5 Reasons to Board a Boat Cruise in Doha

Taking a Doha city tour may be one of the best ways to learn about Qatar’s capital and see most of its sights in one convenient, but memorable, outing. It’s also the best way to snap an Instagram-worthy photo of Doha’s skyline while you’re out in the bay. 

From the comfort of the boat, expert guides will tell you about the city’s history while you sail by Katara Cultural Village, the Museum of Islamic Art, and the National Museum of Qatar. Passing by the manmade Pearl Island, you’ll want to ask about the city’s heritage surrounding pearl diving for some incredible history. 

Doha dinner cruises offer a little bit of everything: stunning nighttime and sunset views of the city, a romantic dinner setting, and local cuisine. Dinner cruises typically last 2 to 3 hours and are hosted on traditional dhow boats. The boats cruise at a comfortable speed, ideal for dining.  

What’s for dinner typically varies depending on what dinner cruise company you set sail with. Some serve traditional Arabic meals while others offer big buffets with a variety of options for all. It’s the perfect option for a romantic date night or to celebrate a special occasion. 

Al Safliya Island Beaches offer a tranquil escape from the city, accessible only by boat. To get to this uninhabited island off the eastern shore, you can take a 10-minute dhow boat ride from Pearl Island or a 30-minute trip from Doha Corniche.

A perfect excursion for nature-enthusiasts, there are few amenities on the island. The serene, sandy shores are ideal for volleyball, frisbee, or peaceful sunbathing, while the waters are prime conditions for surfboarding. Some local boat cruise companies will include a private dinner on the beach as part of their tour offerings. For the most picturesque views, try to time your return boat ride with sunset to see the sun gloriously descend behind Doha’s skyline.   

There’s plenty of Doha’s cityscape to see on a traditional boat cruise, but a kayak adventure is the best way to enjoy the natural landscape of Qatar. Less than an hour’s drive north to Al Thakhira, you can kayak among mangroves through a natural reserve. Or head out to Pearl Island and kayak around Grand Bay.  

Doha has kayak adventures that vary in duration and difficulty. If you want guidance, book a tour with an experienced instructor to learn about Qatar’s unique waterways while you paddle. Some tour groups also offer premium amenities like a covered camp set-up to rest with coffee and tea, dinner, and transportation to and from your launch point.