Abu Dhabi’s coast is a natural wonder: miles of unbroken shoreline, where azure waves fold gently over white-sand beaches, and refreshing sea-breezes course calmly up the pristine coast. The sea is one of Abu Dhabi’s most treasured environments, and the Emirate prides itself on its selection of aquatic adventures. Just ask your Concierge team at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort to arrange your coastal excursion, and we’ll happily organise an unforgettable outing exploring Abu Dhabi from the water.

Kayaking through mangroves

The Abu Dhabi shoreline is not all pristine beaches. Intermittently, the coast gives way to secluded mangroves, where low-lying shrubs plunge knotted roots into the muddy sands below. Amidst the twisted trees reside all manner of protected birdlife, from the charcoal western reef heron to the sapphire collared kingfisher.

While several mangroves dot the deltas of the coast, the city of Abu Dhabi itself is home to the most stunning: Mangrove National Park, a collection of tree-tiled islets and narrow waterways tucked behind Saadiyat Island. The park is best explored by kayak, where the whimsical quietude of the natural world may be fully appreciated. Gliding silently among the greenery, special encounters with rare species occur often and intimately: there is no better wildlife experience in the UAE.

Watersports at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Saadiyat Island is home to over 400 metres of immaculate beachline and horizonless stretches of cerulean sea beyond. The gentle waves and refreshing-but-not-overpowering breeze are ideal for watersports.

For those who wish to view the city from a distance, paddleboarding and kayaking are unmissable opportunities. The calm waters are easy to skate across, and within metres of leaving the Saadiyat shore, Abu Dhabi’s sleek skyline comes into uninterrupted view. Take in the extraordinary urban sights on the peaceful bob of the Gulf waters, or gaze out to sea to spot rare wildlife: the coast is home to green and hawksbill turtles, and the endangered humpback dolphins are celebrated local celebrities often seen playing in the surf.

For the thrill-seekers, Jumeirah’s Concierge teams will provide you with an exhilarating array of options city-wide. Try your hand at water-skiing or bodyboarding in the temperate waters, and enjoy the incomparable backdrop of Abu Dhabi as you soar along the coast.

Explore the city from the water

Abu Dhabi stretches over a unique collection of islets, islands, deltas, and promontories. To uncover the true extent of its majesty, take to the water. Our Concierge team will happily arrange tours on a variety of vessels. Opt for a speedboat to race from one landmark to the other, feeling the rejuvenating winds and light sea-spray all the while. Or, choose a yacht to set a languorous pace, and cheers to a day well-spent as the dramatic Abu Dhabi creates an unforgettable orange glow on the glass-like water. Finally, take to a dhow—a traditional sailing boat with a dramatic lateen sail—and intimately explore the city’s smaller waterways. Whatever your choice of vessel, take to the sea at night and watch as the sparkling lights of far-off midtown reflect the gorgeous constellations in the sky above.

Our Concierge team at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort are thrilled to organize unforgettable experiences on the water.