North of Qatar Tour|Zubara Fort, Purple Island & Mangroves Colony

Doha , Qatar

North of Qatar Tour|Zubara Fort, Purple Island & Mangroves Colony

Active

(17 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover North of Qatar and explore UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Fort and observe the wildlife-filled mangroves at Al Thakhira beach. Drive to Al Ruwais, the country's northernmost tip, and learn about life and culture in Qatar before the oil boom as you absorb the sea views toward Bahrain.

Visiting the historical Al Khor’s harbor, the country’s center for pearl diving & fishing
Al Thakira mangroves
The Zubara Fort UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Visit a traditional Qatari village and houses made of limestone & mud
Al Shamal north point of Qatar

Available options

North of Qatar Tour|Zubara Fort, Purple Island & Mangroves Colony

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Stop for pickup of your specified location, hotel or from airport.

A visit to Al Khor, located at 50 kilometers north of the capital, Doha. Considered one of Qatar's largest cities.
Al Khor is home to many employees of the oil industry due to its proximity to Qatar's northern oil and natural gas fields and to Ras Laffan Industrial City.

Stop at the Purple Island, also known as Jazirat bin Ghanim, about an hour's drive from Doha. It is a small island, connected to the mainland by a narrow path that is broken at different points to allow water to flow towards the mangrove forest.

Located about 35-40 km from Doha, the Al Thakira beach makes an ideal location for swimming, sunbathing or spending a laid-back day at the beach. The beach offers serene views of Qatar’s largest and oldest dense mangroves reserves.

Al Zubarah is Qatar’s largest archaeological heritage site. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 and is the best-preserved example of an eighteenth – nineteenth century trading and pearl fishing town in the Gulf region. Unlike its contemporaries, it is largely intact and has not been lost beneath the region’s vast modern cities.
The site, located approximately 100 km northwest of Doha, stretches 2.5 km from the Al Zubarah Fort to the coast. Founded in the mid-eighteenth century, the town developed into the country’s largest and most important settlement. Its success attracted the attention of other Gulf powers, and after several attacks the town was burned to the ground in 1811. By the first decades of the 20th century, it was abandoned. Today, the site covers an area of 60 hectares with remains of houses, Masajid (mosques), Madhabis (date presses), large, fortified buildings, and a market.

Stop 6

Stop for drop off to the hotel, specified location or at airport.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Doha

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a vibrant city where modern skyscrapers and traditional souqs coexist. Known for its futuristic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning desert landscapes, Doha offers a unique blend of old and new.

Top Attractions

The Museum of Islamic Art

This stunning museum houses a vast collection of Islamic art from various periods and regions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Souq Waqif

A traditional Qatari market with a labyrinth of alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

The Pearl-Qatar

A man-made island known for its luxury residences, high-end shopping, and fine dining, offering a glimpse into modern Qatari lifestyle.

Architecture/Entertainment Half a day Free to explore, prices vary for shopping and dining

Aspire Park

A large, beautiful park with lush greenery, walking paths, and a lake, perfect for picnics, jogging, and relaxation.

Nature/Recreation 1-2 hours Free

Katara Cultural Village

A cultural hub featuring art galleries, theaters, and open-air amphitheaters, hosting various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to enter, prices vary for events and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Machbous

A fragrant spiced rice dish cooked with meat (usually chicken, lamb, or fish) and served with vegetables and raisins.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made halal or haram depending on the type of meat used.

Harees

A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a smooth consistency.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made halal or haram depending on the type of meat used.

Luqaimat

Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup or honey.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten.

Kahwa

A traditional Qatari coffee made with cardamom and saffron, often served with dates.

Drink Caffeinated, contains cardamom and saffron.

Popular Activities

Dune bashing in the desert Camel riding Sandboarding Kayaking in the Inland Sea Relaxing on the beach Spa and wellness treatments Picnicking in the park Yoga and meditation

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the best time to visit Doha, with comfortable temperatures and various cultural events and festivals taking place.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Qatari Riyal (QAR)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Doha is generally considered very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night
• Avoid isolated areas and unlit streets

Getting there

By air

Hamad International Airport • 15 km from city center

By bus

Al Ghanim Bus Station, Al Riffa Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned, the metro is a convenient way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Karwa, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

West Bay Old Doha The Pearl-Qatar Aspire Zone Al Waab

Day trips

Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)

80 km from Doha • Full day

A unique natural phenomenon where the sea encroaches into the desert, creating a stunning landscape of sand dunes and turquoise waters.

Zubarah

100 km from Doha • Half day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of an 18th-century coastal town, offering a glimpse into Qatar's rich history.

Al Khor

50 km from Doha • Half day to full day

A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and the Al Khor Island, which is a popular spot for birdwatching.

Festivals

Qatar National Day • December 18 Doha Tribeca Film Festival • November (dates vary) Qatar International Food Festival • March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like the Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Use the metro and public transportation to get around the city, as traffic can be heavy and parking can be challenging.
Try traditional Qatari dishes like machbous and luqaimat for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the modern and upscale West Bay to the historic and cultural Old Doha.
Take advantage of the city's rich coffee culture by visiting local cafes and trying traditional Qatari coffee (kahwa).