Qatar · PURPLE ISLAND & MANGROVE TOURS

Purple Island & the Mangroves: 15 Trips Compared

25 tours  ·  from $35

The mangroves off Al Khor are tidal, so the trip you book decides whether you wade or paddle. These 15 cover both, with prices and a note on what the birdlife is doing at that time of year.

North Qatar Half-Day Tour: Al Zubarah, Purple Island & Mangroves - Al Khor Harbour and the pearling coast
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North Qatar Half-Day Tour: Al Zubarah, Purple Island & Mangroves

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · from $50Our pick

Travel north from Doha in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Visit Al Khor Harbour, Purple Island, Al Thakhira Beach, and Al Zubarah Fort, with guides such as Javaid, Javid, Amar, and Qandeel Bilal praised for clear local insight. Expect plenty of driving, desert heat, and a strong dose of Qatar’s pearling past.

“That day is in bad weather and raining. The guide very nice to bring me to another place, called Barzen Tower. Every spot is perfect. Thank you.”

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North Qatar Tour | Zubara Fort | Purple Island | Mangros Colony - Al Khor, Qatar’s old coastal character
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North Qatar Tour | Zubara Fort | Purple Island | Mangros Colony

2.North Qatar Tour | Zubara Fort | Purple Island | Mangros Colony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · from $77

Travel north from Doha in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide. Visit Al Khor Harbour, Purple Island, Al Zubara Fort, Al Jumail, and the Al Thakhira mangroves. Guides such as Usman, Adil, Bilal, and Abdur Rahman are praised for clear history, safe driving, and friendly service. The tour lasts about four to five hours.

“This tour is a great way to spend a stopover in Qatar. We were able to see some significant cultural sights and also some nice natural areas too. Our guide Adil, went to a lot of effort to make sure that we were able to make the most of our time, and he knew which places would be most interesting for us to see. Adil was a very accommodating guide and the tour was a fantastic way to experience Qatar in a short period of time.”

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Doha North Qatar Tour Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village - Al Khor harbor and the working coast
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Doha North Qatar Tour Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village

3.Doha North Qatar Tour Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 267 reviews · 4h 30m · from $59

Travel north from Doha in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Nawaz or Abdul Sattar. Visit Al Khor harbor, Al Thakira mangroves, Al Zubara Fort, and abandoned Jumail village. The four-and-a-half-hour trip suits visitors who want Qatari history, coastal scenery, and an easy small-group outing for $59.

“A very educational and interesting tour of the forts and ancient history of Qatar. Our tour guide, Mr Nawaz, was really nice and gave lots of information about people living in Qatar. Overall, we enjoyed the tour and his company very much. The car is also comfortable for long drives and he communicates promptly via WhatsApp.”

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North of Qatar Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village - Leaving Doha for Al Khor
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North of Qatar Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village

4.North of Qatar Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $65

Travel north from Doha in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide, stopping at Al Khor, Purple Island’s mangroves, Al Zubarah Fort, and abandoned Al Jumail Village. The 4 to 5-hour outing includes water, coffee, and tea, but not meals or entry fees. Pickup and drop-off are provided.

“I booked a solo tour but another person had booked around the same time and ended up on my tour with me. I actually was glad but I would have expected the price to be adjusted and it wasn’t. Overall we had a wonderful time, I did get very Read more”

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Eco Kayaking Adventure – Mangrove Exploration at Purple Island - What you see among the mangrove roots
Canoes & Kayaks, Purple Island & Mangrove Tours, Tour Reviews

Eco Kayaking Adventure – Mangrove Exploration at Purple Island

5.Eco Kayaking Adventure – Mangrove Exploration at Purple Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $75

You’ll spend about 90 minutes kayaking through the Al Thakira mangroves with a guide such as Mr Google, learning about wildlife, tides, and Purple Island’s link to Qatar’s flag. The trip includes safety instruction, equipment, camp access, and tea or coffee. Check the tide before booking, since low water can limit access to the mangrove channels.

“It was a very good experience of kayaking and discovering the Qatar Mangrove. Very peaceful and beautiful landscapes. Clear water and nice environment and wildlife. The guide is very nice and very interesting about the history of the place and the biodiversity explanations. We totally recommand this experience with Aquasport Qatar !”

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From Doha: Mangroves Kayaking Adventure - What the mangroves add to the experience
Canoes & Kayaks, Purple Island & Mangrove Tours, Tour Reviews

From Doha: Mangroves Kayaking Adventure

6.Mangroves Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 72 reviews · 2 hours · from $60

Paddle through Al Thakira Mangrove Forest with an English-speaking guide, then reach Purple Island by kayak. Guides such as Joseph, Prince, Mohamad, Israel, and Peter have helped beginners learn the basics, spot birds, and manage narrow channels. Expect a relaxed two-hour outing, scenic coast views, and wet clothes.

“Our guide was excellent and it was a very chill vibe, he let us take our time and talked to us about the mangrove too. Driver came half an hour late though, so wife didn't appreciate that as we were just about to go back to sleep lol. Minor setback on a great time.”

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Private North of Qatar: Zubara Fort | Jumail Village | Al-Thakhira Mangroves - Al Khor Harbor and the old pearling coast
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Private North of Qatar: Zubara Fort | Jumail Village | Al-Thakhira Mangroves

7.Private North of Qatar: Zubara Fort | Jumail Village | Al-Thakhira Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · from $60

Spend 3 to 4 hours exploring northern Qatar in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Al Khor’s old pearling harbor and shipyard, see the Al Thakhira mangroves, and finish at Al Zubara Fort. Pickup, bottled water, coffee, and tea are included. The fort admission fee, lunch, and dinner are extra.

“I did enjoy the tour. The sites were interesting, and it was nice just to get out of the city and see what the rest of the country looks like. The guide was prompt and knowledgable. But at our last stop, the ruins of a village in the desert out in Read more”

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Doha: North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort and purple - The drive north from Doha
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Doha: North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort and purple

8.North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort and purple

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 63 reviews · 4 hours · from $40

Travel north from Doha in a private or small-group SUV with an English-speaking guide. Visit Al Khor harbor, Purple Island, Al Thakira mangroves, Al Zubara Fort, and Jumail village. Guides such as Adil, Anwar, Abood, and Sajid are praised for clear history talks and helpful service.

“we enjoyed the tour. Adil is the great tour guide. Beautiful history sides and take us beautiful photos 😍 thanks Adil.”

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Mangrove Kayaking Purple Island Adventure - Wildlife watching among salt-tolerant trees
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Mangrove Kayaking Purple Island Adventure

9.Mangrove Kayaking Purple Island Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · from $55

Paddle through the mangrove channels of Purple Island near Doha with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets provided. Guides such as Peter and Joseph offer basic instruction and explain the area’s birds, crabs, fish, and salt-tolerant trees. The four-hour outing may include sunset views, coffee, and tea, but transport costs extra.

“A great experience that would not have happened without the courtesy and hard work of our host Peter. He made us feel welcomed and didn't spare any efforts in the trip despite being the only person manning the camp and the group tours. Read more”

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North Qatar: Zubara Fort, Jumail Village, Thakhira Mangroves - Thakhira mangroves: Qatar’s green coastal surprise
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North Qatar: Zubara Fort, Jumail Village, Thakhira Mangroves

10.North Qatar: Zubara Fort, Jumail Village, Thakhira Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 4h 30m · from $57

Travel from Doha into North Qatar with an English-speaking guide such as Nawaz, Abdul, or Faisal. Visit Al Khor Harbour, Thakhira mangroves, UNESCO-listed Zubara Fort, and abandoned Jumail Village in an air-conditioned SUV, with tea, coffee, and hotel pickup included.

“Our tour with Muhammad was great! whatever questions we had he knew the answer and was able to point out sights along the way.”

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Doha: Zubara UNESCO Site, Mangroves & Jumail Village - The drive north from Doha
North Qatar Tours, Purple Island & Mangrove Tours, Tour Reviews

Doha: Zubara UNESCO Site, Mangroves & Jumail Village

11.Zubara UNESCO Site, Mangroves & Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 4 hours · from $35Best value

Travel north from Doha in an air-conditioned SUV with an English-speaking guide such as Yasir, Adil, or Salman. Explore Al Zubara Fort, old fishing villages, mangroves, and Jumail’s abandoned homes. You’ll get history, coastal scenery, tea, water, hotel or airport pickup, and a flexible four-hour route for $35.

“We had a great tour with Rehan. Lovely to see such interesting destinations and learn more about Qatar beyond Doha!”

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Doha: Private North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort - Zakheera Beach and the calm of the mangroves
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Doha: Private North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort

12.Private North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 30 reviews · 4 hours · from $142

You’ll travel north from Doha in a private air-conditioned 4x4 with an Arabic- or English-speaking guide. See Al Khor’s harbor, Zakheera Beach, Purple Island, the Al-Thakira mangroves, Al Zubara Fort, and Jumail’s abandoned village. Guides such as Sajid, Shah, and Ibrahim have earned praise for friendly service and useful local insight.

“Ibrahim nice guide Excellent Tour Recommended this tour Thank you monster adventures Qatar”

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Doha-Qatar North Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, purple island - Starting in Doha with a private SUV
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Doha-Qatar North Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, purple island

13.Qatar North Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, purple island

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 25 reviews · 4h 30m · from $71

Travel north from Doha with a private SUV and an English, Arabic, or Hindi-speaking guide. Visit Al Khor harbor, Al Thakira mangroves, Purple Island, Zubara Fort, and Al Jumail’s abandoned village. Guides such as Ali, Arum, Muzzi, and Bashaar have been praised for clear stories, friendly service, and flexible photo stops.

“The fort and mangrooves. Excelent attention from the guide.”

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North of Qatar Tour|Zubara Fort, Purple Island & Mangroves Colony - Purple Island and the changing tide
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North of Qatar Tour|Zubara Fort, Purple Island & Mangroves Colony

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · from $69

Travel north from Doha in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a guide such as Zohaib, Irfan, Muhammad, or Jassim. Visit Al Khor, Purple Island, Al Thakhira mangroves, Al Zubara Fort, and old coastal villages. Expect history, sea views, bottled water, tea or coffee, and a long but rewarding half-day outside the city.

“Great chance to get out of Doha and see some of historic Qatar. My guide Zohaib was knowledgeable and friendly! Be aware, the shuttle to the village does not run on Fridays.”

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4 Hours Purple Island Mangroves Kayaking Adventure in Qatar - The tide can make or break the outing
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4 Hours Purple Island Mangroves Kayaking Adventure in Qatar

15.4 Hours Purple Island Mangroves Kayaking Adventure in Qatar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · from $120

Paddle through Al Thakira’s mangrove channels toward Purple Island, also called Jazirat Bin Ghanim, on a private 4 to 5 hour outing from Doha. Expect birds, crabs, fish, reeds, and Islamic-period ruins. Check the tide before booking, since low water can prevent you from reaching the mangrove channels.

“We saw all the key sights and enjoyed a relaxing dhow cruise with breathtaking views. Nitesh was friendly, informative and made the experience smooth and fun, highly recommend!”

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New in Purple Island & Mangrove Tours

★ 5.0Private Tour to Zubara Fort Purple Island and Olafur EliassonFrom $653 reviews
★ 5.0Kayak Through the Mangroves to the Purple IslandFrom $1194 reviews
★ 5.0Al Thakira Mangrove Forest Kayaking TourFrom $1503 reviews
★ 4.4Private North of Qatar Tour, Zubara Fort & MangrovesFrom $643 reviews

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Where to next

Start with a dune, a fort or a museum.

The desert

Dune DaysKhor Al AdaidSandboardingCamel RidesQuad and Buggy Time

Out of the city

The NorthZekreetPurple IslandThe Race TrackForts and Pearling

In Doha

City LoopsSouq WaqifKataraThe PearlThe Corniche

After dark

StargazingA Night in a TentLate DeparturesHarbour DhowsDinner on the Sand