A new business venture from an Emirati with a passion for sharing his love of the sea is the latest tour product in Abu Dhabi’s expanding attractions portfolio.
Initiative combined with a determination to succeed and a keen desire to share his passion and knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s scenic coastline and waters inspired 40-year-old Emirati Yaser Al Hamiri to set up his own Sea Cruiser tour business.
“My dream has always been to give everyone the chance to experience Abu Dhabi’s incredible beaches, warm ocean waters and rich marine life – all at an accessible and affordable price,” explained Yaser.
“Before I started Sea Cruiser I had my own small boats which I would take out for fishing, and friends would constantly ask me to take them out and show them around the small islands that surround Abu Dhabi city. I couldn’t keep up with the demand, so it was logical for me to take the next step and start up a dedicated business with larger boats.”
With a background as a licensed Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) visitor guide for the city’s magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yaser received financiual support from the Khalifa Fund, which assists the development of Emirati businessmen and women to contribute to the emirate’s economic diversification. Sea Cruiser boat tours are now sailing daily from Abu Dhabi’s fish market pier.
Sea Cruiser operates two ADTA tourism-licensed GulfCraft boats which can each hold 18 passengers and two crew - a professional pilot and lifeguard. The first Abu Dhabi tour operator to use these kind of boats, each have covered cabins with large glass windows for sightseeing, and are specially designed to accommodate divers.
Each boat is equipped with GPS navigation, tracking equipment and DSC VHF radios, which automatically transmit a boat’s position in an emergency. Individual life jackets and safety equipment are provided.
Sea Cruiser tours is aimed at providing guests with the best Abu Dhabi has to offer – from a two hour tour of the capital city’s famous Corniche to diving, snorkelling and fishing trips and all-day cruises of the stunning natural islands and emerald green ocean just off the UAE capital.
“We have many families asking us to take them out for the day, and we moor the boat on a small island just off Saadiyat Island, which has the cleanest sand and clearest water for swimming and snorkelling – they absolutely love it!” continues Yaser.
“This is without doubt the best way to explore the many natural islands surrounding Abu Dhabi city, and it really is something special to be able to immerse yourself in the fantastic scenery and feel ‘at one with nature’ with the city skyline in the distance.
“This really is my dream job, and I truly believe that Abu Dhabi offers the best cruising in the Middle East. I’m looking forward to all the new marinas opening up and the possibility of picking guests up from the Corniche and taking them for a tour through the city’s waterways to the fine-dining restaurant of their choice – from Reem to Saadiyat and Yas Islands,” says Yaser.
All tours begin at the fish market pier at the end of Abu Dhabi Corniche, just before Mina Zayed, with tours available at pre-booked times from 8:30am to 8pm seven days a week. To book a tour or find out more information contact Yaser on +971 (0)50 800 9495, email info@seacruiser.ae or visit www.seacruiser.ae.
Tour packages:
1. Abu Dhabi Corniche (sightseeing tour)
Starting from Abu Dhabi’s Fish Market, cruise along the length of the Corniche to view the city’s evolving skyline, taking in Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace and Zayed House, with a short stopover at LuLu Island.
The tour takes 2 hours. Boat hire cost is US$408 (AED 1,500)
2. Diving, Snorkelling & Fishing
Dedicated tours can be arranged through Sea Cruiser partner, Ocean Diving, using GulfCraft boats specially designed for divers. Availability and price on request.
3. Abu Dhabi Grand Tour:
A full-day 360 degree cruise around the UAE capital city’s islands, stopping to sample white sandy beaches and warm ocean waters. Full day cruise for US$2,178 (AED 8,000)
4. Business Taxi and Corporate Hire
Sea Cruiser is also available for corporate hire or as a business taxi to ferry executives from island to island – from Abu Dhabi City to Reem, Yas and Saadiyat Islands it’s now possible to take 18 people in air-conditioned comfort from development to development to check on the latest progress. Availability and price on request.
View News Headlines
