Qool Qatar · Mangrove kayaking in Qatar · Purple Island, Al Khor

When is high tide at Purple Island? Your mangrove kayaking tide calendar

By Qool Qatar Team · Published 13 October 2026 · Updated 16 October 2026

Mangrove kayaking at Purple Island is one of the top water activities in Qatar, and the tide decides how far into the mangroves you can paddle. Pick a high-tide slot and your guide can take you deep into the channels of the Al Thakhira (also spelled Al Thakira) mangroves, about 50 minutes from Doha. Planning to visit Qatar, or looking to discover Qatar beyond the city? Open a month below, find a high-tide slot, then book mangrove kayaking in Qatar with Qool Qatar.

50 min from DohaDaily, all yearAges 2 and up

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Tide calendar

Purple Island tide calendar, month by month

Tap a month to open it. Blue is high tide (full mangrove route), grey is medium or low tide (scenic island paddle). Days with the same tide pattern are grouped; ● new moon, ○ full moon. Tap any slot to book.

High tide: full mangrove routeMedium/low tide: scenic island paddle

October 2026 ▾From 16 Oct · 42 high-tide slots

Date	Sunrise6⁠–⁠8am	Morning8⁠–⁠10am	Late morning10am–12pm	Midday12⁠–⁠2pm	Sunset3⁠–⁠5pm
Fri–Mon16–19 Oct	High	High	High	Low	Low
Tue–Wed20–21 Oct	Low	High	High	Low	Low
Thu–Sun22–25 Oct	Low	Low	Low	High	High
Mon–Wed ○26–28 Oct	High	High	Low	Low	High
Thu–Sat29–31 Oct	High	High	High	Low	Low

November 2026 ▾Whole month · 89 high-tide slots

Date	Sunrise6⁠–⁠8am	Morning8⁠–⁠10am	Late morning10am–12pm	Midday12⁠–⁠2pm	Sunset3⁠–⁠5pm
Sun–Tue1–3 Nov	High	High	High	High	Low
Wed–Thu4–5 Nov	Low	High	High	High	High
Fri–Sun6–8 Nov	Low	Low	Low	High	High
Mon–Wed ●9–11 Nov	High	High	Low	Low	High
Thu–Wed12–18 Nov	High	High	High	Low	Low
Thu–Sat19–21 Nov	Low	Low	High	High	High
Sun–Wed ○22–25 Nov	High	Low	Low	Low	High
Thu26 Nov	High	High	Low	Low	Low
Fri–Sat27–28 Nov	High	High	High	Low	Low
Sun–Mon29–30 Nov	High	High	High	High	Low

Book nowMangrove Kayaking Adventure in Qatar, from 100 QAR per person

Why paddle here

One of the top water activities in Qatar, and one of the most eco-friendly

Qatar's coast is known for jet skis, dhow cruises and desert-meets-sea safaris, but kayaking through the Al Thakhira mangroves is the quiet one. You glide along shallow channels lined with grey mangrove trees, Qatar's only native mangrove species, with no engine noise and no fuel. It's the calmest of all the water sports in Qatar.

That makes mangrove kayaking one of the most eco-friendly activities in Qatar and a highlight of eco tourism in Qatar. The kayaks are paddle-powered, groups stay with a guide on set routes, and the trees are left untouched. Mangroves shelter young fish, crabs and wading birds such as herons, and in the cooler months you may spot flamingos on the mudflats around Al Khor. It's one of the best outdoor activities in Qatar for families, couples and first-time kayakers, and an easy way to discover Qatar's coastal wildlife up close.

Why the tide matters

High tide vs low tide: mangrove kayaking tide times explained

High tideDeep enough to paddle into the narrow mangrove channels. This is the full Purple Island kayaking experience, with herons, crabs and quiet water under the trees. High tide kayaking in Qatar doesn't get better than this.

Medium and low tideThe channels get too shallow, so the tour becomes a calm scenic paddle in front of Purple Island. You may need to walk a short way to reach the kayaks. Access to the mangrove channels isn't guaranteed at these times.

Plan your trip

Kayaking in Qatar: what to know before you go

Where

Purple Island Qatar, in the Al Khor mangroves at Al Thakhira, and one of the top things to do in Al Khor. Meet at the eco camp on the shore, about 50 minutes' drive from Doha; the exact meeting point is shared when you book.

When

Tours run every day, all year round, with slots from 6am to 5pm. Arrive a little before your slot for check-in and the safety briefing.

Getting there

Transport and hotel pickup can be arranged on request when you book. If you're driving, the camp is about 50 minutes from Doha.

At the camp

Refreshments are included; meals are not. BBQ equipment and camp facilities are free to use for up to 2 hours after your tour.

Who can join

The tour suits guests aged about 2 and up: families, couples, groups and solo paddlers, which makes it one of the easiest family activities in Qatar. No minimum group size. Every kayak tour has trained guides and lifeguards.

What to bring

Your original QID and passport (required for every guest), plus sunscreen, a hat, water, clothes that can get wet and water shoes. In summer, book the 6–8am slot; it's the coolest of the day.

FAQ

Mangrove kayaking in Qatar: questions

What is the best time to kayak the mangroves in Qatar?

Any slot marked high tide in the calendar above. Early-morning high tides, in the 6–8am slot, are also the coolest and calmest time of day.

Is low tide kayaking still worth it?

Yes, if you want an easy, relaxed paddle. You'll stay in the calm, shallow water in front of Purple Island rather than going deep into the channels, which suits young children and first-timers.

Why do new moon and full moon days matter?

Around new and full moon the tides are strongest, so high tides are higher and low tides are lower. Times shift by about 50 minutes each day, which is why the best slot moves through the week.

Is mangrove kayaking an eco-friendly activity?

Yes. It's paddle-powered with no engines or fuel, tours follow guided routes, and the mangroves are left undisturbed. It's one of the most popular eco-friendly activities in Qatar for residents and visitors.

What other water activities can I try in Qatar?

Mangrove kayaking is the calmest and most eco-friendly option. If you'd also like to try jet skiing, paddleboarding or a dhow cruise, see our guide to the top water activities in Qatar.

Where is Purple Island and how far is it from Doha?

Purple Island sits in the Al Thakhira mangroves near Al Khor, on Qatar's north-east coast, about 50 minutes' drive from Doha.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. Guides give a short briefing and paddle with you. The water at Al Thakhira is sheltered and shallow, and the tour suits guests aged about 2 and up.

Book with Qool Qatar

Found your slot? Book mangrove kayaking at Purple Island

Book your kayak tour in Qatar through our Mangrove Kayaking Adventure in Qatar page. Choose any date and slot from the calendar above; for the full mangrove route, pick a slot marked high tide. See you on the water.

From 100 QAR per person

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Related topics

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Tide times are a planning guide and can change with the weather. Schedule last updated 16 October 2026. © 2026 Qool Qatar.

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