Free entry

Khor Al Beidah

Lagoons and mangroves with flamingos: an Important Bird Area and Sinniyah Island.

Address: Khor Al Beidah, Umm Al Quwain
Time to allow: 120 min

What's special

★Flamingos and dozens of bird species
★Mangroves, lagoons and mudflats
★An Important Bird Area
★Sinniyah Island with wild mangroves

Khor Al Beidah, an expanse of lagoons, mangroves and mudflats in northern Umm Al Quwain, is recognised as an Important Bird Area. From October to April pink flamingos, herons and dozens of other species feed here, with fiddler crabs on the flats. Facing it lies Sinniyah Island, with wild mangroves and rare Socotra cormorants. Shore access is free; kayak tours of the lagoons run with local operators.

Tips

The bird season is October to April; early morning is best. Sinniyah Island can only be reached on a boat or kayak tour. Bring binoculars, a hat and water — there is no shade.