(CNN) — With more than 200 islands, stretches of quiet beaches and nearly eternal sunshine, Abu Dhabi has plenty to offer water lovers.
“My personal favorite in Abu Dhabi is kayaking in the natural mangroves on a two-hour guided tour,” says Gretta Beckett, an Abu Dhabi resident.
Adventure traveler Laura Coughlin points to Abu Dhabi’s massive water cable park. “There’s nothing like it in the Middle East,” she says. “Even pro-boarders come to check it out. Our country’s only pro wakeboarder, Omeir Saeed, is often here cheering on budding wake boarders.”
These epic water activities make the most of Abu Dhabi’s endless sunshine:
Pretend to be mermaids at a water park
Visitors can try their hand at pearl diving at the Yas Waterworld park.
Yas Waterworld
The region’s first water cinema is here, and when the show is done, there’s a kid-friendly mermaid school.
It’s even possible to plunge down the Middle East’s longest suspended roller-coaster or race headlong against five others down a massive water slide.
Master 360 turns wake surfing
The flat waters of the UAE are ideal for wake surfing.
Wake Evolution
The flat waters of the UAE are ideal for wake surfing, a sport that involves riding a shorter surf board behind a special wave-creating boat. Once the art of standing up has been mastered, you can progress on to flips, 360 turns and even ever-so-serene board yoga.
The surrounding promenade is full of restaurants for breakfast after. Or for sunset riders, there’s drinks at the Anantara Eastern Mangrove’s outdoor terrace for waterfront views of the marina.
“Abu Dhabi’s protected waterways make the water flatter, meaning you won’t fall as much,” says Mullet.
Gather pearls from a traditional dhow
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey: Dates, tea and pearl-opening included.
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
A local guide talks through the extensive history of pearl diving in the region (including how divers wore weights on their legs and clipped their noses shut), then provides dates, tea and a pearl opening demonstration. Anyone who finds a pearl gets to keep it.
Explore history along a scenic route
Captain Tony’s boat ride: A glide through history.
Captain Tony’s
The trip passes the Maqta Fort, a local heritage site over 200 years old, then winds past Abu Dhabi’s mangroves. Flamingos can be spotted here.
Toward the end, there’s a scenic view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Skip the boat with a cable park
Al Forsan International Sorts Resort: From wake skating to wake boarding.
Al Forsan
This massive cable park involves a huge overhead cable that pulls riders along the lake at speeds of nearly 24 miles per hour (38 kph), no boats required.
The wait time is minimal, as the system can pop out 13 riders per minute. For those into advanced wakeboarding, the dedicated extreme course is great for intense training.
Compete against friends in an inflatable course
Aquafun Abu Dhabi: Inflatable fun.
Aquafun
This 84-piece obstacle course has bridges, ramps, steps and slides, challenging visitors to balance and climb their way to success.
Kayak in luxury
Kayaking around Abu Dhabi is a good way to spot wild life.
Anantara
The trip involves potential spotting of wildlife like foxes, turtles, flamingos and the ever-charming sea snakes.
Leave the city center for quiet waters
In this scenic area you’ll find more locals than tourists — possibly because of the 40-minute drive from Abu Dhabi’s center.
Yet with multiple companies offering everything from jet skiing (ideal in the flat waters) to serious wake surfing (again, great on the glassy surface), Ghantoot has plenty to do all day.
Soar above the sea with jetpacks on your feet
Strapping on jet-propelled boots isn’t for the faint hearted.
Courtesy Seasports
Not for the faint of heart, this wild water sport involves strapping on jet-propelled boots then bursting up out of the water.
