Dive into Thrill : Abu Dhabi’s Coolest Water Activities You Can’t Miss!

Abu Dhabi is most renowned for its magnificent architecture, interesting cultural spots, and amazing entertainment avenues. But sightseeing, visiting museums and mosques, and spending time at the theme parks are not the only things to do in the UAE’s capital. In fact, Abu Dhabi is a major zone for thrilling water activities, thanks to its 500 km long coastline. Apart from this, the perfect beach climate (during winter season) and world-class facilities, Abu Dhabi is a sough-after destination for those looking forward to indulge in water activities during their holidays. Right from fun water parks to adventurous water sports, Abu Dhabi offers an array of water activities which are exciting, adrenaline-rushing, and sometimes even calming. With this note, let us look at the best water activities in Abu Dhabi.

Top Aquatic Activities in Abu Dhabi

Yas Beach/Island, Corniche Beach, Saadiyat Beach, Zaya Nurai Island, Jubail Mangrove Park, etc., are a few of the places in Abu Dhabi that offer water activities. There are water sports centers and water parks in Abu Dhabi where you can indulge in unmissable water experiences.

Jet Skiing

If you like the idea of zipping on the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf with the wind behind your ears and the soaring skyline of Abu Dhabi in the front, jet skiing is the best water activity for you. Jet skiing involves riding on a motorized PWC (personal watercraft), ensuring that the vehicle balances well on the water. The calm waters of Abu Dhabi makes sure that you have an amazing experience while jet skiing. Al Bateen Beach, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Saadiyat Island Waters, Yas Beach, etc., are some of the popular places for indulging in jet skiing. It is important to wear a life jacket and follow all the safety protocols while jet skiing in Abu Dhabi.

Parasailing

If jet skiing feels like too much work and skill and you want something that is thrilling yet involves less efforts from your end, parasailing would be a good option for you. Parasailing is a recreational activity where you fly above the water with the help of a parachute which is pulled by a speed boat. You move as per the speed of the boat and get to enjoy the panoramic view of the city as you fly towards the beach. You can try this activity solo or in a group of maximum three people. Some of the popular spots in Abu Dhabi for parasailing are Yas Island and Corniche Beach.

Kayaking

Mangroves are an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem and have been preserved with deep care. If you want to enjoy these mangroves closely, kayaking is one of the best ways to do so. A kayak is a narrow boat that you have to row with the help of a double-bladed paddle. Due to the size of the vessel, it is perfect to row through the narrow paths of the mangrove. Apart from enjoying the serenity and beauty of the mangroves, you also get to spot the wildlife in the area like unique birds and reptiles. The best places for kayaking in Abu Dhabi are Jubail Mangrove Park and Eastern Mangroves. If you want a different scenery, you can also kayak around Louvre Abu Dhabi, admiring the stunning architecture of this world-renowned museum.

Standup Paddle Boarding

One of the water sports in Abu Dhabi that does not involve adrenaline rush and thrill is standup paddleboarding. Here you use a long paddle to move across the water while standing up on a board. It requires you to balance on the board while using your entire body’s strength to move the paddles and move ahead. In short, standup paddleboarding involves a full-body workout. The Eastern Mangroves National Park is one of the best places to enjoy this sport in Abu Dhabi. You can join a guided tour, where you get the chance to explore hidden channels and observe the wildlife in the area, including the marine life. Standup paddleboarding is also available at Yas Beach and Saadiyat Beach.

Wakeboarding

If you are into trying new and thrilling, adrenaline-inducing water sports, wakeboarding would be something you would enjoy. The thing that makes wakeboarding interesting is that it a combination of surfing, snowboarding, and water skiing. This sport involves being standing on a wakeboard and being pulled by a boat while you hold onto a rope. While it may look easy, you have to be at least an intermediate-level rider to try wakeboarding. Apart from riding with the boat, you can also try some tricks like jumping and flipping while wakeboarding. The best spots where you can try wakeboarding in Abu Dhabi are Al Forsan International Sports Resort and Yas Marina.

Yellow Boats Ride

If you want to combine sightseeing and water fun, Yellow Boats tour is the one for you. Yellow Boats Abu Dhabi tour happens on a yellow-colored vessel, which is actually a rigid inflatable boat. It is a rib-boat with an open top which rides at a high speed. This is one of the best and the quickest ways of checking out the important attractions in Abu Dhabi if you are short on time. The Yellow Boats make quick stops at some of the important locations so that you admire the place and take pictures. Different types of Yellow Boats tour are available, including Yas Tours, Corniche Tour, etc. Depending on the tour you choose, you will get to see Lulu Island, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, Etihad Arena, Yas Marina, and other iconic attractions of Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

While this is not exactly in Abu Dhabi, you can easily opt for a Dubai Fountain Lake Ride from Abu Dhabi, as Dubai is just a 2-hour drive from the UAE capital. The lake ride happens on the Burj Lake, which is one of the largest manmade lakes in the world. It is located outside two iconic sites of Dubai, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. You can club this tour with other attractions of Dubai to make it a fun trip. The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride happens in the evening, when the lake hosts the fountain show. Time your ride along with the fountain show, so you can see a spectacular show combining music, lights, and water jets to create a beautiful symphony. The boat ride will ensure that you get to experience this magical show at close quarters.

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Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Abu Dhabi offers snorkeling and scuba diving experiences for those who want to turn their water adventures a bit deeper. Snorkeling is an underwater exploration that is done in shallow waters. This is perfect for beginners and even kids who do not want to venture into deep waters yet. During your snorkeling session in the Abu Dhabi waters, you will get to see stingrays, bream, snappers, sea urchins, etc. For the more adventurous, there is scuba diving. For this, you have to first take lessons and then hop on to a boat that takes you deeper into the sea for a phenomenal underwater experience. Apart from marine life, scuba diving in Abu Dhabi also involves exploring coral reef and shipwrecks. Some of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving are Sir Bani Yas Island, Zaya Nurai Island, Saadiyat Reef, Emirates Diving Center, etc.

Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld is the one place where you can find pure, unadulterated fun with water slides, rides, pools, and numerous other attractions. Located on Yas Island, Yas Waterpark is one of the largest water parks in the region. Home to more than 40 rides and attractions, this water park has something for everyone. With the Yas Waterworld tickets price, you can get access to rides like Dawwama, Bandit Bomber, Jebel Drop, Falcon’s Falaj, Liwa Loop, etc. This Abu Dhabi water park also has largest sheet wave in the region, called Bubble’s Barrel. If you are traveling with kids, you have access to many more kid-friendly rides like Dawamma Junior, Yehal, Tot’s Playground, and Cannon Point, Sebag Junior, Al Sahel Junior, and so much more.

Conclusion

The water activities in Abu Dhabi are something that would add to the joy and memories of your trip to this Emirate. Mark the water attractions and activities you want to try and add them in your Abu Dhabi itinerary.

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