If you think Qatar is just desert, skyscrapers, and shopping malls, let me tell you — you haven’t seen the other side yet. The first time I went kayaking in Qatar, I was quite impressed. I paddled through the serene mangroves of Al Thakira, hoped to watch flamingos swoop overhead (apparentlyy they are there sometimes), and felt like I’d stepped into a secret world. No traffic, no noise, just water, wind, and a sense of calm I didn’t think existed in the Gulf.

Having lived in Qatar for eight years, you can try so many water-based activities here, but kayaking is the one anyone can do. It’s relaxing, adventurous, and surprisingly accessible, even for beginners. In this guide, I’ll share all my tips, experiences, and the best spots to kayak in Qatar — plus everything you need to know to make your trip stress-free, from what to pack to how to book a tour.

Go kayaking in Qatar and escape the heat of a desert.

Kayaking in Qatar- all you need to know

When I heard some time ago that flamingoes live in Qatar I burst with a big laugh. “Really?”, I replied with a note of sarcasm. In a country where temperatures reach 100 C (well…it feels like it sometimes), it rarely rains and a pure desert dominates the landscape, I did not expect to see these majestic pink birds. And what happened? I was invited by Aqua Sports Qatar to take part in a kayaking afternoon north of Doha.

Why Kayaking in Qatar is a Must-Try Activity

Qatar’s desert heat might make you think outdoor adventures are limited, but the country hides a lush side along its coasts and mangroves. Kayaking here is a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. You can glide along calm waters, spot wildlife, and get up close with nature, all while escaping the city’s hustle.

For me, kayaking is also a little escape. After a busy week in Doha, paddling through mangroves or around Purple Island feels almost meditative. I remember one early morning, the water perfectly still, the sun just rising over the mangroves, and the only sounds were birds. That’s why kayaking isn’t just an activity here — it’s a chance to slow down, breathe, and see a completely different side of Qatar.

This place is special, I must admit. It might have even became my favourite spot in Qatar nowadays.  Why? Well, it’s green, cooler than the city and gives me a perfect opportunity to move my body a bit. Those of you, who haven’t been to Qatar between May and October or are not familiar what middle Eastern desert might feel like, would not believe me when I say that even a 100 meters long walk in summer feels like it’s going to kill you. If you go kayaking, you escape to a place that offers cooler temperatures (not by much  but enough to notice).

Best Places to Go Kayaking in Qatar

Here’s where I’ve personally paddled and can highly recommend. Each spot has its own charm and level of adventure.

Al Thakira Mangroves (Purple Island) – My Favorite Spot

Hands down, Al Thakira is my top choice for kayaking in Qatar. The calm waters and dense mangroves create a labyrinth-like experience that’s perfect for beginners and photographers alike. I went there in the morning to avoid the midday heat, and it was magical — the sunlight filtering through the trees, and tiny crabs scuttling along the roots.

Tips:

• Best during winter months (Nov–Mar) for mild weather

• Tours usually last 2–3 hours

• Bring a waterproof camera — you’ll want to capture the reflections and wildlife

The Pearl / Viva Bahriya — Calm City Escape

If you’re staying in Doha on a short trip and don’t want to drive far, kayaking at The Pearl or Viva Bahriya is perfect. The water is calm, the backdrop is chic, and it’s ideal for a relaxing paddle or a first-time kayaking experience. It’s a shorter route, perfect if you just want a quick escape from the city.

Dakhira & Al Khor Area — For Wildlife Lovers

For those who want a little more adventure, head to Dakhira near Al Khor. The mangroves here are more spread out, and you can spot flamingos, herons, and other wildlife. I went there with a small group, and it felt like a secret wilderness — very different from the city-side spots.

Tips:

• Ideal for bird watchers and photographers

• Wear light layers and sun protection

• Tours often provide all gear, including life jackets

Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid) — For Adventurers

The Inland Sea is more remote and requires a longer trip from Doha, but it’s worth it for a true desert-to-water adventure. I haven’t done this one yet personally, but I’ve heard from friends that paddling here is a surreal experience — the desert dunes on one side, blue water on the other. Definitely for those with more experience or who are ready for a longer day trip.

What a day of kayaking in the Purple  Island look like

You should book your tour a bit in advance. From my experience you can easily get a spot a couple of days earlier, but double check it. The day starts with everyone meeting at a parking lot of a shop near the kayaking point, from where you are escorted by the team. Nothing can happen without health and safety demonstration, right? They have great staff, that apart from accompanying you all the way through safety procedures and the kayaking part, they tell you some stories too.

Once ready and briefed, we walked through a muddy bit to pick up our kayaks and paddle towards the area where it’s most likely to see flamingoes. They are not the biggest friends of humans (or maybe rather interested in us) as every time I approached these pretty birds in many parts of the world, the flew away. This time I managed to get a bit closer, but still it was quite a challenge.

After an hour of paddling,  we got to a Purple Island for a little walk and great views. My favourite part however,  came at the end when we got in between mangroves. It just didn’t look like Qatar at all.  It was was calm and green there…one of the best relaxing options. It’s true that at times we had to ‘walk’ our kayaks as the tide was low, but the orange sunset at the end compensated all the walking in the salty water.

The evening was topped up by eating warm shawarma at the bonfire with the sound of live drum music.

What you need to know before you go kayaking in Qatar

• In winter (between November and March) even if it’s hot during the day, temperatures might drop significantly after sunset, especially in the north of the country.  Bring with you a jumper or a jacket.
• You will get wet, this is for sure. Pack change of clothes including underwear if you don’t want to wear a swimming suit underneath your clothes.
• Wear shoes to get wet. Flip flops might not be the best idea as you can easily slip wearing them. I also tried the standard beach shoes, but once out the water they become slightly uncomfortable. After testing my new water trainers ( I like to call them that, not that it’s their brand tagline), I can highly recommend to you these Tropic Feel trainers that come in variety of trendy designs and colours. I actually tested them in on various terrains and I don’t travel anywhere without them anymore. If you’re looking for ultimate travel shoes- these are it!
• At times you might need to toll your kayak, especially when the tide is low and it becomes too shallow to keep paddling.
• Cover yourself up. Be mindful that Qatar is a Muslim country and wearing bikini in public (unless in a hotel or a beach far away) is not allowed. I wore regular gym leggings and a cotton top. Next time I would choose something that gets dry quicker as I was uncomfortable and cold afterwards.
• One of the must-haves would be a waterproof mobile and camera case. GoPro would be an excellent choice as well. You will for sure get wet, so to avoid your expensive devices getting ruined,
• Bring a hat and sunglasses. If you burn easily, use some sunscreen. I love this and this creams as they are not greasy and don’t make my face shine. Actually I use them all the time, especially in hot and humid environments.

See also: Practical and pretty. 5 favourite accessories to take on a trip to a desert.

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Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

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See also:

• How to Get Around Doha: Complete Guide to Metro, Taxis, Uber & Renting a Car (with insider tips from an expat living in Qatar)
• What to do in Doha in 1 day: perfect itinerary from an expat living in Qatar.
• 50 amazing things to do in Qatar (2024 guide)
• Best Luxury Hotels in Qatar: Exclusive 5-Star Escapes You’ll Love
• Traveling to Qatar during Ramadan. What you need to know.
• A quick guide to museums in Qatar
• Doha in 3 days: a traveler’s ultimate guide with top things to do and hidden gems (in 2025).

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Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
• Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
• Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
• Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
• World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
• Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
• Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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