Hiltonia Beach Club
Whether you’re a newbie in Abu Dhabi or a seasoned resident, a visit to the Hiltonia Beach Club will have you thinking you’re on an extravagant island holiday somewhere in the Mediterranean. While the beach is perfect for catching up on your tan, the real highlight is the dedicated water sports centre, Watercooled, which offers paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and yoga classes on paddle boards. It also has a youth sailing club, a new ladies’ sailing group and a new boat charter which offers daily fishing trips. And if you prefer watching and looking after the kids, you can kick back on the 11,000 square-metre private beach and wander through the adjoining peacock garden and duck pond. Children can splash around in the family pool complete with two water slides, and there’s also a toddler pool for little ones. Young, old and everything in between, you’re all guaranteed a memorable day out.
Sample price list: Power Boat (Tornado) Tour with Skipper: Dhs100 (30 mins), Dhs200 (60 mins), Dhs250 (90 mins). Kitesurfing/board rental: Dhs100 (60 mins). Windsurf hire: (Beginner’s rig) Dhs100 (30 mins), Dhs150 (60 mins), (Intermediate rig) Dhs150 (30 mins), Dhs200 (60 mins) Sightseeing trip: Dhs100 (30 mins), Dhs200 (60 mins), Dhs250 (90 mins). Minimum of four people.
Adult Dhs150 Sun-Thu, Dhs185 Fri-Sat; couples Dhs240 Sun-Thu, Dhs300 Fri-Sat; five-15-year-olds and nannies Dhs70 Sun-Thu, Dhs90 Fri-Sat. Daily 8am-8pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche West, www3.hilton.com (02 681 1900).
Beach Rotana
Beach Rotana is famous for its lengthy stretch of beach that’s unique in downtown and Al Zahiyah, but it also has an extensive list of water sports. The day pass here grants you access to an adults’ pool, a kids’ paddling pool, the 120m beach and garden, as well as the use of its two squash courts and three tennis courts. The Beach club offers limitless ways to spend your day in ultimate fun, for you and your family. Enjoy a number of activities, from the rush of wake boarding to unwinding on the relaxing waves on a canoe, which is ideal for thrill-seekers. Other activities include kayaking, paddle boat, water skiing, donut, banana, boat cruise and loads more.
Sample price list: Water skiing: Dhs165(20 mins). Donut: Dhs20 (20 mins, minimum of two people). Banana: Dhs100 (20 mins, minimum of three people). Wake boarding: Dhs165 (20 mins).
Adult Dhs150 Sun-Thu, Dhs210 Fri-Sat; couple Dhs230 Sun-Thu, Dhs310 Fri-Sat; kids Dhs90 daily, discounts for 18-21-year-olds. Daily 9am-7pm. Beach Rotana, next to Abu Dhabi Mall, www.rotana.com (02 697 9000).
Le Méridien Beach Club
If you’re looking for an affordable beach club, look no further than Le Méridien. The facilities and service here are of a very high standard and are great value for your money. In addition to a 25m pool, a 14.5m training pool and a kids’ pool, you’ll also be able to do wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or go on a banana boat or sunset cruise to Saadiyat Island for an extra fee. Le Méridien is also currently one of the city’s only hotels that offer flyboarding.
Sample price list: Water skiing: Dhs75 (10 mins). Flyboarding: Dhs150(15 mins), Dhs300 (30 mins). Tube riding: Dhs75 (10 mins).
Adult Dhs90 Sun-Thu pool and beach; adult Dhs145 Fri-Sat pool and beach; Dhs275 Fri-Sat; family of four Dhs150 Sun-Thu pool and beach. Pool 8am-9pm, beach 8am-sunset. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, www.lemeridienabudhabi.com (02 644 6666).
Yas Waterworld
Often called the “greatest waterpark in the world”, Yas Waterworld is divided into four thrill levels: Adrenaline Rush, Exciting Adventure, Moving and Grooving and, finally, Young Fun. So while you’re screaming all the way down the scary Jebel Drop, the little ones can enjoy the dumping buckets of Marah Fortress. With over 45 rides, slides and attractions including a wave pool, a surfable wave simulator and two lazy rivers, there is something for everyone here. Aside from all the rides there are plenty of other things to do to keep yourself occupied in between getting soaked. From the themed products at Sultan and Sons through to Arabic spices and souvenirs at Ibhar Island to Tawasha’s Pearl Shop where you get to select your very own oyster, there are lots of attractions to keep you entertained.
General Admission for guests 1.1 metres tall and above, Dhs240. Junior admission for guests below 1.1 metres tall, Dhs195. Open daily 10am-6pm. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, www.yaswaterworld.com(02 414 2000).
Al Bandar Marina
Californian Pilar Barton runs her fantastic water sports company Halla Walla directly from Al Bandar marina. You’ll find Halla Walla tucked into a corner of Al Bandar Marina by Pacifico TIKI – formerly Ornina – and you’ll spot the brightly decorated house boat where Pilar preps her customers, be it a seven-year-old girl or an 87-year-old man. Having grown up on the water in the US, Pilar now passes on her knowledge and expertise to anyone wanting to try out water skiing, wakeboarding or kneeboarding. If you’re serious about skiing or boarding on the water, you’ll be in good hands. Pilar has helped numerous customers – she has more than 200 clients – from complete newbies to competition-worthy athletes in a matter of weeks. You’ve seen plenty of people whizzing about on the waters around Abu Dhabi, and with a little bit of magic from Pilar, it could be you! Alternatively, if you just want to ride an inflatable, they’ve got a whole heap of fun options to try.
Sample price list: Wake skate: Dhs120. Wake surfing: Dhs120. Knee boarding: Dhs120. Tubes: Dhs120.
Opening hours vary. Halla Walla, Al Bandar Marina, Al Raha Beach, yalla@hallawalla.ae, www.hallawalla.ae (056 991 3800).
Noukhada
Tired of heading to hotel beach clubs for your water sports fix? Want to do something a bit more environmentally friendly? Noukhada is a company that’s trying to help develop eco-tourism for Abu Dhabi and the UAE through kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and dragon boating. It does low environmental impact tours to several different locations around the coastal waters and inland areas of Abu Dhabi and the UAE to educate and promote awareness of the region’s vital eco system. Through its adventures, Noukhada aims to bring environmental awareness to visitors and residents without exploiting the environment. The Yas Beach branch offers rentals, tours, experiences and lessons from the beach and, no, it does not have jet skis, banana boat rides or motorbikes for hire. They’re all about the environment, remember.
Sample price list: Kayak mangrove: Dhs160 (90 mins). Snorkel safari: Dhs310. Paddleboard rental: Dhs70 (one hour), Dhs40 (30 mins). Windsurfing: Dhs120(60 mins).
Daily 8.30am-5.30am. Noukhada Adventure Company, Yas Beach, www.noukhada.ae (02 558 1889).
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
The Beach Club at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan offers 200 metres of pristine beach sweeping around the lagoon and one of the biggest outdoor hotel pools in the area. But that’s not all. The club’s Sunshine Water Sports offers a wide variety of water sports activities at the beach for the whole family. It is located next to the kids' play area and behind the Sunset bar. Activities include jet ski, a boat tour, banana ride, aqua cycle, double kayak, single kayak and even snorkelling.
Sample price list: Jet Ski: Dhs200 (30 mins), Dhs380 (60 mins). Banana ride: Dhs220 (15 mins). Snorkelling: Dhs50(60 mins). Single kayak: Dhs100 (60 mins).
Weekdays Dhs130 (adults), Dhs60 (kids), weekends and public holidays Dhs160 (adults), Dhs60 (kids). Daily 9am-6pm. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche Road West, www.rotana.com(02 657 0182).
Wadi Adventure
As the Middle East’s first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surfing spot, Wadi Adventure offers something very different to the rest of the UAE’s water-oriented leisure destinations. There are no rides, slides or lazy rivers here, which explains why the management don’t like it being referred to as a “waterpark”. With world-class facilities and a variety of action-packed activities, Wadi Adventure has become a regular weekend getaway for those looking for thrills.
Located at the base of Jebel Hafeet near the grassy fields of the Green Mubazzarah, Wadi Adventure offers a fun day out and an experience you won’t forget. Highlights at Wadi include the world’s longest man-made whitewater channels (a combined length of 1.2km) and largest surf pool, which is perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers. There’s also an aerial obstacle course, including a two-storey airpark, zip line, climbing wall and giant swing, which, we must say, is absolutely terrifying, but great fun at the same time. Only a two-hour drive from the capital, this is a day out that the whole family can enjoy.
Sample price list: Surf pool: Dhs100 (55 mins). Kayaking: Dhs150 (all day). White water rafting: Dhs100 (90 mins). Climbing wall: Dhs40 (20 mins).
Dhs50 (adult), Dhs25 (kids). Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. Al Ain, www.wadiadventure.ae(03 781 8422).
UAE Kitesurfing
If you’re looking to learn kiteboarding in Abu Dhabi, look no further than UAE Kiters. Its kitesurfing instructors are IKO Certified and have been kiteboarding since the sport’s inception, so you’ll have the best of the best teaching you the sport. They claim they can teach students from eight to 80-years-old how to kiteboard and get you up and riding on a kiteboard in no time. The club also provides all the latest kiteboarding equipment for kiteboarding lessons, so all you need is yourself and an adventurous spirit. Lessons are conducted in very shallow water and away from hazardous conditions, such as buildings, people, trees, with safety as a number one priority. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport, so lessons are vital if you want to have fun without hurting yourself.
Starts at Dhs350 (60 mins, equipment included). Times and days are dependent on the weather and the wind. Lessons take place on Yas Beach and various locations around Abu Dhabi, www.uaekiters.net (055 755 1439).
Al Mahara Diving Center
If you’re keen to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why not pay Abu Dhabi’s magnificent marine life a visit? Al Mahara Diving Center is locally owned and operated and is managed by enthusiastic and experienced diving professionals who appear to have a certain amount of seawater running in their veins. Some of their diving professionals have been teaching for more than 15 years internationally, so you’re in good hands.
For full price list visit www.divemahara.com. Open daily 10am-6pm. Al Mahara Retail Shop & Training Center, Port Zayed (inside Sahara Marine), M4, Mezzanine, Building no.3, Wasit Street near Muroor Road and Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan. www.divemahara.com (02 643 7377).
Al Raya Water jet ski
There are few things as exciting and invigorating as exploring the open waters on a jet ski. Located in Meena Abu Dhabi near the fish market, Al Raya Water is your go-to place for jet ski rentals in the capital. If you’re keen on an adventure filled with adrenaline, follow a guide and take a trip to Al Maya, Al Futais, Ras Garb, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Halaa, Al Lulu, Al Shaleela and Al Saleela Sea.
Rentals Dhs250-Dhs350 per hour. Daily 9am-6pm. Al Raya Water Jet Ski Rentals, Zayed Port (behind the fish market), www.alrayaadventure.com (055 664 5566).
Hydro Marine Sports paddle boarding
Set up by water sports enthusiasts who want other people to have the chance to try new activities and have fun, Hydro Marine Sports is one of the best when it comes to paddle boarding. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the fastest-growing sports in the city and is a fun and easy way to play on the water. With minimum equipment required, you can paddle anything from ocean surf to lakes and rivers — no waves required. Paddle boarding offers an amazing full-body workout and is becoming a favourite cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes.
Locations at Eastern Mangroves and Al Raha Beach, for full schedule and more information, visit www.hydromarinesports.com (050 243 7382).
Related keywords
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Whether you’re a newbie in Abu Dhabi or a seasoned resident, a visit to the Hiltonia Beach Club will have you thinking you’re on an extravagant island holiday somewhere in the Mediterranean. While the beach is perfect for catching up on your tan, the real highlight is the dedicated water sports centre, Watercooled, which offers paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and yoga classes on paddle boards. It also has a youth sailing club, a new ladies’ sailing group and a new boat charter which offers daily fishing trips. And if you prefer watching and looking after the kids, you can kick back on the 11,000 square-metre private beach and wander through the adjoining peacock garden and duck pond. Children can splash around in the family pool complete with two water slides, and there’s also a toddler pool for little ones. Young, old and everything in between, you’re all guaranteed a memorable day out.
Sample price list: Power Boat (Tornado) Tour with Skipper: Dhs100 (30 mins), Dhs200 (60 mins), Dhs250 (90 mins). Kitesurfing/board rental: Dhs100 (60 mins). Windsurf hire: (Beginner’s rig) Dhs100 (30 mins), Dhs150 (60 mins), (Intermediate rig) Dhs150 (30 mins), Dhs200 (60 mins) Sightseeing trip: Dhs100 (30 mins), Dhs200 (60 mins), Dhs250 (90 mins). Minimum of four people.
Adult Dhs150 Sun-Thu, Dhs185 Fri-Sat; couples Dhs240 Sun-Thu, Dhs300 Fri-Sat; five-15-year-olds and nannies Dhs70 Sun-Thu, Dhs90 Fri-Sat. Daily 8am-8pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche West, www3.hilton.com (02 681 1900).
Beach Rotana
Beach Rotana is famous for its lengthy stretch of beach that’s unique in downtown and Al Zahiyah, but it also has an extensive list of water sports. The day pass here grants you access to an adults’ pool, a kids’ paddling pool, the 120m beach and garden, as well as the use of its two squash courts and three tennis courts. The Beach club offers limitless ways to spend your day in ultimate fun, for you and your family. Enjoy a number of activities, from the rush of wake boarding to unwinding on the relaxing waves on a canoe, which is ideal for thrill-seekers. Other activities include kayaking, paddle boat, water skiing, donut, banana, boat cruise and loads more.
Sample price list: Water skiing: Dhs165(20 mins). Donut: Dhs20 (20 mins, minimum of two people). Banana: Dhs100 (20 mins, minimum of three people). Wake boarding: Dhs165 (20 mins).
Adult Dhs150 Sun-Thu, Dhs210 Fri-Sat; couple Dhs230 Sun-Thu, Dhs310 Fri-Sat; kids Dhs90 daily, discounts for 18-21-year-olds. Daily 9am-7pm. Beach Rotana, next to Abu Dhabi Mall, www.rotana.com (02 697 9000).
Le Méridien Beach Club
If you’re looking for an affordable beach club, look no further than Le Méridien. The facilities and service here are of a very high standard and are great value for your money. In addition to a 25m pool, a 14.5m training pool and a kids’ pool, you’ll also be able to do wakeboarding, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or go on a banana boat or sunset cruise to Saadiyat Island for an extra fee. Le Méridien is also currently one of the city’s only hotels that offer flyboarding.
Sample price list: Water skiing: Dhs75 (10 mins). Flyboarding: Dhs150(15 mins), Dhs300 (30 mins). Tube riding: Dhs75 (10 mins).
Adult Dhs90 Sun-Thu pool and beach; adult Dhs145 Fri-Sat pool and beach; Dhs275 Fri-Sat; family of four Dhs150 Sun-Thu pool and beach. Pool 8am-9pm, beach 8am-sunset. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, www.lemeridienabudhabi.com (02 644 6666).
Yas Waterworld
Often called the “greatest waterpark in the world”, Yas Waterworld is divided into four thrill levels: Adrenaline Rush, Exciting Adventure, Moving and Grooving and, finally, Young Fun. So while you’re screaming all the way down the scary Jebel Drop, the little ones can enjoy the dumping buckets of Marah Fortress. With over 45 rides, slides and attractions including a wave pool, a surfable wave simulator and two lazy rivers, there is something for everyone here. Aside from all the rides there are plenty of other things to do to keep yourself occupied in between getting soaked. From the themed products at Sultan and Sons through to Arabic spices and souvenirs at Ibhar Island to Tawasha’s Pearl Shop where you get to select your very own oyster, there are lots of attractions to keep you entertained.
General Admission for guests 1.1 metres tall and above, Dhs240. Junior admission for guests below 1.1 metres tall, Dhs195. Open daily 10am-6pm. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, www.yaswaterworld.com(02 414 2000).
Al Bandar Marina
Californian Pilar Barton runs her fantastic water sports company Halla Walla directly from Al Bandar marina. You’ll find Halla Walla tucked into a corner of Al Bandar Marina by Pacifico TIKI – formerly Ornina – and you’ll spot the brightly decorated house boat where Pilar preps her customers, be it a seven-year-old girl or an 87-year-old man. Having grown up on the water in the US, Pilar now passes on her knowledge and expertise to anyone wanting to try out water skiing, wakeboarding or kneeboarding. If you’re serious about skiing or boarding on the water, you’ll be in good hands. Pilar has helped numerous customers – she has more than 200 clients – from complete newbies to competition-worthy athletes in a matter of weeks. You’ve seen plenty of people whizzing about on the waters around Abu Dhabi, and with a little bit of magic from Pilar, it could be you! Alternatively, if you just want to ride an inflatable, they’ve got a whole heap of fun options to try.
Sample price list: Wake skate: Dhs120. Wake surfing: Dhs120. Knee boarding: Dhs120. Tubes: Dhs120.
Opening hours vary. Halla Walla, Al Bandar Marina, Al Raha Beach, yalla@hallawalla.ae, www.hallawalla.ae (056 991 3800).
Noukhada
Tired of heading to hotel beach clubs for your water sports fix? Want to do something a bit more environmentally friendly? Noukhada is a company that’s trying to help develop eco-tourism for Abu Dhabi and the UAE through kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and dragon boating. It does low environmental impact tours to several different locations around the coastal waters and inland areas of Abu Dhabi and the UAE to educate and promote awareness of the region’s vital eco system. Through its adventures, Noukhada aims to bring environmental awareness to visitors and residents without exploiting the environment. The Yas Beach branch offers rentals, tours, experiences and lessons from the beach and, no, it does not have jet skis, banana boat rides or motorbikes for hire. They’re all about the environment, remember.
Sample price list: Kayak mangrove: Dhs160 (90 mins). Snorkel safari: Dhs310. Paddleboard rental: Dhs70 (one hour), Dhs40 (30 mins). Windsurfing: Dhs120(60 mins).
Daily 8.30am-5.30am. Noukhada Adventure Company, Yas Beach, www.noukhada.ae (02 558 1889).
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
The Beach Club at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan offers 200 metres of pristine beach sweeping around the lagoon and one of the biggest outdoor hotel pools in the area. But that’s not all. The club’s Sunshine Water Sports offers a wide variety of water sports activities at the beach for the whole family. It is located next to the kids' play area and behind the Sunset bar. Activities include jet ski, a boat tour, banana ride, aqua cycle, double kayak, single kayak and even snorkelling.
Sample price list: Jet Ski: Dhs200 (30 mins), Dhs380 (60 mins). Banana ride: Dhs220 (15 mins). Snorkelling: Dhs50(60 mins). Single kayak: Dhs100 (60 mins).
Weekdays Dhs130 (adults), Dhs60 (kids), weekends and public holidays Dhs160 (adults), Dhs60 (kids). Daily 9am-6pm. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche Road West, www.rotana.com(02 657 0182).
Wadi Adventure
As the Middle East’s first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surfing spot, Wadi Adventure offers something very different to the rest of the UAE’s water-oriented leisure destinations. There are no rides, slides or lazy rivers here, which explains why the management don’t like it being referred to as a “waterpark”. With world-class facilities and a variety of action-packed activities, Wadi Adventure has become a regular weekend getaway for those looking for thrills.
Located at the base of Jebel Hafeet near the grassy fields of the Green Mubazzarah, Wadi Adventure offers a fun day out and an experience you won’t forget. Highlights at Wadi include the world’s longest man-made whitewater channels (a combined length of 1.2km) and largest surf pool, which is perfect for both beginners and advanced surfers. There’s also an aerial obstacle course, including a two-storey airpark, zip line, climbing wall and giant swing, which, we must say, is absolutely terrifying, but great fun at the same time. Only a two-hour drive from the capital, this is a day out that the whole family can enjoy.
Sample price list: Surf pool: Dhs100 (55 mins). Kayaking: Dhs150 (all day). White water rafting: Dhs100 (90 mins). Climbing wall: Dhs40 (20 mins).
Dhs50 (adult), Dhs25 (kids). Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. Al Ain, www.wadiadventure.ae(03 781 8422).
UAE Kitesurfing
If you’re looking to learn kiteboarding in Abu Dhabi, look no further than UAE Kiters. Its kitesurfing instructors are IKO Certified and have been kiteboarding since the sport’s inception, so you’ll have the best of the best teaching you the sport. They claim they can teach students from eight to 80-years-old how to kiteboard and get you up and riding on a kiteboard in no time. The club also provides all the latest kiteboarding equipment for kiteboarding lessons, so all you need is yourself and an adventurous spirit. Lessons are conducted in very shallow water and away from hazardous conditions, such as buildings, people, trees, with safety as a number one priority. Kiteboarding is an extreme sport, so lessons are vital if you want to have fun without hurting yourself.
Starts at Dhs350 (60 mins, equipment included). Times and days are dependent on the weather and the wind. Lessons take place on Yas Beach and various locations around Abu Dhabi, www.uaekiters.net (055 755 1439).
Al Mahara Diving Center
If you’re keen to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, why not pay Abu Dhabi’s magnificent marine life a visit? Al Mahara Diving Center is locally owned and operated and is managed by enthusiastic and experienced diving professionals who appear to have a certain amount of seawater running in their veins. Some of their diving professionals have been teaching for more than 15 years internationally, so you’re in good hands.
For full price list visit www.divemahara.com. Open daily 10am-6pm. Al Mahara Retail Shop & Training Center, Port Zayed (inside Sahara Marine), M4, Mezzanine, Building no.3, Wasit Street near Muroor Road and Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan. www.divemahara.com (02 643 7377).
Al Raya Water jet ski
There are few things as exciting and invigorating as exploring the open waters on a jet ski. Located in Meena Abu Dhabi near the fish market, Al Raya Water is your go-to place for jet ski rentals in the capital. If you’re keen on an adventure filled with adrenaline, follow a guide and take a trip to Al Maya, Al Futais, Ras Garb, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Halaa, Al Lulu, Al Shaleela and Al Saleela Sea.
Rentals Dhs250-Dhs350 per hour. Daily 9am-6pm. Al Raya Water Jet Ski Rentals, Zayed Port (behind the fish market), www.alrayaadventure.com (055 664 5566).
Hydro Marine Sports paddle boarding
Set up by water sports enthusiasts who want other people to have the chance to try new activities and have fun, Hydro Marine Sports is one of the best when it comes to paddle boarding. Stand up paddle boarding is one of the fastest-growing sports in the city and is a fun and easy way to play on the water. With minimum equipment required, you can paddle anything from ocean surf to lakes and rivers — no waves required. Paddle boarding offers an amazing full-body workout and is becoming a favourite cross-training activity for skiers, snowboarders and other athletes.
Locations at Eastern Mangroves and Al Raha Beach, for full schedule and more information, visit www.hydromarinesports.com (050 243 7382).
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