Jubail Mangrove Park is not the same park as our Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi guide. That is the first thing to clear up, because the names sound alike and search results mix them. Jubail Mangrove Park is a boardwalk and kayak eco-park on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi, between Yas and Saadiyat islands, where a raised wooden walkway winds through mangrove trees at water level. The national park is a different, larger protected area. If you want a quiet walk among mangroves and a paddle through the channels, Jubail is the one to book.
The park opened to visitors in early 2020 as a public eco-tourism space, described as the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi. Mangroves are vital to Abu Dhabi’s coastline: they shelter young fish, crabs and birds, protect the shore from erosion, and store carbon. Walking the boardwalk here is less about ticking off a landmark and more about slowing down — herons in the channels, crabs around the roots at low tide, and the sound of water under the walkway.
Jubail Mangrove Park at a Glance
Location: Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, between Yas and Saadiyat islands. Timings: Daily 7:00 AM–9:00 PM, year-round. Boardwalk entry: Published around AED 20 adult / AED 10 child — check the official booking page, prices differ by guide. Time needed: 1–3 hours. Best time: Early morning or late afternoon, sunrise or sunset. Activities: Boardwalk, kayaking, electric car tour, ranger walk, dragonboat, sunrise yoga, sunset cycling. Facilities: Coffee shop, information centre, washrooms, free parking.
Jubail Mangrove Park Timings and Entry Fee
The timings most consistently published are daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, year-round. Sunset is a popular time because the day cools and the light on the water is best for photographs.
The entry fee is where guides disagree, so use a range. The most detailed guide lists adults (12+) at AED 20 and children aged 5 to 11 at AED 10, with under-3s and People of Determination free, and the boardwalk fee waived when you take part in other activities. An older guide lists AED 15 for adults and AED 10 for children, one guide describes admission as free, and a July 2026 visitor reported paying AED 20. Check the official booking page for your date before you go, especially if you are booking a kayak or tour, where the boardwalk entry is often included.
The Boardwalk: What the Walk Is Actually Like
The boardwalk is a meandering wooden walkway through the mangroves with information panels and viewing points. You can do a full loop or cut through on a shorter route, which makes it suitable for families with young children and for visitors who want a gentle walk rather than a hike. Along the way you will see sculptures, wooden stairways, bridges, slopes and rest areas, and the route is at water level, so the mangrove roots and channels are close.
Two practical warnings from recent visitors. First, go at high tide if you can — at low tide the channels become mud flats and the walk loses much of its beauty. Second, do not carry coffee or drinks onto the boardwalk; staff stop visitors with drinks, reportedly to prevent litter, and there are few bins on the walkways. A July 2026 visitor also reported that some damaged viewing platforms had not been repaired and were blocked off, so check for platform closures on arrival.
Kayaking and Other Activities
Kayaking is the best way to see the mangroves up close. Guided kayak tours run in daytime, at sunrise, and as special night-glow options, published from AED 80 to AED 175 depending on time of day and length. Kayak tours and rentals cater to beginners and families, including children aged 3 and up in most guides, and a guide points out birds along the way. Book ahead, especially for sunrise tours, which fill first.
Other published activities include a 20-minute scenic tour by eco-friendly electric car at AED 40, which includes boardwalk entry, a boardwalk experience with a ranger at AED 50 for adults and AED 40 for children, a one-hour electric dragonboat tour at AED 120 for adults and AED 88 for children aged 3 to 12, sunrise yoga on the first Sunday of each month at AED 135, and sunset cycling at AED 136. Prices change and some activities need a minimum number of participants, so confirm before booking.
Wildlife to Look For
Birdlife is the main draw: herons, egrets and other waders feed in the channels, and the area lies on bird migration routes, so what you see depends on the season. At low tide, look for crabs and small fish around the mangrove roots. Turtles are also reported in the area. Stay on the boardwalk, do not feed or disturb wildlife, and bring binoculars if you have them — the birds are often farther away than they look in photographs.
How to Reach Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park is on Jubail Island in Abu Dhabi, between Yas and Saadiyat islands. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi, and visitors report plenty of free parking at the front. It is a short drive from Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, and a longer drive from Abu Dhabi city centre. Check the park’s location on a map before you set out, because Jubail Island is easy to confuse with other Abu Dhabi islands if you only search for “mangrove park”.
Best Time and Simple Route
Visit in the cooler months, or in summer go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. A simple route is: arrive for opening or for sunset, walk the boardwalk loop first, then take a kayak tour or electric car tour, and finish at the coffee shop. Allow one to three hours. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, wear sun protection, and keep your phone charged for photographs — sunrise and sunset light is the best time for the boardwalk.
For a different Abu Dhabi nature day, our Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi guide covers the larger protected mangrove area, and our Umm Al Emarat Park guide covers a family park day in the city. For animal days, our Emirates Park Zoo guide and our Dubai Safari Park guide show the zoo and safari alternatives. The Mushrif Park guide on our home page covers the quiet nature park at the heart of this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Jubail Mangrove Park timings?
Daily 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, year-round, in most published guides. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit.
How much is Jubail Mangrove Park entry?
Published prices differ: the most detailed guide lists AED 20 for adults and AED 10 for children aged 5 to 11, with under-3s free, while older guides list AED 15 for adults. Check the official booking page for your date.
Is Jubail Mangrove Park the same as Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi?
No. Jubail Mangrove Park is a boardwalk and kayak eco-park on Jubail Island, while Mangrove National Park Abu Dhabi is a different, larger protected area. Both are mangrove parks, but they are different places with different experiences.
Can beginners kayak at Jubail Mangrove Park?
Yes. Kayak tours and rentals cater to beginners and families, including children aged 3 and up in most guides, with guided tours at daytime, sunrise and night-glow times.
When is the best time to visit Jubail Mangrove Park?
Early morning or late afternoon, and at high tide — at low tide the channels become mud flats. Sunrise and sunset give the best light for photographs.
How long do I need at Jubail Mangrove Park?
One to three hours for the boardwalk, longer if you add a kayak tour or another activity.
Final Thoughts
Jubail Mangrove Park works best as a slow, quiet half-day: boardwalk first, kayak second, coffee last, and high tide if you can time it. Check the entry price and activity prices on the official booking page before you go, because published prices differ, and do not carry drinks onto the boardwalk. If you want mangroves without crowds or rides, this is one of the calmest nature visits in Abu Dhabi.