Visiting Ajman might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of UAE day trips, but tucked away in Al Zorah Marina is an experience that feels worlds apart from the city. We drove in during the late afternoon, following Google Maps and simply setting the pin to Al Zorah Marina 1. Arriving by private car was straightforward, but once we reached the marina, the real journey began.

First Impressions at the Port

The marina was buzzing with energy—families, couples, and groups of friends all queuing for tickets to the Al Zorah Mangrove Tours. For just AED 5 per person, you can hop aboard a traditional Ajman boat (abra) and drift through the mangroves. It’s a short ride, but one that packs in a surprising amount of calm and beauty.

Setting Sail

Stepping onto the abra, I noticed the boat proudly marked with the Ajman emblem. The moment we pushed away from the dock, the atmosphere shifted. The air smelled crisp—refreshing, with no trace of city smog, only the earthy scent of mangroves.

As we’re about to sail, the view opened up: blue water beneath and a strip of sky above.

Life Among the Mangroves

The highlight, of course, was gliding past the mangrove plantations. These thick clusters of greenery stood proudly against the horizon, a reminder that Ajman still has pockets of raw, untouched nature. Birds occasionally darted across the water, adding life to the stillness.

Another boat passed us, full of passengers. Watching it float across the golden water felt like a painting in motion.

Golden Hour Reflections

If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend arriving around 4:00 PM. The sun dips low enough to cast that warm golden glow across the marina, making the water shimmer. That’s when I captured one of my favorite shots—a lone boat framed in the middle of the sunlight’s path.

Across the water, a mosque stood in elegant contrast to the natural scene. I didn’t catch its name, but its silhouette against the evening sky added a quiet grace to the setting.

When the tour wrapped up, the boat docked just as another vessel was pulling in. I caught a perfect shot of it arriving, framed neatly under the bridge with a car passing above—Ajman’s charm in a single frame of tradition meeting the modern.

With the ride over, I lingered a bit, strolling along the esplanade. The breeze carried that same clean scent, and the fading light made it a peaceful end to the afternoon.

Tips for Visiting Al Zorah Mangrove Tours

Getting there: Use Google Maps and pin Al Zorah Marina 1. Driving is the most convenient option, but taxis and ride-hailing apps are also viable alternatives.
The best time to visit is late afternoon, around 4 PM, for the golden-hour light and cooler air.
Cost: Abra rides start at AED 5 per person (short tour). Longer guided kayak tours are also available for those seeking a more in-depth experience.
Good to know: The ride is short but refreshing—perfect for a quick escape into nature without leaving the city far behind.