Kayaking the Eastern Mangroves of Abu Dhabi

The Eastern Mangroves National Park protects a dense tangle of grey mangroves right on Abu Dhabi's edge. Paddle out and the skyline drops behind the canopy within minutes, replaced by birdsong, fiddler crabs, and the occasional flash of a flamingo.

The water is shallow, sheltered, and flat, which makes it ideal for first-time kayakers and families. There's no surf and no current to fight, just quiet channels that wind deeper into the reserve.

Tide matters more than time of day here. A rising or high tide opens up the narrow channels so you can glide right through the root systems; at low tide some routes turn to mudflats. Reputable operators schedule around this, so trust the timings they offer.

Early morning and late afternoon are coolest and best for wildlife, when herons stalk the shallows and the light turns the water to glass. Midday is doable in the cooler months but warm in summer.

Quick-dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water are all you need; guides supply the kayak, paddle, and buoyancy aid. A strap for your sunglasses and a waterproof phone pouch save heartbreak.

No experience is required for the guided tours, a short briefing on land covers everything, and instructors stay with the group the whole way.