1025 days ago
As a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian sea and blessed with year-round sunny weather, Qatar is an ideal location for water sports. In the winter season when the average temperature is 26 degrees, the country’s crystal-clear beaches, waterparks and marinas invite everyone to try out new activities and experiences. Here are some the top 6 water adventures to try in Qatar.
1. Kite surfing
A sailing sport that combines wakeboarding, surfing and windsurfing, Kite surfing or kite boarding is a popular watersport in Qatar. Many local tour operators and 5-star hotels with private beaches offer the experience.
2. Parasailing
Initially used as part of the pilot survival training by NASA in the 1960s, parasailing is a thrilling experience of soaring at a height of up to 100 meters on a parachute tied to a speedboat. Best places to try this are Katara Beach Club and Sealine Resort.
3. Wakeboarding
For a quick and easy adrenaline rush, try wakeboarding, wakesurfing or waterskiing in the waters off Doha. Sessions are booked in 20-minute increments and first-timers can get their sea legs by booking an introductory lesson with an experienced coach.
4. Kayaking
The best way to explore the flora and fauna of the country’s magnificent natural reserves at the Inland Sea and Al Thakira Mangroves is by kayak. Tour operators offer sunrise and moonlit trips along with training, equipment and guides.
5. Diving
Counted among the world’s top pearl diving centres, Qatar is an ideal destination for diving year round. Divers can explore the fascinating marine life, boat wrecks and limestone formations. PADI training courses and trips are offered by many diving centres and tour operators at a variety of locations.
6. Sailing
With 563 kilometres of coastline, sailing is one of the best ways to see the country. With sailing clubs offering training in dinghies, keelboats to traditional dhow boats, luxury yachts, and even dragon boating for large groups, Qatar caters to all types of mariners.
Top places for family-friendly water activities
1. Aspire Zone
Qatar’s biggest park offers plenty of activities for people of all ages and fitness levels. Families can enjoy paddle boating in the artificial lake in the centre of the park while swimmers can wear themselves out in the Olympic-sized pools at the adjacent Hamad Aquatic Center, which is also home to Qatar’s national swimming, water-polo and diving teams.
2. Banana Island Resort
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Doha, this 5-star resort is a perfect spot for water adventures including the signature banana boats, snorkeling or just lounging by the beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Corniche
The crescent shaped water promenade has a 7-kilometre-long boardwalk offering spectacular views of the Gulf waters on one side and Doha’s glistening skyline on the other. There’s plenty of water activities to be tried here including jet skiing and stand up paddle boarding (SUP), but a dhow boat ride is a must-try experience, ideally taken around sunset.
4. Desert Falls Water & Adventure Park
Part of Salwa Beach Resort, the Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park is one of the most impressive theme parks in the Middle East, with more than 25 water slides, rides and attractions. Visit the park and experience thrilling adventures.
5. Katara Beach Club
This stylish, well outfitted and easily accessible beach club offers a host of leisure activities, from gondola rides and speedboats to thrilling jet skis, jet-lev flyers, and even motorised robot sharks and seabreachers.