Sir Bani Yas Island gets you off the ship via tender boats running every half hour to the Beach Club.
For other United Arab Emirates Cruise destinations check out our United Arab Emirates Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
The island’s got gorgeous beaches and wild safaris with about 17,000 animals roaming freely. Your ship throws in a free BBQ lunch too.
Just a heads-up – book your excursions before you arrive since there’s zero public transport around the island.
Hit the beaches early to grab a good spot, bring reef-friendly sunscreen, and give yourself a solid 45 minutes to get back to your ship.
This guide covers all the essentials for making the most of your island day.
Map of Sir Bani Yas Island Cruise Ship Port
Getting to Sir Bani Yas Island: Transportation & Arrival Information
Getting to Sir Bani Yas Island: Transportation & Arrival Information
Planning a trip to Sir Bani Yas Island? Here’s what you need to know. For cruise passengers, your ship will dock at a terminal where small shuttle boats (we call them tenders) will zip you over to the island’s Beach Club area. These boats run roughly every half hour throughout your time in port.
If you’re traveling on your own, regular ferries leave from Jebel Dhanna Port with departures from 8:30 in the morning until 11:00 at night, depending on which day you’re traveling. Staying at one of the fancy Anantara resorts? Lucky you! You’ll get access to private water taxis that run 4-5 times daily and get you to the island in just 15-20 minutes.
Once you’ve made it to dry land, you’ll find free shuttles waiting to take you to all the main spots worth visiting.
Beach Activities & Facilities at the Cruise Port
Sir Bani Yas Island’s Beach Club isn’t your average cruise stop – it absolutely blows other beach spots out of the water! The shoreline is gorgeous, and they’ve got swimming areas marked off with buoys so you can splash around without worrying about boats.
It’ll cost you a few bucks to get in, but it’s totally worth it. Plus, there’s a free shuttle that runs every 20 minutes to take you anywhere on the resort. The best part? Since the beach is super close to where your tender drops you off, you won’t waste half your day just getting there like at some ports. More time for actually enjoying yourself!
Wildlife Encounters: Safari & Nature Experiences
Need a break from the beach? Sir Bani Yas Island offers some of the coolest wildlife experiences you’ll find in the Middle East. Jump on a 1.5-hour 4Ă—4 safari where expert guides will show you over 17,000 animals roaming freely, or get up close with Arabian oryx and giraffes on an intimate walking tour.
If you’re into history, check out the archaeological tours that tell the story of Sheikh Zayed’s conservation dream and the ancient monastery ruins. Feeling more adventurous? Hop on an Arabian horse for a ride or grab a paddle and explore the peaceful mangrove waterways. Every adventure connects you with the island’s amazing natural heritage in its own special way.
Dining & Shopping Options for Cruise Passengers
Cruise passengers hitting Sir Bani Yas Island won’t go hungry during their shore trips. You can chow down on the free barbecue lunch whipped up by your ship’s crew or check out the restaurants at Anantara resort for something different.
- Grab drinks at any of the six beach bars – they’ll just tack it onto your ship account
- Fancy cruisers can splurge on cool experiences like “Caviar in the Surf”
- Hungry for variety? Anantara’s got you covered with Italian, Middle Eastern, and African food
- Shopping’s pretty basic – just hotel boutiques and gift shops selling local crafts and fancy stuff
See what’s on offer from the Port of Khor Fakkan for a different United Arab Emirates Cruise destination.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Making Your Sir Bani Yas Island Visit Count
Let’s face it – with a bit of know-how, you can turn a regular day on Sir Bani Yas Island into something you’ll actually brag about later.
Book your excursions through your cruise line before you arrive (seriously, there’s no public transport here). Hit the beaches before 11 AM if you want a decent spot, and schedule those wildlife drives during the morning when it’s not scorching hot. Give yourself a solid 45-minute buffer to get back to your ship – nothing ruins a vacation like watching your cruise sail away without you.
Stuff you’ll need: Strong sunscreen that won’t kill coral (SPF 50+), proper shoes for safari adventures (no flip-flops!), something waterproof for your phone, and a big water bottle you can refill.
Oh, and don’t be that tourist – keep your distance from the animals, stick to the paths, and ditch the single-use plastics. The island will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi-Fi Available Throughout the Island or Only at Welcome Center?
Wi-Fi isn’t available all over the island. You can grab free access at the Welcome Center infopoint, and if you’re staying at Anantara places, there’s Wi-Fi at those spots too (it’s free at Desert Islands Resort but you’ll have to pay at Al Yamm Villa).
Can Passengers With Mobility Restrictions Access All Island Attractions?
Accessibility on the island is a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. Most attractions are doable if you’ve got someone helping you out, but we won’t sugarcoat it – wheelchair users will struggle with those old monastery ruins and watchtowers. They weren’t exactly built with ramps in mind back in the day!
Are There Medical Facilities Available for Emergencies?
Yes, there are medical facilities ready if you need them! You’ll find a clinic at Al Maha district for those smaller issues, and don’t worry – your cruise ship has doctors on call 24/7 for anything more serious that might come up during your vacation.
What’s the Policy on Bringing Personal Drones for Photography?
Sorry folks, your drone needs to stay grounded here! Sir Bani Yas Island has a strict no-drone policy across all resorts. You’ll have to snap those memories the traditional way—with your regular camera in hand.
How Are Weather Cancellations Handled for Scheduled Port Stops?
When bad weather scraps a port visit, cruise lines usually refund those port fees automatically. Many ships will try to swap in a different destination or toss some onboard credit your way instead. Just keep in mind they’re making these calls to keep everyone safe, even if it throws a wrench in your original plans. They really do want you to enjoy your vacation despite Mother Nature’s interference.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Ras Al Khaimah.
