With an ideal climate and the beautiful warm waters of the Gulf on its doorstep, Abu Dhabi is a great location for watersports. The Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers in the Tourist Club area offers several options, including waterskiing, wakeboarding and windsurfing. Outside Abu Dhabi island, Al Raha Beach Hotel rents jetskiis. Most hotels contract out the watersports operations, so be sure the company you deal with has full insurance and that the equipment is in good order.
Kitesurfing has taken off in the emirate and there are several instructors with whom you can set up a two or three-hour lesson that includes equipment rental. For a listing of Abu Dhabi-based kitesurfing instructors, visit www.ad-kitesurfing.net.
The eastern side of Abu Dhabi island is flanked by a gorgeous mangrove forest which can only be explored by kayak. A new eco-tour company called Noukhada (www.noukhada.ae, 050 721 8928) runs kayak tours through the mangroves. The two-hour tours focus on the unique eco-system and cost Dhs.150 per person, including equipment rental. If you’d rather get out of the city, canoe tours through the mangroves of the Khor Kalba Nature Reserve, on the eastern coast of the country, are run by Desert Rangers (www.desertrangers.com, 050 219 9955). A two to three-hour expedition costs around Dhs.300 per person, including pick-up and transportation from your hotel.
The Gulf waters may appear a lot calmer than other seas, but they can be just as dangerous so common sense is necessary. You should be aware of hidden dangers such as jellyfish, stingrays, occasional strong currents and riptides. Popular beach parks will have a lifeguard’s flag, so make sure you pay attention to it. Be especially careful when swimming at an unguarded beach.
