RAS AL KHAIMAH Care for a ride on a boat that flies? Then head to Murjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
A combination of hang-glider and aircraft propeller built on a light-weight inflatable dinghy, the wacky flying machine can reach an altitude of up to 2,000 metres.
“It’s the only boat in the UAE that flies. There is a single engine at the back and the wings span 18 square metres. A 20-minute ride costs Dh500 per person,” said Mohammad Hammadi, owner of Fly Fish Watersports.
The flying boat can carry two people including the pilot. The passenger must be at least 14 years old and weigh less than 85 kilos. “The best time to take a ride is early morning or at sunset when the wind speed is at its best and the sunlight is perfect to view the landscape below,” said Hammadi
Eddy Stewart, who recently took a ride, said: “It’s fun and safe to ride. Initially the ride feels a bit scary, but no sooner the boat picks up momentum and adjusts to the wind speed, it becomes really smooth.”
