Kayaking at Purple Island.
Get ready for action-packed or cozy-feel activities as we’ll be experiencing a cooler weather for the coming weeks.
Qatar has an enticing mix of traditional and modern ways, from camel riding to extreme sports like skydiving and paratriking, let The Peninsula take you on the best adventures on land, sea and air.
All set? Let’s begin.
First on our list is dune bashing in the astonishing sand dunes. Experience a Unesco recognised site - the remarkable Inland Sea or Khor Al Udaid, located in the south-east of the country. It is an outstanding landscape where the desert meets the sea, imagine watching the sun sets and sun rises, phew, no wonder it was recognised as a nature reserve.
Unesco described the Inland Sea as a remarkable landscape formed by a globally unique combination of geological and geomorphological features.
Rock climbing
We are not through yet with heritage sites that will give you a glimpse of Qatar’s past.
Al Zubarah Archaeological site, a Unesco World Heritage site, will wow you. It’s a take back to 20th century where its pristine site houses residential palaces, mosques, courtyard houses, fishermen’s huts, streets, double defensive walls, a harbor, a canal and even cemeteries.
Did you also know that its fort’s wall is one-metre-thick? This is to ward off invaders and help the rooms cool during the hot summer. How mind-boggling is that!
Going to west is Zekreet Fort. Marvel the astounding landscape of 18th century with remnants of old civilization. Now on the 19th century is Al Rakayat Fort located in the north western of the country which was built to preserve local supplies of freshwater. Rakayat is an Arabic word for “well.”
You don’t have to go far to see a fort, try Al Koot or Doha Fort. Built in 1927, it is a historical military fortress which is near Souq Waqif. It’s a train or cab away!
Let’s end our land trip with action.
Climb on the rock! This activity is not for the faint-hearted. Located in Aspire Zone, Esqalar Sports Climbing Wall is offering this kind of session for as low as QR50. It runs daily classes for adults and kids, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or expert, wall climbing is one for the books.
Next is cycling, let’s work that legs out! Being one of the most popular activities in the country, you can find a rental bike shop including parks at Museum of Islamic Art and Al Bidda. Relish the cool air as you cycle your way through fitness and flexibility.
We’re done with the land, now let’s begin an invigorating voyage through air and sea.
Qatar Sky Diving team in action during Qatar International Open Parachuting Championship near Sealine.
Have you been to Purple Island? What a wonder!
Located in northeast, near Al Khor, this must-visit spot is an hour away from Doha. It was named purple as it was the main site of the Kassite-controlled purple dye industry during second millennium BC. The colour purple is associated with royalty as explained by Qatar Tourism.
This November is the best time for you to visit, enjoy bird watching, kayaking, or even a walk in nature. Time to cool off in this place.
Visitor Melvin Padua told The Peninsula: “Purple Island is worth a visit. It’s a great place to unwind, especially in the winter season. The place is serene and Instagram-worthy. We enjoyed walking on the long wooden bridge surrounded by mangroves and swamps. At the end of the bridge, you will see the beautiful limestone rock formations, and the view of the sunset is worth the journey.”
Up for a Speed Boat? Drive in style with a captain and fish in the Arabian Sea. Cherish the beauty of luxury with this activity which runs from three to eight hours.
Let’s get that arms and legs moving again through kayaking, paddle boarding and jetskiing. Explore the wonder of The Pearl and deep into mindfulness with this adventure.
How about scuba diving? More than its rich desert, Qatar is home to a wild underwater world. Among the most common dive sites are GMC reef located in Mesaieed, Dooba, and New Club.
And don’t forget about kiteboarding! Nothing beats staying up in the air while enjoying the marvelous sea down under.
Inland Sea or Khor Al Udaid, located in the south-east of Qatar.
Shall we end our adventure with us being one with the sky? Yes we will!
Jump into aerial escapade with paratriking. Fly like a bird, relax with flabbergasting views, and sites from above! Want to experience like Yoon Se-ri from the Korean hit drama ‘Crash Landing On You’? Don’t worry, paragliding won’t take you to North Korea but it will cruise you through Qatar’s most precious places.
Down to our ultimate adventure which is also on my bucket list – skydiving. Feel the adrenaline rush transition while jumping from a propeller-driven airplane to descending the ground. Takes a lot of courage and experience this extreme sport, jump with an instructor 13,000 ft above ground while taking your breath away with a view of the land and sea from up in the air.
