Sandy Beach Hotel in Al Aqah, Fujariah boasts direct access to Snoopy Island, a rocky outcrop just off the mainland in the Gulf of Oman. Great for snorkelling, beach play, paddle boarding and family fun.
We battle the Thursday afternoon traffic out of Dubai and the usual 2 hour trip takes us 3.5 hours, arriving just as my youngest withers with fatigue at the end of the week. Nevertheless our 3 bedroom penthouse is waiting, our friends already having arrived just before us, and we snuggle the kids into bed. Then we kick back on the balcony with some previously prepared lasagne and insalata verde complete with edible flowers, courtesy of said friends, and a bottle of red (Australian of course).
The next morning we wake up to sunrise views over the beach and mountains and head out to explore. We find a breakfast buffet in the Amouage Restaurant (AED66ea) and satisfied from this, set off for the beach for swimming, sandy play and snorkelling. The swimming pool and Snoopy’s Lounge are located just behind the beach and the boys enjoy a post beach swim and make some friends at the pool before a casual lunch in our togs at Snoopy’s Lounge. After this we seek our beds out for an afternoon siesta.
A couple of hours later, it’s back to the pool where the children are happy to play with their new friends until we hired a paddle board (AED 50/hour) and take to the snorkels again, alternately paddling and snorkelling out to the island.
After such a fun filled day, room service is the best option for us. We order a mix of Arabic and Indian style mains to share (between AED50-90) and kick back for the evening. Bedtime isnt a problem as the children are all exhausted and go to sleep happily.
Saturday morning we follow much the same routine. I’m keen to get in some more snorkelling and the visibility is better in the morning. There are all sorts of fish but my favorite is the magnificent parrot fish. They’re quite big and you can get really close for a good look. We also swim through schools of trevally and other, smaller, black fish. All are happy to float around us oblivious to the snorkellers, divers, kayaks and boats. Not that it is particularly busy. It isn’t and there are a few times when I look around to find I can’t see any one else in the water around me.
You can go onto the island, there is a small sandy area, not quite a beach, that you can come up from the water on, but the rest is rocky and not recommended unless you have aqua or diving shoes.
When we we’re done with the snorkeling we have another play on the beach, delaying the inevitable pack up and check out as long as possible. This has been a great family weekend, with all the amenities right at your finger tips. It’s not a luxury retreat but it’s more than apt for a fun beach getaway.
Good to know
The kitchen in our 3 bedroom penthouse had a fridge, a microwave, plates and cutlery but no cooking facilities or utensils. There is a small supermarket a couple of minutes up the road but I suggest taking everything you need including utensils, bottle openers, a sharp knife and cleaning products (dishwashing liquid and tea towels). If you have a garden view chalet with a BBQ you’d also be wise to pack a wire brush, BBQ bricks, a lighter and BBQ utensils.
The Amouage Restaurant serves reasonable quality food at decent prices. Alcohol is available at the restaurant and bars throughout the resort (check service during Ramadan and Islamic holidays). The food at Snoopy’s Lounge is more designed around bar food – burgers and fries but is also reasonably priced. If you’re after something more up market, the Le Meridian resort, just next door offers further options.
The Beach Hut at Sandy Beach Hotel offers snorkelling gear for hire as well as paddle boards, kayaks and other motorised water activities like wake boarding, donut and banana boat rides.
A range of spa and massage treatments are available either on the beach or in-room.
Would I return?
Yes, this has the most accessible snorkeling for children that I’ve ever seen with a wonderful variety of fish. My 7 year old son swam over, snorkeled around and swam back without assistance. My 4 year old son had a life jacket on and needed a bit of towing on the way back but the water was calm and there was no discernible current, although please remember to keep children in arms’ length reach at all times.
One Reply to “Snoopy Island”