Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi: Kayaking Guide and Prices

Why Mangrove National Park is worth a visit

Mangrove National Park sits on the eastern edge of Abu Dhabi island and protects roughly 20 square kilometres of tidal forest. The calm channels offer a quiet break from city traffic while giving you close views of crabs, herons, and occasional flamingos. Most visitors book a guided kayak or canoe tour because self-paddling is restricted to protect the habitat.

2026 tour prices and booking process

Two-hour guided kayak tours cost AED 150 for adults and AED 75 for children aged 8-12. Sunset paddles run AED 180. All prices include life jacket, paddle, and a licensed guide. Book directly through the park’s official portal or at the visitor centre near Yas Island; payment is by card only. Slots fill quickly on weekends, so reserve at least two days ahead during cooler months.

Best months and daily timing

November to March offers the most comfortable temperatures, between 22 °C and 28 °C. From April to October, early-morning tours (07:30 or 08:00) are cooler and have lighter winds. Avoid midday departures between June and September when air temperatures exceed 40 °C. Low tide exposes more roots, while high tide lets you paddle deeper into narrower creeks; both are offered year-round.

What to bring and what to expect

Wear quick-dry clothes, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bring a reusable water bottle, the park does not sell drinks on site. Tours begin with a short safety briefing, then you paddle in single or double kayaks for about 90 minutes. Guides pause to point out fiddler crabs and osprey nests. You return to the jetty by the two-hour mark. Photography is allowed; drones are prohibited.

Facilities and access details

The park opens daily from 06:00 to 18:00. Free parking for 80 cars is available beside the jetty. Public buses 82 and 88 stop within a five-minute walk. No food vendors operate inside the park, so eat before or after at Yas Mall, ten minutes away by car. Restrooms and shaded seating are provided at the entrance.

Combining the trip with nearby attractions

Many visitors pair the kayak with a morning at Warner Bros. World or an afternoon at Yas Waterworld. If you finish by 11:00, you can reach either park before lunch crowds arrive. For a full day out, start with the 07:30 kayak, then move to Yas Beach for a relaxed swim.

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