Top 8 Water Sports And Activities In Abu Dhabi, UAE - Updated 2024

Amber
Amber 
Updated
| 4 min read

As the second largest and capital city of the United Arab Emirates, you can be sure that Abu Dhabi has the capacity to keep you happily entertained for the duration of your trip. Get out and explore the city by checking out places like Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Lourve Abu Dhabi, Formula Rossa and Qasr Al Hosn. Water activities are also popular in Abu Dhabi, thanks to its island location, and there are definitely a few that you should look into for your trip, including jet skiing, paddle boarding and day cruises. For more information on such water sports and activities for your trip to Abu Dhabi, UAE, be sure to read on.

1. Abu Dhabi Jet Ski Rental for 1 Hour (from USD 89.0)

Jet skis are popular in Abu Dhabi, so give yourself a helping hand by reserving one ahead of time. Your rental includes an hour of fun-filled riding along the Corniche waterfront and complimentary rental of life jackets. These jet skis can seat up to two people at a time and are available for rental all day, allowing you to schedule a time that is most convenient to you. For riders who haven’t ridden a jet ski before, worry not, as you can receive hands-on instruction upon arrival by the staff, allowing you to start having fun in no time at all.

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Abu Dhabi Jet Ski Rental for 1 Hour

Duration: 1 hour

2 reviews

2. Seaplane Tour to Dubai from Abu Dhabi and Private Heritage Tour (from USD 565.0)

You’ll want to carve out some time in your schedule for this tour, as it covers a wide variety of things you’ll likely want to see during your trip. The tour itself is about five hours in length, with hotel pick up and drop off available. You’ll start the tour by boarding a seaplane in Abu Dhabi and jet off to Dubai; once on the ground, you’ll take a heritage tour where you’ll get to see gold, spice and textile souks, or markets, as well as other historical sights. Part of your tour includes taking a boat ride across Dubai Creek, visiting the Dubai Museum and grabbing a coffee at the Armani Lounge in the well-known Burj Khalifa. Lunch is included in your tour as well and at the end, you’ll return to Abu Dhabi by car.

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Seaplane Tour to Dubai from Abu Dhabi and Private Heritage Tour

Duration: 5 hours

3. Dolphin Bay: Remote Natural Beach Getaway Day Cruise From Abu Dhabi (from USD 131.0)

This family friendly excursion is a great way to enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi. Climb aboard the tour boat and head out to Dolphin Bay, where you will anchor down at a beach that provides chairs and umbrellas as well as buckets and spades for the kids to play in the sand with. The boat will be docked on Dolphin Bay for approximately four hours, giving you plenty of time to bask in the sun, take a swim and enjoy the calm waters.

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Dolphin Bay Cruise from Abu Dhabi: All-Inclusive Beach Tour

Duration: 4 hours

4. Abu Dhabi Mangroves Stand-Up Paddle Board Guided Tour (from USD 55.0)

Not such a fan of kayaks? Instead of exploring Abu Dhabi’s mangroves via kayak as in the above listing, why not try a standing paddle board tour? The calm waters are perfect for beginners, and you’re nearly guaranteed to see birds, fish and other local wildlife while you’re at it. The tour will last approximately an hour, during which time you also have the option to stop and dip your feet in the water or take a quick swim. Small group tours are available as well, for parties of up to 15 people.

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Abu Dhabi Mangroves Stand-Up Paddle Board Guided Tour

Duration: 1 hour

Abu Dhabi Emirate Tour Guide

Claudia Antunes

Claudia Antunes

Hello ! or Marhaba as we say here! I'm deeply passionate about the history and vibrant culture of Dubai's old city, and I'm thrilled to share this enchanting journey with you. Step back in time with me as we wander through the winding streets, uncovering hidden gems and untold stories. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking an authentic experience, my walking tou... Read more

5. Yas Waterworld Entrance Ticket with Optional Fast Pass (from USD 65.0)

yas waterworld entrance ticket with optional fast pass
Source: www.viator.com

Purchase this ticket as your pass for all-day fun at Yas Waterworld. The park features plenty for everyone in the family to enjoy, including a lazy river and pools in addition to the Bandit Bomber coaster, Jebel Drop slide and the Dawwama tornado. There are restaurants inside as well, keeping you and your party from ever getting hungry while you’re having fun. For faster entry to the big rides, be sure to upgrade your pass to a premium ticket.

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Yas Waterworld Entrance Ticket with Optional Fast Pass

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6. Dinner Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise (from USD 134.0)

dinner abu dhabi dhow cruise
Source: www.viator.com

For one evening of your trip, be sure to enjoy dinner aboard this dinner cruise ship, where you and your guests will enjoy a buffet filled with international cuisine. The cruise offers its passengers unobscured views of Abu Dhabi all while gently cruising along in the Persian Gulf. Other accompaniments of your dinner include rose water, hot towels and free Wi-Fi (no roaming charges for you!). You’ll spend approximately two hours on the water, and the trip includes pick up and drop off at the hotel you’re staying at.

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Dinner Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise

7. Abu Dhabi Eastern Mangroves Guided Kayaking Tour (from USD 56.0)

abu dhabi eastern mangroves guided kayaking tour
Source: www.viator.com

The Eastern mangroves of Abu Dhabi are a fun place to explore, and kayaking through them is the best way in which to do it. Your tour guide will take you through lagoons and calm channels just off the coastline, where you should keep your eyes peeled for a chance to see the local wildlife. All the equipment is provided to you for this tour, and kayaks are available with one, two and three seats. You need not be experienced to take part in this tour, just show up with your sense of adventure handy!

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Abu Dhabi Eastern Mangroves Guided Kayaking Tour

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8. Abu Dhabi RIB Sightseeing Boat Cruise (from USD 66.0)

Step aboard one of these boats and head out onto the water for the best views of Abu Dhabi from a distance. These tours last between 60-90 minutes and allow you to get some fantastic pictures of sights such as the Emirates Palace Hotel, Heritage Village and Lulu Island. During your trip, you’ll want to keep your eyes out for the pods of dolphins that frequent the area! The tour offers numerous start times, allowing you to have a start time that fits your itinerary while in Abu Dhabi.

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Abu Dhabi RIB Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Experienced Skipper

Duration: 1 hour

433 reviews

There are so many ways to enjoy the water in Abu Dhabi

Water activities may not be the first thing you think to add to your to do list while visiting Abu Dhabi, but you’d honestly be missing out if you skipped completely over them! Be sure to check out a few of the above water sports and activities for the best experience in Abu Dhabi.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Amber has enjoyed being an office manager at a geotechnical engineering firm for seven years and has a Bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University in Marketing. When not working or wrangling...Read more

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