See All

5 destinations for your ultimate island hopping itinerary in Abu Dhabi

Beyond the city’s impressive skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi has dozens of exciting island destinations, each with its own unique personality and appeal. Luckily, island hopping here is easier than almost anywhere else. In fact, you don’t even need a boat, with many of the city’s must-see islands connected to the mainland by bridge.

While most of the islands you're about to see are relatively close together, you likely won’t be ticking them off in a single afternoon – and that’s exactly the point. Island hopping in Abu Dhabi is about curated exploration, not speed. Each island has a range of attractions and activities that you could (and should) spend at least a few hours exploring.

Here’s your guide to the top island destinations worth hopping between, and why each deserves a spot on your Abu Dhabi bucket list.

For thrills and non-stop adrenaline

1. Yas Island

If you only visit one island in Abu Dhabi, make it Yas. The island is an action-packed playground for families and thrill-seekers. Anchored by Yas Marina, it’s easily reached by car, taxi or private boat, making for an energetic first or last stop on your whirlwind island hopping tour.

The big draw? Theme parks. Choose among attractions like the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, indoor flumes and surf simulators at Yas Waterworld and the pop culture-themed fun of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi – or do it all. If you prefer a slower pace, Yas has no shortage of beaches, luxury resorts and championship golf courses. Plus, there’s Yas Marina Circuit, the eye-catching site of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, to check out.

Charters often depart from Yas Marina, so visitors can start their boat trip in Abu Dhabi here before heading off to quieter island escapes.

For art and culture icons

2. Saadiyat Island

After Yas, come down from your adrenaline high with the calm and cultural charm of Saadiyat Island, just a 25-minute drive away.

Famous for its natural white-sand beaches and nesting Hawksbill turtles, Saadiyat is also the city’s cultural heartbeat. It’s home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, with its iconic floating dome and globe-spanning art collection. You could even hop on an electric catamaran or kayak to explore the waterways surrounding the museum.

Art lovers might visit the Manarat Al Saadiyat arts hub, while wellness seekers can flock to spas and high-end resorts. With so much going on, Saadiyat is still good for that laid-back island lifestyle, with sunbather-dotted beaches like Soul Beach and Kai Beach to prove it.

For dining and shopping

3. Al Maryah Island

Next on your island hopping trail is Al Maryah, a luxury lifestyle hub that’s perfectly placed between Saadiyat and the mainland city centre. Though often missed by tourists more focussed on beaches and theme parks, this compact island is a must-see stop-off for lovers of the finer things. It’s also accessible by car, just 20 minutes from Saadiyat.

Start with a walk through The Galleria, a high-end shopping mall housing the biggest brands, with striking floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the water. Hungry? Al Maryah’s restaurant scene has something for every type of diner – choose between Michelin-worthy fine dining spots and casual waterfront cafés.

At night, with the skyline reflecting across the water, sleek lounges give visitors a taste of glamorous, cosmopolitan Abu Dhabi, cocktail in hand.

For sport and surf

4. Hudayriyat Island

Think of Hudayriyat Island as Abu Dhabi’s sprawling, open-air gym. Connected by a bridge and accessible by boat, this once-quiet island has transformed into a premier sports and lifestyle destination, packed with experiences you can’t find anywhere else, like Surf Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest and most advanced artificial wave facility. Stop off at Hudayriyat for an opportunity to stretch your legs (and maybe give them a workout) in an area that’s loved by locals.

You could cycle a 10-kilometre loop, or take things further and tackle the Circuit X BMX Park. Explore Marsana, a beachfront promenade lined with cafés and food trucks for a quick bite between activities, or book a glamping trip at Bab Al Nojoum to stay a little longer.

For wildlife and nature

5. Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island, located 170 km (105 miles) from Abu Dhabi, is the region’s answer to the Galápagos. Home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, this nature sanctuary is teeming with free-roaming wildlife, including cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles and Arabian oryx. Sir Bani Yas may be more remote than the others on our island hopping list, but it rewards every minute of the journey.

Visitors can arrive by ferry from Jebel Dhanna Jetty, fly in on a seaplane from Yas Marina or sail in on private boat trips organised through licensed providers. Once here, have your pick of pastimes like game drives, horse riding, kayak mangrove tours and snorkelling excursions.

Because Sir Bani Yas takes around two hours to reach via boat, it’s highly recommended to stay overnight at one of the three luxury Anantara resorts and take full advantage of the wealth of activities. This destination isn’t part of quick-hit boat trips in Abu Dhabi, but it’s the crown jewel of any multi-day island hopping adventure and a dream come true for nature lovers.

The best of the rest

6. Reaching remote islands

You’ve just seen five islands worth exploring, but Abu Dhabi is an archipelago made up of more than 200. What about the rest? While many of them lack facilities and are not open to visitors, others are absolutely worth the effort – you’ll just need to plan ahead.

You can book curated day trips through licensed tour operators. Charter companies based at coastal locations like the Corniche and Yas Marina offer a wide variety of options. Some private islands, like Al Maya and Sir Bani Yas, also offer scheduled boat transfers when you book a resort stay or day pass, while islands like Dalma are reachable by public ferry – book your tickets through the Abu Dhabi Maritime authority.

If you prefer total flexibility, chartering a private boat may be your best transportation option. Most charters include a skipper and basic amenities, though experienced sailors can opt for self-drive rentals as long as they have the appropriate licence issued by Abu Dhabi Maritime. With the right planning and permissions, even Abu Dhabi’s most secluded islands open up to you.

More like this

Back

FAQs about island hopping in Abu Dhabi

Not always. Many of Abu Dhabi’s top island destinations, like Yas, Saadiyat, Al Maryah and Hudayriyat, are connected to the mainland by bridge and can be reached easily by car. That said, if you’re planning to explore more remote islands such as Al Maya, Sir Bani Yas or Dalma, you’ll need to book a ferry, private charter or guided boat tour.

Boat trips in Abu Dhabi are widely available and range from scenic cruises to full-day island-hopping adventures with snorkelling and lunch included.

The ideal time for island hopping in Abu Dhabi is between October and April, when the weather is pleasantly warm and sea conditions are calm.

During the summer months, high temperatures can make outdoor activities challenging, especially on smaller or undeveloped islands. For a comfortable experience, plan your boat trip in Abu Dhabi during the cooler seasons, and always bring sun protection, water and light layers, even in the winter months.