Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi – Entry Fee, Timing & Location Info
By Hammad Rana Sir Bani Yas Island is a landmark in Abu Dhabi, about 170 kilometres southwest of the city. It is the largest natural island in the UAE, measuring 17.5 km from north to south and 9 km from east to west. The island has a long history and there are signs of people living there thousands of years ago. It used to be the top of a salt dome created by nature. Today, there are over 42 old sites, including a Christian monastery from around 600 AD. In 1977, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan began efforts to protect the island’s nature. Now, it is home to many animals and plants.
Sir Bani Yas Island isn’t just about history and nature; It is also a place of adventure and peace. Wildlife safaris, kayaking, biking and snorkeling are all things you can do there. The landscape of the island is really beautiful because of its domes and green plants. And it’s not just pretty to look at; it helps keep the area diverse with different kinds of living things. Sir Bani Yas Island shows how much the UAE cares about its natural and cultural heritage. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the past and enjoy the present in a beautiful setting.
Things to do in Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island has a long history and plenty of exciting things to do so that all visitors will have a great time. Whether you want to relax on the beautiful beaches or go on an exciting safari to watch the animals, Sir Bani Yas Island has something special for every traveler.
Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is a famous racetrack on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, designed by Hermann Tilke. It has a track length of 5.281 kilometers and has been part of Formula 1 racing since its inauguration in October 2009. It cost more than $1.322 billion to build and can hold up to 60,000 people in stands that protect them from the sun.
The track has 16 turns and programs like the Grand Prix and Corkscrew Circuit, making it exciting for the racers. In addition to the races, you can drive, go-kart, and do other fun things. The official tour costs AED 130 for adults and AED 65 for children. Whether you’re watching the fast cars at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix or taking a stroll up close, the Yas Marina Circuit is an unforgettable experience if you love car racing.
Arabian Wildlife Park
The Arabian Wildlife Park is a huge natural playground spread over 4200 hectares on the island of Sir Bani Yas. It’s home to more than 13,000 animals, including giraffes, giraffes, ostriches and very fast cheetahs. The entry fee is 15 AED. It is suggested to go on safari in the morning when it is cooler and lighter If you visit. That is when the animals are most active. The park has been designed with a focus on making the animals safer and easier for people to approach.
There is a special platform to view them so you can get really close to the animals without scaring them. They really care about the animals and make sure they have a good place to live. It is a place to learn about animals and the importance of protecting them and their homes. The people who take care of the park work hard to make sure it stays a special place for animals and people to enjoy together. It is located at 8HGX+WGC – Sir Bani Yas – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.
Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach
Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is a dreamy place with 1.2 kilometers of beautiful, clean sand. Located on the largest island in the UAE that is all nature, it is perfect for people arriving on a cruise ship who want to relax or have some fun. There are 2,000 sunbeds and umbrellas for everyone so that you can sunbathe or relax in the shade. They also have cozy little houses for four people called cabanas, with their bars and dining areas.
Yas Beach on Yas Island costs AED 50 for adults and AED 25 for children aged 8-16 on Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the cost is AED 100 for adults and AED 50 for children. Children under 8 can get in free. You can try water sports like kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding if you like to be active. Plus, they’ve just built a new jetty that makes it easy for more than 5,000 visitors to come and go. Whether you exercise in the water, float or swim, this beach is the perfect place to kick back and have fun. Located at Al Dhafra Region PO BX 54477 – Sir Bani Yas – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.
Sir Bani Yas Cruise Port
Sir Bani Yas Cruise Port is a prime location in the UAE where visitors can start their journey on the island. The port has been made even better recently with a new jetty that cost AED 100 million to build. This shows how much the UAE wants to ensure that visitors have a great time. The port is located on the largest natural island in the UAE, where people can take a wide variety of tours to see the wildlife and the history of the island.
Large cruise ships such as Seabourn Encore and MSC Opera come and go from morning till night, and passengers can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and sometimes watch dolphins play. The port is conveniently located in the Al Dhafra area, so Arabian Wildlife Park, old historical sites, etc. Easy to get around. The entrance to the Sir Bani Yas Cruise Port is free. Whether you want to sit back and enjoy the view or just want to get out and explore, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Port is a memorable destination for its beauty and stories. The location of the Port is 7JQP+MVQ – Sir Bani Yas – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates.
Tea on the Savannah
“Tea on the Savannah” on Sir Bani Yas Island is a great way to enjoy afternoon tea. It is held in a beautiful grassy area at Anantara Al Sahel Resort. Here, you can enjoy desserts like scones, small sandwiches and quiches. As you sip Earl Gray tea or Arabic coffee, you might see some friendly gazelles nearby.
This tea time costs AED 299 for adults and AED 149 for children aged 6 to 11. Young children under 5 can join for free. Tea is served between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, and it is advisable to book early to secure a spot. Whether you’re staying at the resort or just visiting, having tea here is a peaceful way to discover the island’s animals and enjoy the quiet moment.
Wanders in the Wild
Sir Bani Yas Island has “Wanders in the Wild” as a real adventure, taking you through an amazing 87 square kilometres of nature. You’ll see more than 17,000 animals roaming freely, including Arabian orcs, cheetahs, giraffes and even hyenas. There are 42 historical sites to check out, including a Christian monastery from 600 AD.
The walk can last up to 5 hours, so you can really immerse yourself in the views and silence. Plus, it’s not just a walk—you can find cool fossils and minerals or even spot flamingos near the mangrove pools. It’s a chance to learn more and feel closer to the wild side of the island.
Bonfire Feasting
Bonfire Feasting at Sir Bani Yas Island is a fun outdoor party under the stars. Here, you can enjoy a big meal with over 30 different dishes while sitting around a warm fire. It is a small gathering of 20 to 50 people, which feels exclusive and close to nature.
The island is serious about taking care of nature, so everything used at the feast is eco-friendly, and nothing goes to waste. In addition, many parties feature live music, which happens at about 60% of the events and adds to the magic of the night. This is not just food; It’s a way to celebrate the beauty of the island and create memories that will last, all under a starry sky.
Sir Bani Yas Island Images
Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sir Bani Yas Island Cruise Beach
Hotels in Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island safari
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas
What are Bani Yas Island timings?
Sir Bani Yas Island times are as follows.
- Sunday through Thursday: The island is open from 10am to 6pm.
- Friday: Visitors can reach the island between 2pm and 6pm.
The best time for tourists to visit Sir Bani Yas Island is from September to March. It’s nice because the weather is good. It is not too hot during the day and cool at night. There is little rain, so you can enjoy exploring the island and having many adventures. From November to February, the air is even cooler, ideal for hiking and kayaking. But it’s still warm enough to swim in the sea.
How to Reach Sir Bani Yas Island?
To reach Sir Bani Yas Island, you have the following options:
- By car: Take your car or drive from Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Follow highway E11 to Al Ruwais, then take exit 113 to Sir Bani Yas Island. Park at Jebel Dhanna Jetty and take a water taxi to the island.
- By boat: You can also take a boat directly from Abu Dhabi’s main port to the Royal Bay Moorings on the island.
- By Air: Small planes and seaplanes can fly from the mainland and land on the island’s airstrip, which is a quicker way to get there.
- By Bus: You can use the city’s bus service to reach the Sir Bani Yas Ferry Terminal.
- By Seaplane: Another cool option is to take a trip on a seaplane run by Seawings. It gives you awesome views on your way to the island.
What is the map of Sir Bani Yas Island?
What is the Entry Fee of Sir Bani Yas Island?
Sir Bani Yas Island offers a variety of experiences for adults for an entry fee of AED 15, including the Arabian Wildlife Park’s safari, outdoor activities like mountain biking and hiking, historical site exploration, horse riding activities, and the luxury of beach resorts. Children under the age of 12 are welcome to enjoy these experiences at no additional cost, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
Note: Some activities may require extra fees, so it is recommended that you check with the island’s customer service for details.
What is the Safari Price in Sir Bani Yas Island?
The Safari Price in Sir Bani Yas is AED 250 for adults and AED 100 for children, ensuring an unforgettable experience with the island’s wildlife. During the safari, you’ll have the chance to see majestic wildlife roaming free, including herds of the endangered Arabian Oryx, ostriches, and giraffes. The island’s rugged beauty and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
What is the Ferry cost in Sir Bani Yas Island?
You get a free 15 to 20 minute water taxi ride to Sir Bani Yas Island if you’re staying at Anantara Resorts. It goes 4 to 5 times each day and must be booked 24 hours in advance. This service is designed to provide convenient access to the island from the Jebel Dhanna jetty. For people coming from Dalma Island, the ferry ride takes about 2 hours and it costs AED 20.
Note: Confirm the ferry schedule and any associated costs beforehand to ensure a smooth trip to the island.
