Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi
A vast nature reserve and luxury escape, Sir Bani Yas Island offers incredible wildlife safaris and a glimpse into the UAE's conservation vision.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for outdoor activities
Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi
Best Time
Pleasant weather for outdoor activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast nature reserve and luxury escape, Sir Bani Yas Island offers incredible wildlife safaris and a glimpse into the UAE's conservation vision.
"It's a lifetime experience with a great safari experience!"
Book in Advance! 📅
Secure your hotel and ferry tickets well ahead of time, especially during peak season.
Safari is a Must-Do! 🦁
Don't miss the wildlife safari; it's a highlight for many visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Safari Adventure
Nature Reserve
Embark on a thrilling safari to spot diverse wildlife, including giraffes, gazelles, and more, in their natural habitat.
Anantara Resorts
Various locations on the island
Experience luxurious stays at Anantara's resorts, offering unique villa experiences and stunning natural surroundings.
Historic Christian Church
Archaeological site
Discover the ruins of a 7th-century Christian monastery, offering a glimpse into the island's ancient past.
Beachfront Relaxation
Al Yamm and Desert Islands Resort beaches
Unwind on pristine beaches, enjoying the tranquil turquoise waters and serene island atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Access & Reservations
Travel Time & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance! 📅
Secure your hotel and ferry tickets well ahead of time, especially during peak season. +1
Safari is a Must-Do! 🦁
Don't miss the wildlife safari; it's a highlight for many visitors. +1
Pack Smart 🎒
Bring snacks and water, as options can be limited and pricey on the island.
Consider Flying ✈️
Rotana Jet offers flights, which can be a faster alternative to driving and ferrying.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance! 📅
Secure your hotel and ferry tickets well ahead of time, especially during peak season. +1
Safari is a Must-Do! 🦁
Don't miss the wildlife safari; it's a highlight for many visitors. +1
Pack Smart 🎒
Bring snacks and water, as options can be limited and pricey on the island.
Consider Flying ✈️
Rotana Jet offers flights, which can be a faster alternative to driving and ferrying.
Embrace Island Life 🏝️
Allow ample time for travel and enjoy the relaxed pace; it's a true escape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sir Bani Yas Island offers a unique blend of luxury, wildlife encounters, and conservation efforts. Visitors praise the incredible safari experiences and the stunning natural beauty, often describing it as a 'once-in-a-lifetime' trip. However, the high cost of accommodation and dining, along with some reports of aging facilities, are noted drawbacks.
"We stayed for three nights as part of the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas event.
The island itself quite a drive away. 3:30hrs from Dubai 2hrs from Abu Dhabi.
There is a private airport if that’s how you roll.
To get to the island otherwise you need to take a ferry. You must pre book and provide identification. The journey itself is around 30mins or less.
The island has been invested in by the Abu Dhabi government. The roads are good and so is signage etc.
We stayed in the Anantara (the only option) the staff are amazing. Facilities though are definitely aged. Still nice but nothing compared to other Anantara resorts.
The safari is not like a Kenyan safari. At the time of writing this there is one zebra and two cheetahs. Both of which were hiding at the back of a cage when we were there. Giraffes are amazing though and they have plenty of other wildlife. Over 13000.
Two nights is more than enough."
Albert Einstein
"A definite one time visit to understand and appreciate the vision of the country; the island is aimed at planting trees and increasing fertility of its land so as to make it an agricultural area. Very wide spread area with animals running around and well maintained.
The trip from Abu Dhabi to the ferry took 2.30 hours. The ferry ride is another 30 minutes ride and then a bus that will take you to the Anantara resort from where the Safari for wildlife begins. The safari is a 90 minute ride with a tour guide. Very passionate tour guides and makes it a wonderful experience.
The journey can get tiring if you take a day visit; like we did. There is quite a lot of journey involved. It’s worth the visit at least once. Please take snacks and water with you so that you are not starving. Although the safari ride do have water in their cars. The safari cars are quite comfortable as well; and they help seniors get into the vehicle with additional support if they aren’t able to get into the jeep.
Good place to go with family; I would recommend a stay though in the hotel. If you have a tight budget; just take a day visit and enjoy nature at its diversity! Start with a full tank and then there are petrol stations almost when you reach Sir baniyas"
mdmehra1
"Beautiful experience overall. The grounds, flora, and fauna that they’ve managed to create is stunning as the place is generally not highly fertile. The project is very ambitious. On the Sir Bani Yas island there are 3 resorts. One feels like another hotel is Dubai or Abu Dhabi, that’s (1) Desert Islands Resort & Spa, (2) Sahel Villa Resort, and (3) Al Yamm Villa Resort. They have cars on the island shuttling you around from one resort to another one so that you can try the different restaurants so no need to worry about not having enough dining options. For context, we stayed at Al Yamm Villa Resort.
Here is the good, the bad, and special:
The ‘Good’
- The resort felt rustic and it fit in the environment
- The private villa’s pool was heated so it was comfy to get into at night
- Turn down service was nice. They have yummy cookies
- Even though they take a bit of time to reply, the Anantara app is useful to connect with front desk
- You get access to the beautiful beach
- There are different activities to keep the fun going
The ‘Bad’
- We paid AED 5,000 per night and AED 1,000+ per meal and we felt the value wasn’t there versus Nurai Island or Al Maha Resort
- The villa is definitely outdated. I love that it’s rustic, but it can definitely use an upgrade asap. For the prices they charge, it should be luxurious
- We wanted a king size bed and they gave us 2 queens and pushed the beds together :( Even though the beds were comfortable, we aren’t used to sleeping on anything less than a California King
- Privacy of the outdoor area of the villa was lacking in a major way. Not only could your neighbors see you 100% at all times, but even people walking in front of the villas
- Reception doesn’t welcome you with useful information about the resort and how things work
- Hit or miss when it came to the staff knowing English well
- The shower head holder of the villa was loose. Housekeeping should check for all these things and get them fixed before the guest arrives.
- Getting the shower head to work was impossible
- The amenities in the bathroom lacked a loofah
- The transportation boat from the mainland to the island and return was simply awful. They should have a high quality boat just for guests staying at the hotel(s) on the island
The ‘Special’
- Tour guide of the mini safari was amazing. Very knowledgeable and cared a lot about the island itself as a project
- Dinner at the African restaurant in the Sahel property was special. They had some nice music on the background coming from the ‘bush’ and it made it cozy
- At the African restaurant, baby oryx approached and it was a beautiful experience
- The spa was solid. We had a couples experience which included time in the jacuzzi, then a massage, and mini facials
- The animal variety in the mini safari tour was great. I’m still amazed at what they were able to build here
Would I go back?
- Yes, I hope they fix all these things, but regardless I’d love to go back and experience it with friends and family"
Brayden Ainzuain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Sir Bani Yas Island is by driving to the Jebel Dhanna ferry terminal. From Abu Dhabi, the drive is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, and from Dubai, it's about 3 to 4 hours. From Jebel Dhanna, you'll take a 30-minute ferry to the island. Some visitors have also flown via Rotana Jet, which can be a quicker option. +2
No, you cannot take your own car to Sir Bani Yas Island. The island is a nature reserve, and private vehicles are not permitted. Access is typically via the Anantara resorts' ferry service.
Ferry timings and prices are usually provided when you book your accommodation or tour with Anantara. It's best to contact the Anantara hotels directly for the most up-to-date information, as schedules can vary.
Yes, Rotana Jet has offered flights to Sir Bani Yas Island, which can be a more convenient and faster way to reach the island compared to driving and taking the ferry.
The total travel time can be significant. Driving to Jebel Dhanna takes 2-4 hours depending on your starting point, followed by a 30-minute ferry ride. Factor in potential traffic and stops. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Based on most traveler experiences, a hotel reservation at one of the Anantara resorts is generally required to access the island and its facilities, including the ferry. Day visits without a booking are reportedly not possible. +2
While some older accounts suggest day trips were possible, current information indicates that a hotel reservation is typically necessary for island access. It's advisable to book a stay to fully experience the island. +1
Safari tours are usually booked in conjunction with your hotel stay at an Anantara resort. You can inquire about booking options when making your accommodation reservation or upon arrival.
The primary cost associated with visiting Sir Bani Yas Island is your accommodation and any booked activities like safaris. There isn't a separate 'entrance fee' for the island itself, but access is tied to resort bookings.
You will need to provide identification when booking and boarding the ferry. It's recommended to have a valid ID with you for the journey.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The island offers a range of activities, including a popular wildlife safari, water sports, kayaking, archery, horse riding, and exploring the island's historical sites like the 7th-century Christian monastery.
Sir Bani Yas Island is home to over 13,000 animals, including giraffes, gazelles, Arabian oryx, ostriches, and various bird species. While cheetahs and zebras are present, sightings can vary.
Anantara operates three resorts: Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Al Sahel Villa Resort, and Al Yamm Villa Resort. Each offers a unique experience, from beachfront villas to those surrounded by wildlife. Reviews suggest they are luxurious but can be pricey, with some facilities noted as aging. +1
Yes, Sir Bani Yas Island is considered a fantastic place for families, offering wildlife encounters, nature activities, and comfortable resort stays. The safari tours are often highlighted as a great family experience.
The island features the ruins of a 7th-century Christian monastery, providing a glimpse into its ancient past. It's part of the island's rich history and conservation efforts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Anantara resorts offer various dining experiences, including international cuisine, African-inspired dishes, and beachfront restaurants. Some reviews mention that meals can be expensive, and bringing snacks is advisable.
Yes, guests can often use the shuttle service to dine at restaurants in the other Anantara resorts, providing a variety of culinary options across the island.
Dining on Sir Bani Yas Island is generally considered expensive, with resort restaurants being the primary option. Bringing your own snacks and water is a common tip for budget-conscious travelers. +1
You can expect a range of cuisines, including international, Emirati, and African-inspired dishes. Some resorts also offer themed dining experiences.
Yes, some Anantara resorts may offer private dining options, such as in-villa dining or special setups on the beach, for a more exclusive experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The wildlife safari offers incredible opportunities to photograph animals in their natural habitat. The island's diverse landscapes, from beaches to desert terrain, also provide stunning backdrops. 
Yes, the safari tours are designed to get you close to the wildlife, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities. Guides are often knowledgeable about animal behavior and the best viewing spots.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscapes and resort shots.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the wildlife and other guests. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them.
Drone usage is typically restricted in nature reserves and sensitive ecological areas. It's best to check with the resort or local authorities regarding drone regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a villa with a private pool for extra family fun and privacy. While the travel time can be long, the unique experience of being surrounded by nature and wildlife often makes it worthwhile for families seeking an escape from the city.
💰 Budget Travelers
To manage costs, consider visiting during the off-peak season if possible, though prices may still be high. Bringing your own snacks and drinks for the journey and potentially for consumption at your resort can help reduce food expenses. A day trip, if feasible, might be a more budget-friendly option, but current information suggests this is difficult without a hotel booking.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond the safari, the island's natural beauty extends to its beaches and diverse landscapes, perfect for exploration. The commitment to rewilding and preserving the ecosystem makes it a significant destination for anyone interested in conservation and ecotourism.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wildlife Conservation Project
Visitors can witness this vision firsthand on the Arabian Wildlife Park safari. This guided tour takes you through diverse landscapes where you can spot a variety of animals, including endangered species like the Arabian oryx, as well as giraffes, gazelles, ostriches, and more. The success of this project is evident in the sheer number of animals thriving on the island, creating a unique ecological haven.
Beyond the safari, the island's commitment to nature is visible everywhere. The presence of animals near the resorts, like gazelles and peacocks, is a common sight, offering a constant reminder of the successful conservation efforts. This makes Sir Bani Yas Island not just a tourist destination, but a living example of environmental stewardship.
Anantara Resorts: Luxury Amidst Nature
Al Yamm Villa Resort offers beachfront villas with direct access to the sea, ideal for those seeking a tranquil coastal experience. Al Sahel Villa Resort provides a more secluded feel, with villas often situated to allow guests to observe wildlife from their private pools. Desert Islands Resort & Spa is the main resort, offering a central location with various amenities and dining options.
While the resorts are highly rated for their service and unique settings, some reviews mention that the facilities can feel a bit dated given the premium pricing. However, the overall experience is consistently described as exceptional, with attentive staff and a strong connection to the island's natural beauty.
Exploring the Island's History
Excavations have revealed evidence of a Nestorian Christian community that lived on the island during the early Islamic period. The discovery of this monastery challenges previous assumptions about the region's historical religious landscape and highlights the island's role as a historical crossroads.
Visiting these historical sites provides a deeper understanding of Sir Bani Yas Island's rich heritage, complementing the experience of its natural wonders. It adds another layer to the island's appeal, making it a destination that caters to both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
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