5 Best Adventures To Try Out On Vacation In Qatar

Qatar is a peninsular country, sporting endless desert sands and a beautiful Persian Gulf shoreline of beaches and dunes. Meanwhile, the capital Doha is renowned for its futuristic skyline and modern architecture inspired by ancient Islamic design. Besides the beautiful city, this understated country offers much in the way of excitement and adventure to travelers. Here we look at five of the best adventures to experience in Qatar.

1. Snorkeling at Bu Samra, Qatar

The west coast of Qatar offers endless pristine beaches, offering opportunities to lie on the sand, get a tan or go snorkeling. However, the favorite beach for locals is the coastline near Bu Samra, close to the border with Saudi Arabia. Snorkeling and scuba diving are the order of the day here in the warm, crystal clear water. Meanwhile, among the sealife you are likely to see are tropical fish, coral, crabs and the occasional dolphin.

2. Jetski on Al Safliya Island

[Video Al Safliya Island @visitqatar/Instagram]

Al Safliya Island is around a 40-minute drive from Doha which can be reached by renting a traditional dhow boat. Jet skiing is the best option for adventure here, zooming over the water with fabulous views of the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, as the sun sets, this is the perfect time to relax and take in the orange and red sky, as the sun sinks into the ocean.

Readers are warned that it can get pretty hot on Safliya and the best time to visit is between October and March. Of interest to note, many tour operators offer full-day experiences on the island.

3. Kayaking at Bin Ghannam (Purple Island)

Located in the northwest of Qatar, Bin Ghannam offers a fascinating contrast between the gold of the desert sands and the blue of the water. Here, travelers can rent a kayak to explore the narrow canals, while passing the mangrove trees and learn about the forest’s history from a local guide. Meanwhile, the lush mangroves are alive with many birds, crabs and fish, making paddling a kayak a beautiful experience.

4. Offroading at Khor Al Adaid

For the next Qatar adventure, head to the southeastern tip of the Qatar peninsular to Khor Al Adaid. Here lies an inland sea where adventure lovers can have a 4WD experience, driving up and down the desert dunes. Imagine scaling a high dune in an off-road vehicle to get a stunning view of the sea in the middle of the desert. Moreover, it is possible to put up a tent here, surrounded by the camels and Arabian oryx and awaken to a beautiful sunrise.

5. Bir Zekreet and the Ras Abrouq rock formations

The next adventure is a hiking trip in the northwest of Qatar towards Bir Zekreet. Located in the Ras Abrouq region, this area is famous for its rock formations. Here, you can take in the surreal landscape with its unusual limestone formations, sculpted by the desert wind. Meanwhile, after scaling the rocks, hikers will experience a beautiful panoramic view of the Qatari peninsula.

Have a fun adventure in Qatar this year, trying your hand at each of these sports and more. Visit the country’s official tourism website to find out more about this beautiful, understated destination.