Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality, opens the door to some of nature’s most extraordinary realms, with a range of unique, immersive wildlife experiences available across its global portfolio.
Swim with Nature’s Gentle Giants at Jumeirah Thanda Island
Set on a private island within a protected marine reserve, Jumeirah Thanda Island gives guests front-row access to whale shark season, with peak sightings in November and December. Exclusive snorkelling excursions offer the chance to swim alongside the ocean’s largest fish, with the option to indulge in bespoke celebratory dinners following successful sightings. Closer to shore, the recovery of the coral reefs and the return of iconic species such as eagle rays and fish eagles tells a deeper story of ecological resilience unfolding in the waters just beyond the villa decks.
Big Five Conservation at Jumeirah Thanda Safari
Jumeirah Thanda Safari is more than just a base for Big Five game viewing - it's a protected 16,500-hectare private reserve where wildlife thrives. With just two vehicles permitted per sighting, and an expert team encouraging guest involvement with conservation efforts such as rhino tagging, the property offers rare, up-close moments with the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and more. Every season reveals something new, whether that’s migratory birds in spring, the arrival of newborn animals, or a thrilling sighting of the world’s fastest land mammal, the regal cheetah.
Island Biodiversity from Jetty to Reef at Jumeirah Olhahali Island
Surrounded by living reefs, Jumeirah Olhahali Island invites guests to step from their private villas into reef-filled waters, where nurse sharks, eagle rays, and sting rays glide through coral gardens year-round. From June to November, curated excursions by yacht take guests to Hanifaru Bay, a renowned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for the extraordinary experience of witnessing manta ray gatherings. Traditional Dhoni cruises offer the chance to snorkel in remote spots and encounter sea turtles and dolphins, while on land, the island’s resident herons and Maldivian national bird, the Kanbili, keep the connection to nature beyond the waterline.
Underwater Giants at Jumeirah Muscat Bay
Jumeirah Muscat Bay offers exceptional access to Oman’s thriving underwater world of marine biodiversity. From June through September, whale sharks migrate through these warm waters, with snorkelling and diving adventures seamlessly arranged by the hotel allowing up-close-and-personal access to these fascinating underwater giants. Year-round, guests can also explore thriving reefs inhabited by rays, turtles, moray eels and spinner dolphins, making this one of the region’s most direct and immersive gateways to underwater life.
Coastal Biodiversity at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Fringed by protected dunes and turquoise waters, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island is a portal to one of the Arabian Gulf’s most unexpectedly rich ecosystems. Hawksbill turtles' nest on the resort’s sands each year, while nearby waters are home to the world’s second largest population of dugongs, as well as playful humpback dolphins, and seasonal reef life. Guests can opt to paddle through quiet mangroves to spot herons and flamingos, or glimpse desert foxes under the moonlight, in an effortless blend of luxury and wilderness.
Encounters at Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain
Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain offers rare access to one of the world’s oldest pearl diving cultures - now honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From May to September, guests can join dolphin-spotting and pearl diving excursions in calm, clear waters, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s rich marine heritage. Beneath the surface, over 30 shark species - 16 of them endangered - sweep alongside coral gardens and vibrant marine life, while sites such as Abu Thalma shipwreck have become underwater sanctuaries for nudibranchs and carpets of anemones, highlighting a living legacy of culture and conservation within a stone’s throw of the hotel.
