Sold outHotel pickup included
North & west coast
West Coast, Zekreet & Film City
Limestone mushrooms, an abandoned film set in the desert and Richard Serra’s steel plates standing in the middle of nowhere.
7 hoursShared4.9(78)
FromQAR 340per person
Overview
A full day north, out of the city and into the part of Qatar that still looks like it did. Al Zubarah first — a UNESCO-listed fort and, behind it, the excavated remains of a pearling town that was one of the busiest ports in the Gulf. Then Al Ruwais at the very top, where the fishing boats come in, and back down via Purple Island, where a boardwalk runs out through the mangroves and the flamingos stand around in the shallows if the season is right.
Duration
6 hours
Group size
2–8
Languages
English, Arabic
Meeting point
Hotel lobby pickup, early morning.
Itinerary
- 1
North along the coast road
Doha to Al Zubarah1h 15m
Out of Doha with your guide setting up the history.
- 2
Al Zubarah fort
Al Zubarah1h 30m
The fort, the excavated pearling town and the story of why it emptied.
- 3
Al Ruwais harbour
Al Ruwais45 min
The working fishing harbour at the northern tip.
- 4
Purple Island mangroves
Al Khor1h 15m
The boardwalk out through the mangroves and the birdlife in the shallows.
- 5
Return to Doha
Doha1 hour
Back down the coast road.
What is included
What is included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Licensed guide and air-conditioned vehicle
- Al Zubarah fort entry
- Purple Island mangrove walk
- Water and snacks
What is not included
- Lunch (available as an add-on)
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
Good to know
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Sun protection and a hat
- Insect repellent for the mangroves
- Binoculars if you have them
Good to know
- Around six hours including roughly two hours of driving
- The mangrove boardwalk is uneven in places
Accessibility
Accessibility
The fort has sand and gravel underfoot and the mangrove boardwalk has steps. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Contact us to discuss a modified private version.
Safety
Long driving day with scheduled stops. Guides carry water, shade and a first-aid kit.
Optional extras
Camel Ride
A short guided camel ride at the desert camp.
QAR 30per person
Falcon Photography
Hold and be photographed with a trained falcon, Qatar’s national bird.
QAR 20per person
Pickup
Included from central Doha. This is a long day — pickups start around 08:00.
West Bay & Corniche hotels
About 30 minutes before departure
Hotel pickup included
Msheireb, Souq Waqif & old Doha
About 30 minutes before departure
Hotel pickup included
The Pearl & Lusail
About 45 minutes before departure
+ QAR 30
Al Khor & northern suburbs
About 60 minutes before departure
+ QAR 80
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
- More than 48 hours before departure100%
- Between 24 and 48 hours before departure50%
- Less than 24 hours before departure or no-show0%
Frequently asked
Often between November and March, and rarely in high summer. It is wildlife, so nobody can promise it — but the mangroves are worth the walk regardless.
No, but you can add a local lunch stop when you book, or bring your own and eat at Al Ruwais.
Want this route changed?
We build private versions of every tour we run. Tell us what you have in mind.
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