The country of Qatar is located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and could quite literally fit into your pocket. Don’t let the size of the this tiny country fool you. Qatar is packed with plenty of things to see and do including outdoor pursuits and adrenaline pumping adventures. Whether you are visiting for the 2022 FIFA World Cup or not, there are a host of adventure activities and things to do in Qatar that will help you plan your time in Doha and the surrounding, compact country.
TOP ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN QATAR
4WD IN THE ARABIAN DESERT
If you have never had the opportunity to fly over massive sand dunes in a 4×4, now is your chance. Considering most of Qatar is flat, low-lying desert, there is no shortage of adventure outfitters ready to take you out on the white knuckle experience.
Looking to do get more out your desert visit? Most tours will have variations that include other fun desert experiences including camping, camel rides and a BBQ under the stars. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to buckle up. Your adventure is guaranteed to be a bumpy a ride.
SCUBA DIVING IN THE PERSIAN GULF
Did you know that the diving in the Middle East is becoming more and more popular? Qatar’s location in the Persian Gulf makes it a great location for diving as conditions are ideal year round. The best months to dive tend to be March through June due to visibility, but that doesn’t stop people from dropping into the water and exploring throughout the year.
Most dive sites are located on the beaches with Othman Reef and neighbouring Zeytuna Reef being popular destinations. You can explore multiple ship wrecks and artificial reefs such as New Club Reef to get up close and personal with some of the Gulfs underwater wildlife. Not a licensed diver but keen to try it out? The conditions tend to be ideal for beginners, so book yourself onto an outing to try it out with another licensed instructor.
ROCK CLIMBING IN ZEKREET
If you are looking to scale some walls while you are Qatar, you are in luck. While not mountainous, there are a few pockets of the country that will allow you to dawn your harness and belay your way outdoors. Located on the northwest coast of Qatar, Zekreet National Park is home to huge rock formations that have become a climbing hot spot. While the highest wall is only 15 meters, a visit to the park makes for a great day out. Connect with the local climbing group Doha Climbers and EsQalar Sports instagram account to see the latest climbing events. Not a fan of outdoor climbing, check our EsQalar Sports, an outdoor climbing center in Doha’s Aspire Zone.
Don’t fancy climbing but still want to explore this corner of Qatar? Get yourself booked onto one of the many tours ready to take you to Zekreet and the West coast.
KITE SURF ALONG THE QATAR COASTLINE
Qatar offers the keen explorer the perfect opportunity to get out on the water for a kite surfing adventure. Due to its calm water and consistent north winds, both professionals and beginners find the ideal conditions to rip across the Gulf. There are plenty of locations dotted throughput Qatar that you can experience the world of kite surfing with Fuwairit Beach, Zekreet Beach and the Al Thakira Mangroves all being popular spots.
Doha adventure outfitters Blue Peal Experience and 365 Adventures offers a variety of outdoor excursions, including kitesurfing that are perfect to explore.
Photo Courtesy Of Blue Pearl Experience
EXPERIENCE QUAD BIKES IN THE DESERT DUNES
Quad bikes and ATVs are often great ways to explore off the beaten path locations. The Arabian Peninsula’s Rub’al-Khali desert, is just the spot to take advantage of this activity within Qatar. Adventures out into the desert, typically referred to as dessert safaris, are often combined with the other desert activities similar to the dune bashing outings you may find in the country. Whether you opt for a full day out, add on a camel ride or explore the desert at sunset, get ready to buckle up, start your engine and enjoy the ride.
JET SKI THROUGH DOHA’S WATERS
Any opportunity to cool down in Qatar is a welcome one – particularly when you are cruising the Persian Gulf at 45mph. Due to the typically calm waters of the Gulf, jet ski adventures and jet ski tours are a fantastic way of cooling down and seeing more of the country. Jet Ski rentals are common along the coast with specific water spots outfitters such as Abe’s Water Sports located at Box Park at the old Doha Port as well as in the larger coastal hotels such as Sheraton Grand Hotel, Hilton Doha and Banana Island Resort.
KAYAK THROUGH THE AL THAKIRA MANGROVES
Nothing beats getting out on the water and exploring in a kayak. Qatar offers its visitors the opportunity to ditch the high rises and desert for an outing to explore the rather unique ecosystem of the Al Thakira Mangroves.
Located roughly an hour outside of Doha or 15 minutes from Al Khor, you’ll be able to kayak through the tall trees as you meander through the mangroves. Keep an eye out for wildlife both below and above the water and enjoy this oasis as you explore the country of Qatar.
SKYDIVE OVER QATAR
If the land and water based activities in Qatar are not enough for you, then maybe you need to look to the skies. Time to skydive! Whether you jump tandem with a professional or are experienced to go at it solo, you will certainly get the heart rate pumping as you dive out over the Gulf to get the birds eye view or Doha and the surrounding desert.
Be sure to check out Skydive Qatar to explore your tandem skydiving adventure or the available jump packages for if you are an experienced diver.
EXPLORE QATAR’S INLAND SEA
Khor Al Adaid, also known as the Inland Sea, is located on the border between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a nature reserve and one of the few places in the world where you can see desert dunes meet the sea.
Inland Sea is a popular stop on day trips that explore the beauty of wider-Qatar. Whether you include on a desert safari or plan to make a day of it, be sure to check it out while you plan your Qatar itinerary.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: QATAR
Flights
Qatar is accessible via Hamad International Airport. Check out Kayak to find the best deals on flights to Qatar.
Accommodation
As a long-time rewards member, Hotels.com is my first stop when exploring accommodation options. Not only do they have great inventory, but you get a free nights stay after every 10th booking.
Car Hire
One of the best ways to explore Qatar is by car. If you are thinking of driving yourself around the country, be sure to compare Qatar car hire options at RentalCars.com.
Travel Insurance
Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase, I will receive a small affiliate commission. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. My full site disclosure and privacy policy is here.
