Abu Dhabi
Kayak fishing
An old favourite of ours, the beauty of kayak fishing is that it’s relatively cheap, particularly if you have your own equipment. If not, then Kayak Abu Dhabi offer arranged trips. Equipment rental costs Dhs100 per hour, while a guide and equipment costs Dhs200 per hour.
Call 02 542 0820 or visit www.kayakabudhabi.com for more information.
Jebel Ali
Fish on the cheap
While sailfish sightings have dropped from highly frequent to nil, the presence of hammour, barracuda and the occasional tuna around the Dubai-Dhabi border still keeps boats out there. We like Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, who provide boats for four hours, for a maximum of seven people, at a shockingly low Dhs1,750.
Call 04 883 6000.
Fujairah
Fujairah Fishing Competition
Red algae and oil spills may have taken their toll in recent years, but the East Coast remains a hotspot for fighting dorado (mahi-mahi), sizable kingfish or queen mackerel. There’s even been significant sailfish activity here in recent years.
Check out the Fujairah Classic Fishing Competition which falls on October 29-31, hosted by the Méridien Al Aqah Resort. www.fujairahclassic.com.
Ras Al-Khaimah
West coast paradise
Unblemished by the tankers and ports found in the east, the West Coast of the UAE remains pleasantly overlooked. The chance of pulling out barracuda, sultan fish, the occasional tuna or a big ol’ catfish are still likely possibilities. Hamra Fort Hotel and Beach Resort has a boathouse on the Marina side (no entrance fee necessary), with four-hour fishing excursions at Dhs420 per person.
Call Jean Marc on 050 487 6813.
Dubai
Swim with the fishes
Forget catching them, why not try swimming alongside them? Better still, the experience is available to certified and non-certified divers alike. See sand tiger sharks, reef sharks, giant groupers, stingrays and join them in the tank at Dubai Aquarium.
For more details, call 04 342 2993 or visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com.
