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Mangrove Kayaking in Qatar - Al Thakhira Forest & Purple Island
Duration
2 Hour
Languages
English +2
Paddle a licensed-guided kayak through Qatar's protected Al Thakhira mangroves to Purple Island. Calm shallow water, flamingos and herons, perfect for beginners and families.
Full Description
Glide silently through one of Qatar's last remaining mangrove forests on a guided kayaking adventure at Al Thakhira, on the north-east coast near Al Khor.
Your licensed guide leads you along winding channels of grey mangrove and out towards Purple Island (Bin Ghannam), named after the ancient purple dye workshops discovered there. The water is shallow, sheltered and almost always calm, so no previous kayaking experience is needed - families, first-timers and photographers are all comfortable here.
The mangroves are a living nursery for the Gulf: juvenile fish, crabs and shrimp shelter in the roots, while flamingos, herons, cormorants and migrating waders feed on the tidal flats. Sunrise and sunset departures give the softest light and the best chance of birdlife, while the morning session suits families with young children.
All equipment is provided - kayak, paddle and life jacket - along with a full safety briefing before you launch. Single and double kayaks are available, and children paddle in a double kayak with an adult.
The experience is operated by Discover Arabia, a Qatar Tourism licensed destination management company, with guiding available in English, Arabic and Russian. Hotel and residence transfers from Doha can be added at booking.
Highlights
- Guided kayak tour through Al Thakhira, Qatar's largest protected mangrove forest
- Paddle out to Purple Island (Bin Ghannam), an ancient purple-dye archaeological site
- Choose sunrise, morning or sunset departures for the best light and birdlife
- Spot flamingos, herons, cormorants and migrating waders on the tidal flats
- Calm, shallow and sheltered water - no kayaking experience needed, great for families
- Licensed local guide, kayak, paddle and life jacket all included
Inclusions and Exclusions
Professional licensed guide (English, Arabic or Russian)
Single or double sit-on-top kayak with paddle
Life jacket and safety equipment
Safety briefing and on-water supervision throughout the paddle
Bottled drinking water
Hotel or residence pick-up and drop-off (available as a paid add-on)
Meals, snacks and beverages other than water
Personal expenses, gratuities and souvenirs
Travel insurance
Know Before You Go
- The meeting point is the Al Thakhira mangrove launch site near Al Khor, about an hour's drive north of Doha
- Please arrive 15 minutes before the session start time for the safety briefing
- Children must be accompanied by an adult and share a double kayak
- Swimming ability is not required, but life jackets must be worn at all times on the water
- Sessions may be rescheduled if wind, tide or sea conditions are unsafe
Cancellation Policy
Standard cancellation policy with tiered refunds based on cancellation time.
- 100% Refund — Cancel up to 24 hours before the activity and receive a full refund.
This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, a full refund will be provided.
What to Bring
- Light clothing that can get wet, plus a change of clothes
- Water shoes or secured sandals
- Sunscreen, hat or cap, and sunglasses with a strap
- Towel and a waterproof pouch or dry bag for phones and valuables
Itinerary
الخور والذخيرة
Al Thakhira Mangrove Forest
After a short safety briefing and paddle lesson, you launch into the sheltered channels of the Al Thakhira mangrove forest. Your guide leads you slowly between the roots, pointing out the herons, cormorants, crabs and juvenile fish that live in this protected nursery, and explaining how the grey mangrove survives the heat and salt of the Gulf.
Included 1 Hour
Purple Island - Al Khor Island
Purple Island (Bin Ghannam)
You paddle out towards Purple Island, named after the ancient purple dye workshops that once operated here, with time to rest, take photographs across the open lagoon and watch flamingos and waders feeding on the flats before turning back to the launch point.
Included 30 Minute
Not Allowed
- Alcohol and smoking
- Littering, or removing plants, shells or marine life from the reserve
- Feeding, chasing or disturbing birds and marine wildlife
- Drones and loud music without prior permission
No availability for the selected date.
Please select a different date to see available packages.
Supplier: Discover Arabia
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