Did you know there are many uninhabited islands in Qatar, some of which you can visit? One of these is Al Safliya Island off the coast of Doha and these insights will help you plan a trip here.
Getting There
This small island that has a shape like a manta ray can be found south of The Pearl Qatar. To get to Al Safliya, one can take a speedboat, or a traditional boat called a dhow from the waterfront promenade known as the Corniche; some of the best hotels in Doha can be found close to this coastal area including properties like Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli. If travelling by dhow, the journey to the island will take around 30 to 40 minutes.
What to Expect
The ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle, Al Safliya Island is a popular spot for those looking to soak up the sun, play in the surf or have a relaxing swim. Weekends can get crowded so a weekday visit may be better. Don’t forget you can also enjoy water sports with options like kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat rides and stand-up paddleboarding on offer.
Sublime Views
One of the best things to do on the island is to head to its “tail” section, which is in fact, a sandbar that stretches out towards West Bay and the Corniche; from here, you can take in stunning views of the city, which are made even more spectacular during sunset so don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the moment!
Keep in Mind
Dhows can’t directly reach the island since the waters are shallow and will anchor a bit away; tour operators may provide a boat ride from this point while some travellers will choose to swim to shore. This is an uninhabited island with only wooden umbrellas and no facilities or restrooms; you will have to bring your own food unless it’s provided on your tour and remember to use the trash bins here to keep the area litter-free. There is no entry fee to the island and the best times to visit are generally from October to April.