North Qatar Tour Zubara Fort, Purple Island and Mangroves Colony
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of northern Qatar. Begin your journey at the UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Fort, a historic site that offers a glimpse into the country's past. Then, venture to Al Thakhira Beach, where you can observe the thriving mangrove ecosystem teeming with local wildlife.
Continue your adventure by driving to Al Ruwais, the northernmost point of Qatar. Here, take in breathtaking sea views stretching toward Bahrain and learn about traditional Qatari life and culture before the oil era.
Visit the historic Al Khor Harbor, once a bustling center for pearl diving and fishing. Explore the Al Thakhira Mangroves, a serene haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Step back in time at a traditional Qatari village, where houses made of limestone and mud showcase the architecture of a bygone era. Don’t miss Al Shamal, marking the northern tip of Qatar and offering a unique perspective on the country's heritage and geography.
Available options
North Qatar Tour Zubara Fort, Purple Island and Mangroves Colony
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
pickup and transfer to al khor
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
Stop 6
drop back service
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
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).
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
