Be it on land or under water, Sharjah is the ultimate destination for adventure loving enthusiasts. The third largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates is blessed with the best sites for watersports and desert safaris in the region. Journey east to the coastal enclave of Khorfakkan and then experience the enigmatic beauty of the desert during an all-day off-road excursion to Mleiha in Sharjah’s Central Region. We help you with the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable adventurous vacation in the emirate.
2 Days of Unforgettable Underwater adventure in the Indian Ocean
• Day 1 – Khorfakkan Beach
Drive east to the enclave of Khorfakkan, located 137kms from Sharjah on the Gulf of Oman. Head straight to 7 Seas Dive Centre on Khorfakkan Beach, which offers guided snorkel and scuba trips, as well as a variety of PADI courses.
Discover Khorfakkan’s watery wonderland during a full-day boat trip to two of its most popular and accessible dive sites, Martini Rock and Shark Island. Both are renowned for their colourful aquatic life, warm waters and excellent visibility.
After a day’s diving, return to shore and check into the Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa. Located at the northern end of Khorfakkan Beach, the four-star resort features modern rooms, two pools and a private beach.
For dinner, head downstairs to The Ocean Wok pan-Asian restaurant. The chefs dish some of the best wok-fried fare in town, all freshly prepared and served with a smile.
• Day 2 – Indian Ocean
Rise early and make your way to Al Murjan for breakfast. Overlooking the pool and beach, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant offers an extensive buffet with hot and cold Arabic, Indian and Western dishes. Check out of the hotel and head to the on-site dive centre for another day of underwater adventure. Snorkellers can happily spend the day here with colourful nudibranchs and schools of clown fish for company, while experienced divers can venture out on boat trip to deeper waters.
All-day 4X4 off-road excursion
• Day 3
Drive to Mleiha Archaeological Centre which offers a range of tours and activities. Before setting off into the desert, grab a bite to eat at the centre’s Bystro Café. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the striking landscape, the café serves a tasty menu of salads, sandwiches and burgers, along with all-day breakfast and filling favourites such as steak frites and spaghetti bolognese.
Sign up for the Mleiha Adventure Package, a six-hour guided 4WD tour that showcases the very best landscapes of the region. Drive up towering sand dunes and past spectacular rock formations, before stopping to explore pre-Islamic archaeological sites and take in the views from three different peaks.
Make your way back to Sharjah city and head to Al Qasba, a canal-side complex that is home to cafés, restaurants, shops and galleries. All that desert adventure has no doubt made you hungry, so sit down for dinner at Shababeek, a contemporary Lebanese restaurant serving all manner of mezze and grills. End your perfect vacation with a walk along the canal, enjoying the waterside vibe.
