Khor Kalba Eco Tourism
Guided mangrove kayak tours through Khor Kalba — the oldest mangrove forest in Arabia. Wildlife-focused tours including flamingo, heron, and kingfisher spotting. Snorkel tours at nearby reefs.
About Khor Kalba Eco Tourism
Khor Kalba on the UAE's East Coast (Sharjah emirate) contains the oldest and most northerly mangrove forest in Arabia — a RAMSAR-listed wetland of international importance. Khor Kalba Eco Tourism runs small-group guided kayak tours through the mangrove channels, with wildlife guides who can identify the remarkable birdlife that nests in the forest, including the collared kingfisher (endemic to the area) and large herons.
Kayak Tours
Sunrise Mangrove Kayak (Most Popular)
The best time to be in the mangroves — calm water, low light, and the most active wildlife period. The tour follows the main khor channels and narrow mangrove creeks passable only by kayak.
Departure: 6:00am Duration: 2.5 hours Price: AED 180 per person (single kayak); AED 150/person (double kayak) Includes: Kayak, paddle, PFD, wildlife guide, water
Morning Full-Mangrove Tour
A longer exploration of the khor, including the inner channels, tidal flats, and the estuary mouth where the creek meets the Indian Ocean.
Departure: 7:30am Duration: 3.5 hours Price: AED 240 per person Includes: All equipment, guide, light refreshments
Private & Group Bookings
Private tours available for families and groups with flexible timing.
Price: AED 900 for groups up to 6 (2.5-hour tour)
What to Expect
The mangrove forest is home to:
- White-collared kingfisher — endemic subspecies found only in Khor Kalba
- Great white egret and grey heron — nesting in the upper mangrove canopy
- Western reef egret — foraging at the estuary edges
- Flamingos — occasional seasonal visitors
The kayak channels are sheltered and flat — no prior kayaking experience required. Minimum age for solo kayaking: 12 years. Younger children can ride in a double kayak with a parent.
Snorkel Tours
The rocky shoreline immediately south of Khor Kalba has good coral and fish diversity, accessible by a short 10-minute drive from the mangroves.
Half-day snorkel tour: AED 200 per person (AED 320 combined mangrove + snorkel)
Getting There
Khor Kalba is approximately 1.5 hours from Dubai via the Sharjah–Kalba road (E99). The mangrove reserve is signposted from the Khor Kalba Corniche.
Contact
- Phone: +971 9 000 0030
- Email: tours@khorkalbaecotourism.ae
- Location: Khor Kalba Mangrove Reserve, Khor Kalba, Sharjah