Sir Bani Yas Cruise Port — Attraction in Abu Dhabi Emirate

It's lovely to have a pier from the ship directly to the beach entrance. Everyone can now get ashore whatever their circumstances, lovely but long walk to accommodate the biggest ships.

There are buggies but they are only for Yacht Club or top tier guests so whatever your mobility issues you have to leg it back to the ship. Pity and pretty offensive to disabled guests.

Once you get ashore, and it's really only a few minutes, you clean your shoes on disinfectant mats then follow the path to the right, again the best facilities are on the left and only for Yacht Club.

The path leads right round the public parts of the beach as far as you want to wander. You do need to book an excursion if you really want the best of this lovely island, but there are plenty of things to enjoy right at the entrance area.

The crew set up a giant buffet tent and there is plenty of seating along the path. You can use your cruise card drinks package in shore which is a bonus, you just sign as a record for stock keeping. There are a couple of bars conveniently dotted around.

You can easily stroll to the lagoon for safer swimming and a few water sports however the beach has a deep cliff edge so be aware and go to the proper entrance and not close to the edges.

There are toilets etc.

There are also scenic photo spots if you are patient or go ashore after the most popular times.

The excursions look really good, desert jeeps in convoy, mini coaches take you round the island but these are extra and quite pricey. They were popular though and if you want to see the leopard and giraffes this is the only way.

It's very photogenic if you can get away from the crowd and we enjoyed a very pleasant couple of hours before the sun became...

Sir Bani Yas Island, located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxury. As soon as I arrived, I was captivated by the island’s stunning landscapes, from its rugged mountains to its pristine beaches.

The island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, which is an absolute highlight. The park spans over half the island and houses thousands of free-roaming animals, including cheetahs, giraffes, and Arabian oryx. The guided safari tour is a must-do, offering close encounters with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition to the wildlife, Sir Bani Yas Island boasts several luxury resorts, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The accommodations are top-notch, offering breathtaking views and excellent amenities. I particularly enjoyed the water sports and outdoor activities available, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and mountain biking, which added to the adventure.

The island’s history is also fascinating. A visit to the Christian monastery, dating back to the 7th century, offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. The knowledgeable guides provide insightful information about the site’s significance and history.

Dining on the island is another delightful experience, with several restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. The fresh seafood and local dishes were particularly memorable.

Overall, Sir Bani Yas Island is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a luxurious getaway, this island has something...

Ṣīr Banī Yās is a natural island located 170 km (110 mi) southwest of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It lies 9 km (5.6 mi) offshore from Jebel Dhanna, which serves as a crossing point to other islands such as Dalma. Sir Bani Yas is 17.5 km (10.9 mi) from north to south and 9 km (5.6 mi) from east to west, making it the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Located just off the shore of the western region of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas was originally home to Arabia's largest wildlife reserve. Spanning over 87 km2 (34 sq mi), the reserve was established in 1977 by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Due to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking...