DREAM.CHALLENGE.DISCOVER

Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas is a natural island which is situated 170 kilometres to the Southwest of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is basically the biggest natural island that is located in the UAE. It was initially home to the largest wildlife reserve of Arabia. The reserve spans through many kilometres and was established in the year 1977. Ecological investment and conservation work have helped the area to maintain its natural beauty and serve as home to thousands of animals, and millions of plants and trees. It is a popular tourist destination because of the wide variety of activities that people can enjoy.

Jeep Safari Adventure

After leaving the ship, your first encounter with the island will be a small stretch of beach from where, crossing a bridge with your Land Cruiser, you set off on an adventure outing through the beautiful nature reserve that occupies a little more than half of Sir Bani Yas island. By decree of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, hunting is prohibited on Sir Bani Yas and all development work on the island has been carried out with a view to conserving its fragile ecosystem. The late Sheikh was a man both with a vision and on a mission, namely to provide endangered and other animals – both local and foreign – with a safe haven to roam free and grow their numbers. Enjoy the tour with some photo stops during the itinerary which concludes at the small stretch of beach where you can opt to stay on the island or return to the ship with full memories of a modern-day Noah’s Ark full of wonderful creatures you may otherwise never see in such a natural setting. Please note: the driver will provide some basic information in English; this tour is not available to guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. Minimum age to take part in this tour: 4. Sighting of animals cannot be guarantee all the time.

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Mangrove Kayaking

Sir BaniYas claims the title of the largest natural island within the United Arab Emirates, is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park and boasts a landscape that even includes mangrove regions with their typical swampland plant and animal life. This is an enjoyable opportunity to explore the island from the waterside perspective afforded by a kayak. You’ll first be briefed on how to handle your kayak, then you’ll be able to paddle away along quiet waterways that will let you appreciate the true beauty of the island. Your enchanting kayak adventure ends with your return to the ship. Please note: kayak instructor will provide only basic information in English only. 

Disembark after breakfast

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Dubai City Tours

This discovery tour begins with a photo stop at the epitome of modern Dubai, the sumptuous Burj Al Arab Hotel, which is the only 7-star hotel in the world. The tour continues with a drive to the Palm Jumeirah, a magnificent man-made archipelago of islands in the shape of a palm tree. The impressive Atlantis Hotel also provides an excellent opportunity to take some breathtaking photos. The next stop on the tour is the beautiful Dubai Marina, projected to become the largest man-made marina in the world. The tour will then take you through Dubai’s swanky neighbourhoods of Emirates Hills and The Springs. Next on the itinerary is a drive along Sheikh Zayed Road, taking you to the Souk Al Bahar where you will have free time to spend in the bazaar. The souk features over 100 shops in an eclectic retail mix that includes restaurants, cafés and lounges that flank the souk’s extensive waterfront promenade. Literally meaning “The Market of the Sailor”, Souk Al Bahar derives its name both from its traditional souk architecture – natural stone corridors, high archways and subdued lighting – as well as its unique ”seaside” location on an island in Lake Burj. 

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Transfer to Dubai International Airport after dinner

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