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Travel Tips: Island Hopping in Abu Dhabi with Sea Safari Cruises

  • Dirk Vandereyken
  • Jun 17, 2024
  • 5 min read

There’s little doubt that when most people think of Abu Dhabi – one of the seven emirates as well as the capital of the United Arab Emirates, covering no less than 84% of the country’s total land area – their minds usually almost automatically conjure up images of glistening steel-and-glass skyscrapers, luxury hotels, huge malls, impressive mosques, and cultural landmarks. Unbeknownst to many a visitor, however, beyond the city’s iconic skyline, there are (mostly) turquoise waters and peaceful islands with beaches that usually only get visited for short stretches of time – mostly by groups on boat tours and cruises. While in Abu Dhabi, we joined Sea Safari Cruises for their amazing four-hour Island Hopping Experience to catch a small glimpse of what Abu Dhabi can be like if one is willing to abandon the city proper and venture out into the Arabian Gulf.



Departing from Al Bateen Marina


Our journey began at Al Bateen Marina, one of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious and attractive marinas. As one of the city’s oldest coastal neighborhoods, it serves as a west-facing gateway to the many natural islands, mangrove forests, and sheltered waterways surrounding the capital. Although we initially have to hurry up to make our departure time, we later take the time to walk around and discover the waterfront promenades, seafood restaurants, and the UAE presidential palace that are all located in the area.


For now, we board the boat together with a few other excited tourists and start our tour in earnest.


First Sights


Our departure point sits at an ideal angle for many buildings that mark the Abu Dhabi skyline, including the Etihad Towers – five magnificent skyscrapers featuring an elegant curved design that were completed in 2011, each reaching 218 to 305 meters into the sky, with the tallest building including no less than 80 floors.


Aside from the renowned Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the complex houses both luxury residences and premium office space, but their glass façades may be best known for the spectacular supercar jump scene in the blockbuster film Furious 7 as well as in numerous other movies and series – we make a note to make sure we’ll also visit Observation Deck at 300 on the 74th floor of Tower 2 later during our city visit.


The buildings reflect the sun without ever hurting the eyes, creating a spectacular contrast against the deep blue sea while we also cruise past the aforementioned Qasr Al Watan, the opulent Presidential Palace of the United Arab Emirates – a majestic white structure with multiple domes and a beautiful architectural design that stands as a testament to not only Emirati craftsmanship, but also the keen modern sensibilities so indicative of Abu Dhabi. Even from a distance, the palace is quite breathtaking.


The Bay


Although the ship’s crew – amiable guides whose infectious laid-back demeanor and smiles are on display throughout the experience – readily supply us with information and all kinds of trivia while we sail on, we still find time to connect with our fellow passengers and talk about why we are participating in the cruise.


Meanwhile, all around us, varying shades of turquoise and aquamarine blend together, forming a color palette not too dissimilar from the Maldives or the Caribbean. The sandy seabed underneath continues to show through the shallow waters for much of the trip but gives way a little as the offshore islands come into sight.


Crystal Bay provides an excellent introduction to the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi's offshore islands and offers countless opportunities for photography.



Swimming Opportunities


Although the tour includes both Dolphin Island and Bahraini Island, our guides reveal themselves as very flexible tour managers willing to listen to our preferences. While soft sandbanks invitingly lie before us, we get the opportunity to dive into the water and swim around. Since I’m not a particularly good swimmer and someone needs to take pictures anyway, my girlfriend and one of this magazine’s main photographers (as well as co-owner), Paula, takes the dive, which makes for some nice photographs with the crew up front and Paula just being herself in the background. This is also when we see a car-like boat used for other tours zip past us – a particularly funny sight.


The shimmering deep-blue sea is quite calm here, with little in the way of waves, making for an easy swim, with stable footage easily found a little closer to the islands.



Island Experience


Although Dolphin Island is aptly named because of the many dolphin sightings in its vicinity, we don’t see much of these magnificent sea mammals today, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy setting foot on Bahraini Island either. The sheltered community in close proximity still is distant enough to feel almost unreachable, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere and wonderful remoteness of the beaches.


One of the most memorable moments occurs while briefly exploring the island's interior as, in the distance, we spot what appears to be a gazelle moving across the dunes. Wildlife sightings such as these add an unexpected dimension to the experience and highlight how untouched parts of these islands remain, and the crew happily points to some dung in the distance that indicates the presence of more animals that just must have passed through.


Sea Safari Cruises has prepared a complete beach setup including chairs, umbrellas, refreshments, and even a portable entertainment system easily set up on the vast sandy stretch of land next to the crystal-clear water. It allows us to relax in the shade while enjoying some snacks and drinks against the gentle sound of rolling waves and the warm Gulf breeze.


Service and Hospitality


Throughout the excursion, the Sea Safari Cruises crew remains attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly. Their local knowledge enhances the journey, while their relaxed approach helps create a welcoming atmosphere.


The inclusion of beach equipment eliminates the need to bring much of anything beyond personal essentials, and although the time spent here feels like it could also have benefited from being a little bit shorter in favor of a more active experience, anyone who prefers just having some free time to chill out and enjoy will undoubtedly highly appreciate the opportunity. Whatever the case, the crew remains available most of the time, ready to assist and answer any and all questions.


All in all, definitely a very recommended tour – and also make sure to check out the many other packages and options available from Sea Safari Cruises, as there are bound to be a few that will pique your interest!




Text: Dirk Vandereyken

Photos: Paula van Unen & Dirk Vandereyken

 

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