15 North Qatar Tours to Book Before You Land

1.North Qatar Half-Day Tour: Al Zubarah, Purple Island & Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 337 reviews · from $50Our pick

Travel north from Doha in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. See Al Khor’s port and pearling past, walk around Purple Island and Al Thakhira’s mangroves, then visit Al Zubara Fort. Guides such as Javid, Javaid, Amar, and Bilal have been praised for strong local commentary, though the quality of guiding can vary.

“Our guide, Bilal, was great and made it an enjoyable experience - Al Zubara Fort is the definite highlight. The tour is probably a little bit expensive for what you get”

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2.North Qatar Tour | Zubara Fort | Purple Island | Mangros Colony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 323 reviews · from $77

Leave Doha with a driver-guide and explore northern Qatar in a small private group of up to six. See Al Khor’s dhow boats, walk around Purple Island’s mangroves, visit Zubara Fort and its film, and stop at Al Jumail. Guides including Usman, Adil, Bilal, and Abdur Rahman are praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

“Abdullah was on tine very informative treated his group with resoect good driving covered what was incouded”

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3.Doha North Qatar Tour Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 267 reviews · 4h 30m · from $59

Travel north from Doha in a small group of up to six, with English-speaking guides such as Nawaz, Abdul Sattar, and Muhammad Yasin. You’ll see Al Khor’s old harbor, Al Thakira mangroves, Al Zubara Fort, and Al Jumail Village in 270 minutes, with hotel pickup, drinks, and an air-conditioned vehicle included.

“Great tour - was very informative. Was good to see lots of history of Qatar. I would definitely recommend. The Fort was very interesting.”

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5.North of Qatar Tour to Olafur Eliasson Zubara Fort Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 157 reviews · from $55

Travel north from Doha with a private guide and driver, stopping at Al Khor, Al Thakira’s mangroves, Purple Island, Al Zubara Fort, Al Jumail village, and Olafur Eliasson’s desert installation. Expect a small group of up to six, hotel pickup, bottled water, and long drives between widely spaced sites.

“Abholung am Hafen hat gut geklappt. Leider mussten wir den Fahrer erst suchen, da er kein Namensschild mit unserem Namen dabei hatte. Sehr netter Fahrer, er wusste viel über das Land zu erzählen. Die Tour selbst war mit langen Fahrstrecken verbunden. Die LandschaRead more”

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6.North of Qatar Tour, Zubara Fort, Mangroves, Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $65

Travel north from Doha in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guide who explains Qatar’s past and daily life. Visit Al Khor, walk near the Purple Island mangroves, see Al Zubarah Fort, and explore abandoned Al Jumail Village. Water, coffee, and tea are included, while meals and entry fees are not.

“A wonderful carefully planned trip. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the locations we visited, the mangroves were a calm oasis and such a contrast from the city of Doha. We loved that stop. The village and fort are so wRead more”

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7.Qatar: Combo Tour of the North and West with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 78 reviews · 8 hours · from $66

This 8-hour private-group tour takes you from Doha to Al Khor, Purple Island, Al Zubara Fort, Jumail Village, Zekreet, and Richard Serra’s desert sculpture. You’ll travel by air-conditioned 4WD with an English-speaking guide such as Hassan, Abdullah, Adnan, or Abdul Rahman. Coffee, tea, water, hotel, and airport pickup are included.

“A fantastic tour led by the exceptional guide Abdul Rahman, who brought each stop to life with rich insight and engaging stories. From the calm Mangroves, scenic Purple Island, and historic Zubarah Fort to the abandoned Jumail Village, the northern highlights were unforgettable. In the west, we explored the dramatic Zekreet Rock Formations, the bold Richard Serra art, and the lively Camel Racing Track. A surprise stop to see the graceful Oryx, Qatar’s national animal, was a true highlight. The flavorful karak tea break added a perfect local touch. A well-paced, immersive experience—highly recommended!”

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8.Eco Kayaking Adventure – Mangrove Exploration at Purple Island

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $75

You’ll spend about 90 minutes kayaking near Purple Island with a guide such as Mr Google, learning about mangroves, wildlife, tides, and Bin Ghanim Island. High tide gives you the best chance to reach the forest channels. Afterward, enjoy camp facilities and karak tea, with an optional barbecue meal.

“The guide, Mr Google, was enthusiastic and managed all abilities well. Although it was a low tide the day we attended. Mr Google made all efforts to extend our time so we could catch a higher tide and experience the mangroves. Paddling throRead more”

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9.Private North of Qatar: Zubara Fort | Jumail Village | Al-Thakhira Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · from $60

Travel north from Doha in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with water, coffee, and tea provided. Visit Al Khor’s old harbor and shipyard, see the Al Thakhira mangrove forest, and finish near the UNESCO-listed Al Zubara site. The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with several departure times and optional pickup.

“I did enjoy the tour. The sites were interesting, and it was nice just to get out of the city and see what the rest of the country looks like. The guide was prompt and knowledgable. But at our last stop, the ruins of a village in the desert out in Read more”

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10.North Qatar Tour, Mangroves, & Zubara Fort and purple

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 63 reviews · 4 hours · from $40

Travel north from Doha in an air-conditioned SUV with an English-speaking guide such as Adil, Abood, Saloo, or Akhter. Visit Al Khor, Purple Island, Al Thakira’s mangroves, UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Fort, and abandoned Jumail village. Expect history, birdwatching, coastal views, and a possible splash or two.

“Interesting North Qatar Tour with Adil Really interesting Tour! We visited interesting sites and we had a great time without guide Adil who was flexible to our needs great guide nice stories of side great knowledge, informative guide Adil”

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12.Mangrove Kayaking Purple Island Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 58 reviews · from $55

Spend about four hours kayaking through the mangroves of Purple Island near Ras Matbakh. A guide provides safety instruction, kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and basic information about the birds, crabs, and fish around you. Sunset departures can be lovely, but check the tide, wind, pickup details, and transfer cost before booking.

“A great experience that would not have happened without the courtesy and hard work of our host Peter. He made us feel welcomed and didn't spare any efforts in the trip despite being the only person manning the camp and the group tours. Read more”

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14.North Qatar: Zubara Fort, Jumail Village, Thakhira Mangroves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 4h 30m · from $57

Leave Doha by air-conditioned Jeep or SUV for Al Khor Harbour, Al-Thakhira Mangroves, UNESCO-listed Al Zubara Fort, and abandoned Al Jumail Village. English-speaking guides such as Nawaz, Faisal, Muhammad Yasin, and Abdul Sattar explain Qatar’s past, provide tea or coffee, and collect you from any Doha address.

“Mr Nawaz picked us up promptly and was a great guide. He was knowledgeable and answered our questions. It was interesting to get outside of the big city to see what other parts of the country look like.”

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15.Zubara UNESCO Site, Mangroves & Jumail Village

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 4 hours · from $35Best value

Travel from Doha by air-conditioned SUV to North Qatar’s Al Zubara Fort, coastal villages, mangroves, and historic Jumail Village. An English-speaking guide such as Yasir, Adil, or Rehan explains Qatar’s pearling past and pre-oil life. The four-hour private-group option includes water, tea, pickup, and hotel or airport drop-off.

“We had a great tour with Rehan. Lovely to see such interesting destinations and learn more about Qatar beyond Doha!”

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