ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS
Global Goals Covered
Highlights
Engage in real marine-based citizen science projects
See giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles and more on a jeep safari
Learn survival skills and teamwork from the professionals
Plant mangroves to help further support the island ecosystem
Camp under the stars on Sir Bani Yas Island
This 5-day journey takes us to the beautiful and highly unique island of Sir Bani Yas. Home to a very successful animal breeding project for giraffe, gazelle, cheetah and more, the island also boasts a very well protected marine ecosystem
Students will be playing a vital role in helping to build the bio digesting chambers for 2 plants while they are in Nepal. The legacy you leave behind will be a completely sustainable energy source for Nepali families that will last for up to 40 years, protecting them and endangered animals from danger, as well as health issues.
An Overview
Sir Bani Yas Island, located in the Arabian Gulf, just off the coast of the Western UAE, is widely regarded as a conservationist’s, marine biologist’s and archaeologist’s dream destination. The island is dominated and defined by The Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to giraffes, cheetahs, gazelle and more. But the island is much more than a safari park. Multiple archaeological sites are located here, including an ancient Christian monastery, and the centre of the island showcases salt dome hills.
Underwater, the island provides a home for multiple species of fish, corals, hawksbill turtles and the elusive dugong. This marine ecosystem allows for wide-ranging citizen science conservation projects, engaging students in real-world marine biology data collection activities.
During our time on the island, we will also enjoy snorkelling and mangrove planting, in addition to land experiences such as hiking and a jeep safari in the wildlife park. We are also uniquely positioned to introduce students to land and ocean-based survival skills training, led by professionals in the field.
Pre Trip Activities
The level of support we o er our clients varies depending on their requirements. We can meet with students and parents to advise on all aspects of the trip, including kit lists, preparation, what to expect and how to get the best out of the experience. We can also work with the school or parents when it comes to students with specific dietary and allergy concerns so that all concerned parties are comfortable knowing that important issues have been addressed prior to departure. If you inform us of what level of support you require, we will ensure you receive it.
This Trip Is Best For
Students who are:
Excited to learn about their immediate natural environment, and who want to understand how to better preserve it for the future
Keen to understand more about the science behind marine research and how it can be applied
Excited to visit the unique Sir Bani Yas Island and experience all it has to offer
The Itinerary
The trip will begin early on day 1, leaving school together on buses for the roughly 4 hour journey to the ferry port of Sir Bani Yas island. Upon arrival at the port, we will be organized and transported the short 30 minute ferry journey onto the island. After arrival, we will head to our campsite that will be our base for the week, assigning tents and settling in.
After lunch and a trip introduction, we will get straight into the main reason we are here, which is to Begin our Reef Check project with a classroom-based presentation and land exercise. It is important for us to learn the basics, so that our eldwork is more purposeful going forward.
In the late afternoon, we’ll reconvene at our camp before dinner, enjoying a short hike into the interior of the island, where we will learn more about this incredible place.
Our evening, after food, will allow us time to debrief on the day, play some teambuilding games and, weather-permitting, enjoy the stars away from the light polluted cities.
After our campsite breakfast, we’ll waste no time in putting our Reef Check theory into practice. We will head out to various sites on the coast to observe and survey the marine environment, including fish, substrate and corals. We will work alongside our instructors to gather data and learn from what we find.
By lunch we will stop, to avoid the heat of the day, relaxing at the campsite and refueling for the afternoon. After lunch we’ll head out on a relaxing hike to the interior of the island, learning about the geology of this unique place. We will get back to camp in time for sunset. After dinner we’ll enjoy our evening in the usual way.
Our morning will see us complete our Reef Check practical work, putting all our new skills to action for the final time. After a final survey, and if we have time, we may even get the opportunity to do some marine lab work, looking more closely at our ndings to get a deeper level of understanding of our marine environment.
After lunch, and season-permitting, we will work with island conservationists, to plant mangroves to help repopulate the area with much needed trees. We will learn how mangroves benefit the local environment while we plant, leaving our legacy at the same time.
In the late afternoon, if there is time, we’ll get together in teams to build shelters, competing to see who can do the best job. Another fun activity, it also cements our teamwork skills at the same time.
Before we know it, evening will be upon us at camp.
We will celebrate our nal full day on the island by heading out on a Jeep safari, seeing the highly successful Sir Bani Yas breeding program for ourselves. Our guides will teach us all about the island and what we are witnessing, with the chance of seeing Giraffe, Gazelle, Cheetah and more. It is a wonderful way to see the island in all its glory.
After lunch we’ll enjoy another fun activity, heading out on a snorkeling trip to see some of the reefs around Sir Bani Yas. Our highly trained water team will guide you and show you healthy marine ecosystems that Reef Check aims to protect.
By sunset we’ll be in camp, eating a well-earned meal before bed
After breakfast we will have to start thinking about heading home. We’ll break down camp, pack our things and leave the island. By late afternoon we’ll be back at school, ready to see our families and tell them all about what we did on our week away. It’s been a pleasure.
Heath And Safety
Health and sanitary conditions will be of a high standard when it comes to camping. The campsite is very well equipped. There will be dedicated toilet facilities, high quality food preparation and all relevant first aid and general safety needs available. Students will be briefed on how to use the facilities.
Healthcare in the UAE is excellent. Sir Bani Yas Island has its own dedicated and comprehensive emergency services, as well as a fully functioning health clinic. It is important that students are covered with the correct health insurance.
All of our guides are first aid trained. We have with us at all times a full and well-equipped medical kit. The contents of this can be shared with you prior to departure.
We have standard operating procedures in place, as well as risk assessment strategies, in order to mitigate any risks linked to this trip.
Students are required to provide us information on dietary requirements, allergies and their health insurance before departure. All allergies and dietary requirements can be taken into consideration and managed.
FAQs
What’s the accommodation like?
Students will stay in tents throughout the trip, and there will be full toilet facilities available. The standard of camping is good, and facilities are excellent. Meals will be served by the catering team at Sir Bani Yas.
What is the weather like?
The UAE is a hot country and even in the winter it can be hot during the day. Our trips are created to avoid the hottest parts of the day and we will be ensuring that everyone is well hydrated and protected from the sun. A lot of time is spent in the water, which will allow for regular refreshments. Temperatures in the day will be around 30°C or more and about 20°C at night.
What clothes should I wear?
Light clothing is best for daytime, along with plenty of swimming clothes. Some extra layers at night will help. We will provide a full kit list before the start of the trip.
How fit do I need to be?
A basic level of fitness is required for swimming and hiking. A basic swim competency will make the trip highly enjoyable, but you do not need to be a competition swimmer to enjoy this trip.
Health and safety?
The trip leaders on this trip are all first aid trained. All three emergency services are available on the island and our presence is known to them. In an emergency we are in very good hands.
Spending Money?
Everything in terms of the trip is covered in the cost. You may want to bring between 100 aed for some snacks when we have time, although these opportunities will be limited.
Is the food and water safe?
Food and water are absolutely safe as it will be provided to you by our staff , or by the highly competent staff at Sir Bani Yas Island. Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly before eating and only drink water provided by your guides. We also cater to any allergies or specific dietary requirements.
Inquiries?
If you have questions about this trip, would like to know more or thinking about booking this trip with us, then please contact us at: