Abu Dhabi Awaits: Unveil the Best Water Adventures in the UAE's Capital

With over 200 islands, serene beaches, and an almost constant supply of sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a paradise for water enthusiasts.

Families can enjoy fun-filled water parks and even experience the fantasy of mermaid play. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers can gear up with jetpack boots to zoom above the sea or dive deep in search of hidden pearls.

According to long-time UAE resident Ala Lababidi, 'Abu Dhabi is perfect for water sports with its calm waters and cooler weather compared to Dubai,' making it an ideal spot for wake surfing.

Gretta Beckett, another local resident, shares her top pick: 'I love kayaking through the mangroves on a guided two-hour tour. It’s a unique experience in Abu Dhabi.'

Adventure traveler Laura Coughlin highlights Abu Dhabi’s sprawling water cable park, calling it 'one-of-a-kind in the Middle East.' She adds, 'Even professional wakeboarders come here to test their skills. Our country's top pro wakeboarder, Omeir Saeed, frequently visits to cheer on emerging talent.'

These thrilling water activities take full advantage of Abu Dhabi’s stunning landscapes and its almost perpetual sunshine.

Explore a haven for flamingos in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Just 25 miles outside the city, the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is home to 250 species of birds, a rich variety of plants, and thriving aquatic life.

The reserve came to be by chance after a water treatment plant reached its capacity and flooded the surrounding land. What was once a barren salt flat is now a thriving ecosystem.

During the winter season, thousands of greater flamingos make their way to this sanctuary. These elegant birds are very selective about their breeding grounds, and the conditions here are just perfect for them.

On Thursdays and Saturdays, guests can explore the reserve along various scenic trails. Soon, an elevated observation platform will offer panoramic views of the stunning landscape.

Unleash your inner mermaid at a water park, where imagination meets adventure.

With its pearl diving theme and a variety of 40 thrilling rides, slides, and attractions, Yas Waterworld is the go-to destination for families seeking fun and adventure.

The park features the region’s first water cinema, and after the show, visitors can enroll in a playful, kid-friendly mermaid school.

Adrenaline junkies can take the plunge on the Middle East’s longest suspended roller coaster or race against friends down a colossal water slide.

Learn to master the art of wakesurfing in the calm, flat waters of the UAE.

Wakesurfing, a thrilling sport that lets you ride a shorter surfboard behind a wave-creating boat, is a popular activity in the UAE. Once you’ve mastered standing, you can level up with flips, 360-degree turns, or even peaceful board yoga.

Stephanie Mullet, marketing manager at Wake Evolution in Abu Dhabi, suggests, 'For the calmest waters, wake surf at sunrise in the Mangroves.'

After your session, enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the many restaurants along the promenade. For those wake surfing at sunset, the Anantara Eastern Mangrove offers refreshing drinks and stunning views of the marina from its outdoor terrace.

According to Mullet, 'Abu Dhabi’s protected waterways keep the water flatter, reducing the chance of falls.'

Harvest pearls aboard a traditional dhow.

The Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey invites visitors to board a traditional Arabic pearling dhow for a scenic morning ride through the city's lush mangroves.

A local guide shares fascinating stories about the region’s pearl diving history, including how divers wore weighted legs and sealed their noses. Guests will enjoy dates, tea, and a pearl-opening demonstration. Anyone who uncovers a pearl gets to keep it as a souvenir.

Discover the past while cruising along a picturesque route.

On Captain Tony’s one-hour boat tour, guests can explore the history of Abu Dhabi while gliding along its waters.

The tour passes the Maqta Fort, a 200-year-old heritage site, before meandering through the mangroves where flamingos are often spotted.

As the tour concludes, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Skip the boat ride and head straight for the cable park for a new kind of adventure.

At Al Forsan International Sports Resort, you can try wakeskating, kneeboarding, mono skiing, or water skiing—but wakeboarding is the main attraction.

This expansive cable park features an enormous overhead cable that pulls riders across the lake at speeds of up to 24 miles per hour (38 kph), all without the need for boats.

With minimal wait times, the system can launch 13 riders per minute. For those looking to push their limits, the extreme course is perfect for high-intensity wakeboarding training.

Challenge your friends in a fun and competitive inflatable course.

AquaFun, Abu Dhabi’s first inflatable water park—and claimed to be the world’s largest—brings the bounce of castles into the sea for a thrilling adventure.

This 84-piece obstacle course features bridges, ramps, steps, and slides, challenging visitors to balance, climb, and navigate their way to victory.

Slip up, and it's straight into the water! After your aquatic adventure, enjoy a meal at one of the 20 cafes and restaurants at A’l Bahar at the Corniche.

Kayak in style and explore Abu Dhabi's serene waters at your own pace.

For a truly luxurious experience, paddle through Abu Dhabi's mangroves with a guide from Anantara’s Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa.

This guided trip offers the possibility to spot wildlife like foxes, turtles, flamingos, and the fascinating sea snakes that call these waters home.

Escape the city and discover the tranquility of the surrounding waters.

The calm, flat waters of Ghantoot Marina make it a top destination for watersports enthusiasts in the UAE.

This picturesque area is more frequented by locals than tourists, possibly due to its 40-minute drive from the center of Abu Dhabi.

Despite its distance, Ghantoot is bustling with activity, offering everything from jet skiing—perfect for the flat waters—to intense wakesurfing on its smooth surface, making it a full-day destination.

Take to the skies and soar above the sea with jetpacks strapped to your feet.

This adrenaline-pumping water sport is not for the faint of heart. It involves strapping on jet-powered boots and launching yourself out of the water.

While it's possible to shoot up to eight meters high, most of the experience includes plenty of flipping, splashing, and a few falls back into the sea. To book, contact Seasports at Yas Beach.