North Qatar Half-Day Tour: Al Zubarah, Purple Island & Mangroves

Doha , Qatar

North Qatar Half-Day Tour: Al Zubarah, Purple Island & Mangroves

Active

(405 reviews)

4h - 5h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore three of North Qatar’s top attractions—Al Zubarah Fort, Purple Island, and Al Thakhira Mangroves—all in one efficient, half-day adventure.
Expert Local Guides: Our knowledgeable guides bring history and nature to life, offering rich insights and personalized attention.
Comfort and Convenience: Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with complimentary pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, port, or airport.
Authentic Experience: Experience Qatar’s unique blend of history and natural beauty, from UNESCO heritage sites to serene mangroves.
Flexible and Family-Friendly: Designed for all ages, this tour perfectly balances cultural exploration and outdoor adventure.
Experience North Qatar like never before!

Available options

Shared Tour/Pickup Servise

Shared Tour/Pickup Servise<br/>Pickup included

Starndard Shared/Meeting Point

Standard Shared Tour, no pickup service, meeting point at Qatar National Museum metro station.<br/>Pickup included

Private Tour/Pickup Service

Private Tour/Pickup Service<br/>Pickup included

What's included

insurance

Air Conditioned vehicle

Bottled water and tea

Pickup /drop off services.

English speaking tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pick-up from your selected hotel/ location/Airport

Al Khor is a coastal city in northern Qatar, located 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. It is one of the proposed venues for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The Purple Island, also known as Al Khor Island, is a beautiful place in Al Khor, 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.

Al Thakhira is a town on the coast of the Al Khor municipality in Qatar, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) northeast of the city of Al Khor City and 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the capital Doha. It is closely affiliated with Al Khor City, with both having been founded by the Al Muhannadi tribe. Like other coastal settlements in the area, its inhabitants historically relied solely on pearling and fishing for sustenance

Al zubara also known as Fort Zubara(h) is a historic Qatari military fortress built under the oversight of Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani in 1938.

Stop 6

Drop off at your selected hotel/ location/Airport

What's not included

Meals

Al Zubara fort entrance fees

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

29 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

376 reviews

5★

358

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Dress code: cover your knees and shoulders, regardless of whether you are male or female/ Don’t wear anything see-through.

Meeting point

If you select the standard shared tour, no pickup service is included. You must meet our guide at the National Museum Metro Station. our guide will contact you to arrange the service.

Important notes

Booking Confirmation:
Once your booking is complete, one of our guides will text you the night before your tour or, if the booking is made on the same day, at least 7 hours before the tour to confirm the details.

For last-minute bookings made less than 6 hours before the tour, it is mandatory to contact our guide leader, Amir, directly at +97455597740 to ensure your participation in the tour.

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).