8.18 PM Thursday, 28 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 04:57 06:11 12:27 15:53 18:37 19:51
28 March 2024

Revealed: UAE's great big island adventures

Four cheetah cubs born on Sir Bani Yas Island. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Bindu Rai

With the UAE weather playing nice these days, why not spend the weekend island-hopping across the many wonders the country has to offer?
 
From wildlife safaris to shark diving, there is something for everyone on the great big island tourism across the UAE. Join Emirates 24|7 on a fun-filled ride:  
 
Sir Bani Yas Island

A wildlife reserve, adventures at every turn, five-star accommodations and historical sites, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the wonders that comprises the eight Desert Islands in Al Gharbia, off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
 
More than half the island makes up the Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals including Arabian Oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.
 
Guests can take a 4x4 Nature and Wildlife Drive in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert guides.
 
The island is also home to UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery, believed to have been built around 600AD, and abandoned in 750AD.
 
The island also houses three Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spa retreats, with day trips to the private island also available for approximately Dh600, which include a pickup from your doorstep early morning, transport to the port in Jebel Dhanna that is 4.5 hours away, along with a roundtrip ferry ticket to the Sir Bani Yas.
 
Those who are looking for more luxury travel can hop onto the Rotana Jet.
 
Delma Island

If the day trip to Sir Bani Yas sounds a wee bit exhausting to pack in 14 hours or less, then why not opt for a night say at neighbouring Delma Island, which is also situated off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
 
The drill of pick up and ferry from Jebel Dhana port remains the same, but the ride is 1.5 hours long to the Delma Island dock.
 
Here, you will be escorted to a private beachside chalet to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening, soaking up the sun, while the children can build sandcastles on its pristine white beaches.
 
For the adventure seekers, there are hiking trails to explore the volcanic heritage of this island retreat.
Pick up is around 3pm the next day, according to the tour company mentioned above.
 
Marjan Island
 
This luxury archipelago is Ras Al Khaimah’s first man-made island destination, offering pristine beaches against the backdrop of the majestic Jabal Jais mountain.
 
Al Marjan or The Coral is Al Marjan is a collection of four islands, namely Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island and View Island, with each destination offering the perfect way to de stress from the trials of daily life.
 
The most popular haunt is the recently opened 302-room Marjan Island Resort and Spa with access to a one-kilometre seafront Boardwalk, with cafés-terraces for fun and entertainment.
 
Moon Island
 
Located approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Dubai, this strip of an island gets its name from its crescent moon shape and is a favourite haunt for those looking for an overnight adventure away from the humdrum of city life.
 
Arabian Diver offers camping trips via its schooner from Al Seef Marina, with Dh1,000 packages that include marine activities such as diving, snorkeling and beach play, meals, and equipped tents with mattresses, et all.
 
Those who enjoy to dabble in fishing, this would be the perfect outing to opt for.
 
Day trips are also available.
 
Shark Island
 
An institution with divers who a regulars in Khorfakkan, Shark Island is definitely a must for those who love diving, snorkelling or simply laying in the sand to soak up some sun.
 
Adventure lovers can also trek up the 20-metre rock hill to get stunning views of the island and the neighbouring coastline.
 
While divers may not find the coral here in abundance, the marine life around the island will not disappoint, with moray eels, sting rays, the puffer fish and even some sharks have been spotted around in the are