Discover Purple Island

One of the most beautiful areas in Qatar is less than an hour from Doha. Jazirat Bin Ghannam, commonly known as Purple Island is in the Al Khor-Al Thakhira area.

Visitors can enter for free and take a walk around the area or book a kayaking experience with one of the companies based in Purple Island.

A WALK IN PURPLE ISLAND

The famous bridge in photographs can be easily found with Waze.
The sign on the main road says “BIN GHANNAM ISLAND” and “A flower each spring program camp”
If you would like to get to the bridge, do not enter the dirt road with the Aqua Sports sign as that dirt road leads you to the camping area where people kayak from.
Thankfully, the roads to get to the bridge are good for all types of vehicles.
Visitors can take a walk around the island, climb the rocks and do some bird watching. Kids will enjoy looking for crabs, shells and tiny fish.

•Weekdays are lovely and quiet, on weekends Purple Island tends to draw a crowd.
• Sunset from Purple Island is beautiful.
• There is no entrance fee to Purple Island.
• There are no food outlets near Purple Island so it is best to purchase what you need from Al Khor
Kayaking is available at Purple Island by the following Kayak companies:
@365adventures.me
@aquasportsqatar
@discover.arabia
@murexqatartours

Kayaking at Purple Island was one of the most relaxing experiences I have done in Qatar. The perfect sunset from the water! I did not feel like I was in Qatar.
Kayaking is a fun family activity as kids from as young as 3years can join (reconfirm the age restriction with the company you book with).
Each company offers a slightly different package.
There is sunrise or sunset kayaking, ladies only kayaking and yoga with kayaking. Some companies offer drumming, entertainment and bbq’s.

@newindoha TIPS:

• I do recommend using watershoes or sandals that have straps as there are lots of rocks and stones on Purple Island. Water shoes are available at Decathlon and Ansar Gallery

• Mosquito repellant is a good idea as mosquitos come out immediately after sunset and before sunrise.

• The waters can get rough and currents can be strong, so it is best to not swim.

• I was very worried about protecting my cellphone from the water. Some companies sell protective cellphone covers for around Qar 25 that you could put around your neck.

• Carry a lightweight jacket for after kayaking as it can get cold.

• Flamingo season is end of October/November. Sadly we did not see any and I was told one rarely gets to see them as they fly away when they hear people.