Abu Dhabi seaplane flight

Looking for something fun to do outdoors in the city that won’t melt your socks off? Try taking in an aerial view of our beautiful island for a special treat. Sara Taher gets on a sea plane to find out more.

There’s a lot to see around our city. Amazing structures both new and old, and some only in the first development stages are scattered across the emirate. One way to truly take in the majesty and grandeur of it all is from the air.

We opted to try the sea plane experience, for a quick flight over Saadiyat that continues on to Emirates Palace and the new Presidential Palace being built on Ras Al Akhdar. The 14-passenger Cessna 208A Caravan amphibian aircraft gleamed invitingly in the sun, as it rested by the dock on Yas Island. Just as with a normal flight, we were issued boarding passes and had to go through a security check before taking our seats. Our pilot, Andrew Kennedy, was all smiles and jokes while we buckled up.

Soon after putting on our seat belts, the engine was switched on and we began to speed across the water. Within minutes, we were airborne, and soaring above the developments of Abu Dhabi. The flight was exhilarating; seeing the foundations of the forthcoming museums on Saadiyat and the emergence of the new palace put into perspective how much of a dynamic place we live in. The weather was very accommodating and it was smooth sailing all the way to our destination and back again.

The view is certainly breathtaking, with clear waters we were able to make out coral and the sea floor. The development taking place now around the capital is substantial, and seeing it with your own eyes is awe inspiring. As we began to glide back down to the marina landing spot, we anticipated a bumpy touchdown. Nevertheless, our pleasant captain manoeuvred his machine seamlessly, and the moment of touching the water’s surface was indiscernible.

We soon jetted down to a slower speed and glided the plane back to its landing spot on the marina.

While the experience will certainly put a dent in your wallet, it is well worth the investment. The flights will cost you Dhs900 or more, depending on your route. It’s not a regular occurrence that you might indulge in but a great way to spend a Friday morning nevertheless.

Andrew, the friendly pilot, took some time to share a few of his experiences with us.

For how long have you been flying?
I began my career in flying in 1993 at the age of 21. So I’ve now been flying for exactly 20 years.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Sharing the whole experience of flight in a seaplane with my passengers, particularly the transition from water to sky and then back again. There is nothing else quiet like the feeling of sliding on the water and then going airborne again, it’s magical!

What is the weirdest comment you’ve ever received from a passenger?
I always get a fairly standard range of questions about safety and air traffic control but some questions don’t always relate to flying the seaplane but flying in general. The only question that stands out in my mind as being weird was when a passenger asked me whether I do this as a hobby! I told him that believe it or not this is an actual profession.

Why do you recommend people try this experience?
There was a golden age of aviation when travelling by flying boat was the most glamorous and exclusive way of travel to exotic locations around the world. So today it’s still got some of that charm and it certainly is the best way to see the world from above without the jet lag and complexities of modern travel.
Seawings operates flights in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. www.seawings.ae (04 883 2999).