Best places for kayaking in Qatar
Kayaking is a fun activity to take up this season, with multiple places in Qatar to enjoy this sport. Try your hand at a gentle paddle through the mangroves found at Purple Island or soak in the views of the glamorous Pearl Island.
If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can sign up for Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP). Be prepared to get a bit wet, as it may take you a couple of tries to perfect your balance.
If you are up for the challenge, here is a list of places to go kayaking in Qatar.
Ras Abou Abboud Beach (974 Beach)
One of the new beaches opened in time for the Qatar World Cup, 974 Beach enjoys a variety of water sport activities including kayaking. Jump into a kayak at 974 beach and enjoy the spectacular views of the Doha skyline and 974 Stadium.
Rate:
- 30 min: QAR 60
- 60 min: QAR 100
Daily: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Contact: 55410504
*Please contact tour operator for availability prior to visit
Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA Park)
MIA Park is a popular picnic spot, but did you know you can find kayaking services there as well? You will find multiple kayaking tours taking place at MIA Park every Friday and Saturday.
Tour operator: Aqua Sports
Kayak rentals for 30 minutes:
- Single kayak: QAR 50
- Double kayak: QAR 100
- Stand Up Paddling: QAR 100
SUP guided tour for 60 minutes:
- Adult: QAR 220
Kayaking guided tour for 60 minutes:
- Adult: QAR 180
- Teenager (12-18 years): QAR 90
- Children (7-11 years): QAR 60
A thrilling water sports experience, this tour also offers insights into the architecture, history and exhibits at the Museum of Islamic Arts. Ever wondered about the creation of Richard Serra’s “7” at the end of MIA Park? The tour goes into the significance of the installation, while sharing some fun facts on how it all came about.
Note:
- Kayaking is currently available only on Friday’s and Saturday’s.
- Only children above 7 years will be allowed and knowing how to swim is a requirement for all.
- Advance booking is required
Contact: 33194445
Visit: Website and Instagram Page
Katara Beach
Family-friendly and well facilitated, Katara Beach is the perfect place to catch a quick midweek break or wind down over the weekend after a long week. Along with a host of other water sport activities, Katara Beach offers kayaking as well. Both single and double kayak boats are available.
Rate for 30 minutes:
- Single kayak: QAR 20
- Double kayak: QAR 50
Entry fees to Katara Beach:
- Adult: QAR 10
- Children below 18 years: Free
Contact: 50501048
The Pearl, Qatar
Experience the open waters of Porto Arabia in a kayak as you enjoy the bliss and mindfulness of the activity. At Porto Arabia you can enjoy both kayaking and SUP as you soak in the skyline from a different perspective. Currently there are two tour operators offering kayaking services at the Pearl:
Tour operator: 365 Adventures by Peninsula Compass Tourism
Kayak through the open water of Porto Arabia
Age: 4+ years
Rate: From QAR 180 per person
Duration: 90 minutes
Paddle through the open water of Porto Arabia
Age: 15+
Rate: From QAR 180 per person
Duration: 90 minutes
Contact: 33393323
Visit: Website and Instagram Page
Tour operator: Blue Pearl Experience
Sunset SUP and Kayak
Savor the mesmerizing hues of Qatar’s evening sky as you cruise the waters of Porto Arabia on a kayak. Enjoy your favorite landmarks from a different perspective as you discover the scenic waterways of the Pearl.
Take it up a notch by signing up for SUP. Master the art of paddling in the heart of the city with the help of Blue Pearl’s professional guides.
Duration: 60 minutes
Rate:
- Adult: QAR 180
- Child (8-14 Years): QAR 150
Contact: 66602830
Visit: Website and Instagram Page
Note:
- Ability to swim with a floatation device is a requirement
- Advance booking is required
Purple Island
A scenic reserve a one hour drive from Doha, Purple Island boasts of a wide variety of flora and fauna along with seasonal flamingos and herons. A kayak ride at Purple Island is a unique experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy Qatar’s natural landscape. At the Mangrove Reserve, you can enjoy bird watching in addition to kayaking, swimming (if you are willing to brave the waters), and even photography of the mesmerizing landscape.
Tour operator: 365 Adventures by Peninsula Compass Tourism
Kayaking through a mangrove forest
Navigate the waters of the Mangrove Reserve soaking in the views of Qatar’s scenic beauty. If you wish, you may also opt for a guided walkthrough of the reserve’s fascinating ecology.
Age: 4+
Rate: QAR 240
Duration: 90 minutes
Contact: 33393323
Visit: Website and Instagram Page
Tour operator: Aqua Sports
Available tours: Sunrise kayak, sunset kayak or the mangrove SUP tour
Rate: Rates are dependent on selected tour and age of individual
Duration: 90 minutes
Contact: 33194445
Visit: Website and Instagram Page
Note:
- Advance booking is required.
- Tours are subject to availability. Contact the tour operator for availability.
Al Mafjar
Located in north Qatar towards Al Ruwais, the Al Mafjar Forest is a pristine, scenic landmark offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll be able to enjoy seasonal sightings of flamingos and herons there, and discover Qatar’s North Eastern Coast.
Tour operator: 365 Adventures by Peninsula Compass Tourism
Age: 4+
Rate: QAR 240
Duration: 90 minutes
Contact: 33393323
Visit: Website and Instagram Page
Find out more about kayaking at Al Mafjar here.
Remember:
- Check with your tour operator for a list of essentials to be carried during your trip.
- We recommend you dress in comfortable swimwear and flip-flops or waterproof footwear during your kayaking trip.
- It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and towel as you may get wet.
- Refrain from bringing or wearing any valuables to the session.
Note:
- All kayaking trips need to be booked in advance.
- Tour availability is dependent on the weather. Please contact the relevant tour operator prior to visit.
- Rates mentioned are subject to change.
If kayaking is not your thing, here is a list of places to enjoy a boat ride in Qatar
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