunes can be truly mesmerising and will help one understand why they are referred to as “ships of the desert”. The back and forth movement, as well as the side by side sway, all depict the movement of a ship. It is not only a great opportunity to take in the beauty of the sand dunes but also to learn quite a bit about these magnificent animals. Camels are animals that can go about a month without water! They can often store up to 120 Litres of water. However a misconception among many is that they store water in their humps, but this is not true. The humps store fats if they don’t eat over a period of time their humps start to reduce and this is because they use up the fats.

However, the guests on the treks will be provided with adequate water and refreshments at the summit of a dune where they can enjoy the sunset and snap away!

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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