Often described as one of the Middle East’s premier holiday destinations, the desert landscapes of Abu Dhabi serve as the unlikely playground for kayakers from around the world. Offering kayaking enthusiasts a unique terrain to engage in their beloved sport while simultaneously discovering the country, the intriguing tours made available only recently in the desert heartland are some of its most attractive local excursion options. Home to more than 213 islands one could hardly underestimate Abu Dhabi’s potential as a kayaking hub in the region although its resources in this regard have only recently been discovered and explored by tour operators and tourists.
Blessed with 72 km2 of captivating coastlines littered with mangrove forests the kayaking excursions available in the country are mainly conducted in the marshy areas. Considered the second biggest ecosystem of natural mangroves in the Persian Gulf, only second to Iran, the vast landscapes crisscrossed with water channels affords novice and expert kayakers a wealth of experiences in one tour. A typical kayaking excursion can include up to four participants who can set off to the marshy waters equipped with plenty of sun block, drinking water and life jackets. Expert tour guides are on hand to navigate the labyrinth of mangroves on the coastline which are littered with local marine life and exotic bird species. The two hour excursion takes paddlers across breathtaking lagoons, steep channels and tree laden canopies in an eco-friendly encounter that lets one discover the hidden beauty of Abu Dhabi. Island tours are also available via kayak operators that delve in to the outer reaches of the tiny islets dotting the coastline. Chance meetings with dolphins, dugongs and even sea turtles are not uncommon in these parts where guests can also disembark to explore the inner landscapes of the islands laden with crab and other crustacean habitats.
Kayak fishing is another activity on board a kayaking tour of Abu Dhabi. Trawl fishing and bottom fishing are the two techniques used to fish on kayaks here although trawling is known to yield a larger catch.
Travellers in search of luxury UAE hotels will find plenty of elegant options with establishments under the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East group. Offering visitors a wide variety of Middle East hotels in various tourist Meccas across the region, this reputed name in hospitality pulls out all the stops when it comes to unforgettable desert vacations.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+