Khor Al Beidah, Umm Al Quwain · Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain Mangroves & Al Sinniyah Island

A wide tidal lagoon of mangrove channels and sandbars sheltered behind Al Sinniyah Island, holding the country's largest breeding colony of Socotra cormorants along with flamingos, herons and turtles. Kayaking here is the quietest few hours available anywhere on this coast.

Why go

The largest mangrove lagoon in the northern emirates
Major Socotra cormorant breeding colony, plus flamingos and turtles
Pre-Islamic monastery remains on Al Sinniyah Island
Calm, shallow water suitable for first-time kayakers

On the water

Khor Al Beidah is shallow, sheltered and enormous. Kayak operators launch from the town side and thread the channels out towards the island; the water is calm enough for beginners and the birdlife is far denser than at the better-known Abu Dhabi and Ajman mangroves simply because fewer people come.

Al Sinniyah Island itself is a protected reserve and holds a significant archaeological site — the remains of a pre-Islamic Christian monastery, excavated in recent years, alongside a settlement occupied from the Bronze Age. Landing is restricted; the birds and the ruins are both reasons why.

Timing it

Go at high tide — at low water large parts of the lagoon are mud rather than channel, and a kayak trip becomes a walk. Early morning is best for the birds and the temperature. Bring more water than you expect and sun cover; there is no shade at all out there.

Umm Al Quwain Mangroves & Al Sinniyah Island, answered

Can you kayak in Umm Al Quwain mangroves?

Yes, and it is the best thing to do in the emirate. The water is shallow and sheltered, operators launch from the town side, and it is considerably quieter than the Abu Dhabi or Ajman mangroves.

Can you land on Al Sinniyah Island?

Access is restricted. It is a protected reserve with a major seabird colony and an active archaeological excavation, including the remains of a pre-Islamic Christian monastery.