Mangrove Kayaking Tours in Abu Dhabi

Experience a unique marine eco-system with spectacular mangrove scenery on a short, guided kayaking adventure in Abu Dhabi.  Our experienced and knowledgeable team will guide you through the mangroves of Abu Dhabi and explain the importance of their existence within our coastal system. Encounter a variety of terrestrial and marine life while you paddle through the mangroves.

Tour information

Is it for me?

Kayaking is fun, relaxing, very low risk & easy to learn and is open to all even if you have never tried it before – full instruction will be given.  Al Mahara provides experienced guides who will take you out on the waters.  Our guides are very experienced and fully EFR trained (Emergency First Response) - first aid kits are always on hand.

When and what time?

We kayak all year round (unless it is too hot!). We offer tours at the weekend and also on weekdays apart from a Sunday (We've got to have a day off sometime!).

We currently operate on a morning, midday & afternoon schedule.  Start times will vary depending on the tides, wind & the time of year.   

Evening Sunset tours are now available!

Tides?  Wind?

The timings of our tours are approximate and will depend on the tide levels and the wind & weather conditions.  The low tide should allow us to see more birds, crabs and fish common to the area, whereas the high tide tour allows us to venture deeper into the mangroves.  We always keep a close eye on the weather & tide levels to ensure a pleasant kayak experience for all.*

As for the wind, nobody likes paddling into the wind but it can make the journey back a lot easier!  We check the wind forecast daily for speed and direction – if we think the conditions will spoil your day, we will let you know.*

How many can go?

Minimum of 2 people to book your places on the tour.

For safety, we operate a guide ratio of approximately 1 guide per 10 paddlers (depending on paddler ability & experience).  Our guides are very experienced and fully EFR trained (Emergency First Response) - first aid kits are always on hand.

We offer eco magrove trips for schools and corporate organizations. Contact us for more details.

We are more than happy to take bookings for groups of 10 people or more (discounts may be available) and we will require a deposit to secure your booking (see cancellation policay below).

We also offer our tours for parties, special occassions, large group bookings and corporate events, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange your event!

How much does it cost?

Eastern Mangroves (at public launch point)

160 Dhs per adult (includes VAT)

105 Dhs per child 6-10 years includes VAT

Full Moon Kayak tour at Eastern Mangrove (public launch point)

Specially scheduled full moon tours

6pm-8pm

Dhs200 per adult

Dhs130 oer child (6-10 years old)

What do I get?

♦  A guided mangrove kayaking tour lasting approx 1.5 hours.

♦  We reduce plastic waste, please bring a refillable water bottle and we have drinking water for refilling.

♦  Use of our quality branded sit-on-top kayaks (single seat or double seated depending on age, ability & group size) including paddle and deluxe padded seats.

♦  Use of a PFD (Personal Floatation Device – life jacket, for safety).

♦  Chance encounters with indigenous wildlife by the water’s edge including Egrets, Herons, Crab Plovers, Sandpipers, Cormorants and if you are very lucky, flocks of pink Flamingos.*

♦  The opportunity to get away from the hectic city life and explore the beautiful & serene environment of the Abu Dhabi Mangroves.

Where do we go?

Check out our Mangrove Kayaking Tour Options page for more details.

What should I wear?

We suggest you wear a hat to protect you from the sun & suitable clothes for watersports - you will get a little wet.  By this we mean clothes you don't mind being wet in, usually shorts and a t-shirt. 

If you are sensitive to the sun then perhaps cover your arms and legs with some lightweight, loose fitting clothing. 

Sturdy footwear is also recommended – our launch sites are rocky & a little muddy; flip-flops & sandals tend to get stuck in mud and can slip when on rocks.  A change of footwear for afterwards might also be a good idea.

You can wear Abayas but these may restrict movement if you fall into the water.

Above all we suggest you put on plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF and ideally a waterproof variety - the biggest risk during outdoor activities is being sunburned and suffering from sunstroke.  We want all our kayakers to have fun and stay safe in the sun!

What should I bring?

♦ Money is always a good idea - to pay for the tour. 

♦ Sunscreen with a high SPF and ideally waterproof (see above).

♦ A hat to protect your head from the sun!

♦ Sunglasses!

♦ Water - we will provide you with a 500ml bottle of water but please bring more if you feel the need - staying properly hydrated is very important.

♦ A change of clothes for afterwards (for our site that has showers/changing facilities).

♦ A towel to dry yourself off afterwards (for our site where no showers/changing facilties are available).

♦ You will need to decide if you want to bring your cameras, mobile phones or other handheld electronic devices.  It is up to you and if you do bring them then they will need to go in a waterproof bag because water does splash into the kayak.

There are some great photo opportunities to be had while kayaking and we will have waterproof DryPaks and Pelican boxes available for retail on site should you choose to bring your cameras, phones, etc.

What else do you offer?

We are happy to arrange kayaking and/or other watersports for large groups, corporate events/days out, special events & occassions.

We also specialise in ladies only kayaking & events and can provide lady guides if you require.

Sunset kayaking tours are now available as it is getting very hot in the afternoon, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more info.

Full moon tours, kayaking + BBQ, kayak equipment sales & hire are all things we can do for you.

*Unfortunately the weather and wildlife are things we cannot control or guarantee.

Cancellation policy:  For group bookings of 10 people or more we require a 50% deposit in advance to secure your space on the tour.  Should you wish to cancel your booking you may do so and your deposit will be refunded, however if you cancel within 48 hours of the tour date you will lose all of your deposit.  This is to compensate us for loss of business from other groups who could have taken your spot on the tour.