SIR BANI YAS ISLAND - CITIZEN SCIENCE STAYCATIONS
Available Dates:
February 25th to 27th 2022
March 26th to 28th 2022
Price: Coming Soon
Highlights
Engage in real marine-based citizen science projects
Camp under the stars on Sir Bani Yas Island
Plant mangroves to help further support the island ecosystem
See giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles and more on a jeep safari
This 3-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
You and your children will be playing a vital role in helping marine biologists to gather data on coral reefs, fish and substrate, having a lot of fun along the way. They will work with professionals to learn how to be citizen scientists, then gather and submit data to Coral Watch, based in the US.
You and your kids will also enjoy some of the incredible activities on the island, including a jeep safari to see the giraffes, gazelles, cheetahs and more, planting mangroves to support the local ecosystem, and hiking in the centre of the island to see the unique salt domes.
The Itinerary
A 3-hour drive will see you arrive on the island by lunch, where we will meet you and help you settle into the beautiful campsite (closer to glamping) you will call home for the next couple of days. After orientating you to the island, the kids will start their Reef Check project, learning from our team of professionals. Parents can join in as well, doing your part for the environment while enjoying the beaches of the island at the same time.
In the late afternoon, we can go for a hike before sunset, enjoying the salt domes, learning about the geology and history of the island, and generally winding down for the day.
Dinner will be held back at the Anantara campsite, made by the very capable chefs of the hotel.
After a wonderful camp breakfast, we'll head out to plant mangroves, lead by the conservationists hired by Anantara. This interactive session will teach the kids all about the importance of mangroves, as well as how reforesting will help Sir Bani Yas, as well as the wider ecosystem.
After lunch, we will will be back in the water, surveying for reef check until sunset.
Back at "camp", we might get the opportunity to enjoy some s'mores after dinner, and some stargazing, weather permitting.
Our final day on this wonderful island will start with the reason most people visit. We will take a jeep safari into the massive gated centre of the island, where giraffe, gazelles, cheetah and more roam call the island home. While seeing the animals, we will learn about the breeding project and why the island does this. An experience very few are aware of in the UAE; this is something not to miss.
Before packing up for the journey home, we will engage in one final reef check survey, before wrapping up our experiences with a debrief on what we have learned and what we enjoyed.
Before you know it, it will be time to leave. We hope you've had an unfortgettable experience.
What To Expect
FOOD - All meals are included in this adventure, prepared by the chefs of the 5* Anantara Resort on the island. You can expect a wide variety of excellent cuisine, to a very high standard. All allergies can be taken care of - please inform us before the start of the trip. Food will be served at Majlis style dining tables in the centre of camp, and there will also be a relaxing area complete with fire pits, to enjoy the evening under the stars.
ACCOMMODATION - Although this is a camping experience, you can expect a high level of care. The campsite is administered by the Anantara Hotel, and we can use their amenities, in addition to what we have at camp. Camping will be in tents, and the site will be set up in a very professional and cosy way. Showers and full bathroom facilities are available at the adjacent water-sport centre as well, but do not expect a 5* hotel room. Camping will make this a unique experience, backed up by Anantara’s hospitality.
GEAR - This trip does not require anything specific, out of the ordinary from what you already own. The only exception may be a sleeping bag, which is widely available to buy in the UAE. We will provide a full kist list upon booking, but you don’t need to overly worry.
HEALTH AND SAFETY - All covid safety protocols will be adhered to on this trip, and Sir Bani Yas Island operates to very high levels of safety and care in this regard. In addition, the island has all 3 emergency services permanently present, in addition to a SEHA health clinic. Our guides are all professionally trained, and first aid qualified, in land and water safety. You will be in very good hands whilst with us.
Inclusions
All camping accommodation, including tents
All activities in the itinerary
All meals and drinks
All guiding
Exclusions
Transport to and from the island
Additional snacks, drinks
Covid-related requirements to enter Abu Dhabi
Medical Insurance
Personal gear including a sleeping bag (covid protocols)
Cancelation Policy
In the event of UAE government event restrictions due to Covid-19, a full refund will be given (terms & conditions apply)
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: