Image via Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Spread out across 4,000 acres inclusive of some of Sir Bani Yas Island’s lush green and rugged landscapes, the stunningly appointed Arabian Wildlife Park ought to be your first stopover. As a sanctuary where more than 13,000 animals call home, the Arabian Wildlife Park affords a unique chance to spot herds of the once threatened Arabian Oryx coupled by species in the likes of giraffes and gazelles. What would elevate your experience will be to hire a guide who will happily fill you in on the current conservation efforts that have been implemented.

Sir Bani Yas Island overflows with numerous beaches with each presenting a fair share of thrills to embrace and be one with. For instance, Al Yamm Beach will be a worthy investment of your time and energy on the back of there being a mangrove lagoon to witness. Walk along the shoreline and view a flamboyance of flamingos and a host of other bird species known to frequent these lagoon waters. For a carefree escape, look at basking along Danat Beach where vistas of the Arabian Gulf will warmly welcome you. Grab a comfy lounger, find a suitable spot and soak in its peaceful vibe.

Whether you wish to remain above the water or dive down below, Sir Bani Yas Island has an activity that will be the perfect fit for you. With a deep-sea fishing excursion, you may join a few locals en route to exploring some of the best fishing spots in the area where you will be handed an opportunity to cast your line in as well. Also, know that the island is a classic representation of an ecological hub and one way to educate yourself on the value of same is to go on a kayaking tour. Through such an activity, you can look forward to kayaking through vast waterbodies encircled by dense mangrove forests with nature’s sweet melodies for company. Avid windsurfers out there can take to the water and have an experienced instructor guide them towards fine-tuning basic skill sets and enjoying a fantastic time. To the laidback adventurer, a guided snorkelling tour of the Arabian Gulf will involve getting up close and personal with not merely coral formations but species in the likes of dolphins and sea turtles.

Aside from the raw, natural beauty draped over Sir Bani Yas Island, the said attraction also lays claim to a detailed past that will have you in awe of a slew of heritage sites that have withstood changing times. As one of the better excursions in Abu Dhabi that you can have access to when based at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, one’s journeys will lead you to the eastern parts of the island where an excavated site of a Nestorian Christina monastery will be on show that is thought to have been built in 600 AD. Thereafter, move across to sections of the island where age-old watchtowers and forts can be witnessed. These magnificent fortifications are testament to how strategically important Sir Bani Yas Island was during times of old. However, be sure to call by the Sir Bani Yas Island Discovery Center where historical artefacts, splendid exhibits and multimedia presentations will escort you through the rich and diverse heritage of the region.