Sir Bani Yas Island – the Ultimate Wildlife Experience in the UAE

It takes incredible vision, resolve, and fortitude to take what was once a deserted island and completely transform it into a wildlife sanctuary, an ornithologist’s dream, and a luxury traveler’s haven. In 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the United Arab Emirates had this very vision for Sir Bani Yas Island. Today, Sir Bani Yas Island stands as a reminder of what can be achieved if we dare to dream big. Discover this 600 million-year-old Abu Dhabi island differently with Seawings Seaplane Tours.

Getting to Sir Bani Yas Island

Located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas is a 70-minute Seawings Seaplane flight away from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or neighboring emirates. As you take-off from the azure blue waters of the UAE coastline and leave the big city life behind, you are treated to views of iconic landmarks, wide open seas, and cities that have flourished from desert sands. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the hum of the seaplane’s engine as it transports you to a land unlike anything you’ve seen before.

The team at Seawings Seaplane Tours have you covered. From exhilarating seaplane tours through to relaxing road transportation and five-star accommodation, we can customise an excursion to this spectacular Abu Dhabi wildlife oasis that will suit your every desire.

Where to Stay on Sir Bani Yas Island

The hotels on Sir Bani Yas Island are nothing short of luxury personified. Anantara has developed three uniquely distinct experiences for travelers looking to spend a night or two on this Arabian paradise.

If privacy is what you are looking for, then Al Sahel by Anantara is meant for you. With only 30 villas available in this luxury Abu Dhabi hotel, you are guaranteed that long-awaited alone time. The villas are luxuriously rustic with uninterrupted views of the Savannah and all the wildlife roaming the land. Dine under the stars on expertly prepared African inspired cuisine and partake in an Abu Dhabi safari tour like no other.

For those of you looking for more of a beach experience, Al Yamm Resort by Anantara ticks all the boxes and many more. Once again, exclusivity is a key component of this Abu Dhabi luxury hotel with only 30 Barasti-style villas along the pristine white sand beach. Enjoy a sundowner on your private balcony, soak up the tranquil atmosphere at the pool or partake in one of the amazing activities including horse riding, snorkeling, safari tours, kayaking or spa treatments.

An oasis of green on this Abu Dhabi wildlife island, the Desert Island Resort and Spa by Anantara is both idyllic in setting and elegant in design. Ideal for families, this resort offers sumptuous dining options, a plethora of family-friendly activities and a variety of plush accommodations to choose from.

Things to do on Sir Bani Yas

Sir Bani Yas Island has no shortage of activities. Finding activities in Abu Dhabi that are out of the ordinary is what this safari island is known for. From safari tours to dune rides on Arabian stallions. We’ve made a list of some of the highlights:

• One of the most fascinating things about Sir Bani Yas Island is its ancient history. Educate yourself on a ‘Culture and History Tour’ of an island that is home to 42 archaeological sites and a Nestorian Christian monastery that dates back to 600 A.D.
• Equestrian endeavors cater to all levels of experience including dune rides for the less experienced riders and wildlife or bush trails for those with more time in the saddle.
• Wildlife tours are what this island is best known for. The island is home to over 13,000 animals including Arabian Oryx, Giraffe, Mountain Gazelle, Sudan Cheetah, Striped Hyena, to name but a few. If you are looking for things to do on this Abu Dhabi Island, this is a must.
• What would a luxury vacation be without a trip to the spa? Let the expert hands of the Anantara spa professionals transport you to a land of peace and serenity. Sit back, relax, and unwind as your treatment unfolds into a moment of sheer bliss.

We’ve only highlighted a few of the many activities that are available on Sir Bani Yas Island. There are many more to choose from including water sports, yachting, breakfast on the beach, nature walks, falconry, and archery. Having nothing to do on Sir Bani Yas Island is only by choice.

Departing Sir Bani Yas Island

What better way to end this once in a lifetime experience than to take off from the island on a Seawings Seaplane Tour. As you climb, you’ll see the many places you’ve visited from a new perspective and have an even greater appreciation for the magnificence and diversity of this wildlife sanctuary.

If you would rather experience the emirate of Abu Dhabi by land, this is certainly an option. Take a ferry across to Jebel Dhanna where our team at Seawings Seaplane Tours will have a luxury vehicle waiting to transport you to your next adventure in the United Arab Emirates.

A Final Word on Sir Bani Yas Island

There are so many things to do in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates that it’s often a difficult decision as to which of these you are going to do. For us, Sir Bani Yas is something that will live with you forever as a destination that is like no other and perhaps exists in defiance of its surroundings rather than because of them. Sir Bani Yas Island is a tribute to what humans can achieve if they truly believe in leaving the world a better place for our children. Let us take you to Sir Bani Yas Island and show you a land where obstacles are overcome and dreams are made.