Abu Dhabi tour on a seaplane

Abu Dhabi As the nine-seater seaplane carrying us raced its engine and soared over Abu Dhabi at 2,000 metres, it felt like the burgeoning city was revealing some its most well-kept secrets.

Like a masterpiece coming to life on an artist’s canvas, the pristine landscapes nestling in the inlands of Abu Dhabi came alive as panoramic visual treats – palm-fringed coastlines, virgin beaches, secluded islands, secret getaways, and forts that looked like vestiges from the past.

Minutes earlier, settling into his seat of the amphibian Cessna Caravan 9 on Yas Marina waters, I heard our pilot Andrew Kennedy communicating with traffic control for clearance. “All my checks are done. We are ready to go. After the take-off, you are free to move around,” Kennedy told the passengers that included an Arab family of four, my photographer and myself.

Vroommm! The plane shook and shuddered and soon lifted off the water, heading for the Abu Dhabi sky. With our nose glued to the window, soaking in the breathtaking views, mobility was the least of our concern. The first landmark to catch my eye was Ferrari World, which soon resembled a minuscule red spider as the plane soared and did a 180-degree turn to the north-east.

The 30-minute seaplane tour, called Abu Dhabi Pearl, by the private firm Seawings, offers a bird’s-eye view of headline attractions of the capital city – Yas Water World, F1 Grand Prix Circuit and the Emirates Palace, to name a few.

As we cruised in the clear skies, the ground beneath appeared like a painter’s palette of varied shades. Side by side with the grandeur of nature, vying for our attention were landmark developments that are gathering pace. Reem Island, Sadiyaat Island and other offshore developments of Abu Dhabi appeared mystically beautiful. We flew over the tall and majestic structures that fringed the corniche and the Marina Mall, and then turned towards the west.

As we passed over the Emirates Palace on our way back to Yas Marina, I couldn’t wait to ask Andrew where the Grand Mosque was. To our disappointment, he said he had to give it a miss as the architectural marvel fell in the restricted flying zone.

As we descended onto the Yas Marina waters, I was already missing the stunning views from above.

Shweta Pednekar, communications officer from Seawings, said the company operates sea tours of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah and has up to 15 flights a day.

“The business is picking up, and there is a growing interest among tourists and residents now that the tourist potential of Abu Dhabi is also growing,” she said.

The tour costs Dh995 per adult and Dh845 per child.