Capturing the Al Safliya Island Scenery on Camera

The island is made up of dolomite limestone, and the northern and northeastern side is shallower and sandier than the southern side. There’s a long, protruding sandbar that heads out towards West Bay, which at low tide offers stunning views and brilliant photo opportunities – especially at sunset. With your camera in hand and a keen eye for framing a photo, Al Safliya Island photo tours are a wonderful way to capture Doha’s sea and skyline views from a fresh perspective.

A Safe and Relaxing Swim

For wild swimmers eager to escape the confines of the hotel pool, Al Safliya Island is surrounded by shallow waters around 2 meters deep. The temperature varies quite a bit between winter and summer, with an average of 21°C during the winter months and 32°C during the hotter summer months. The calm, warm waters offer a wonderful opportunity for toddlers to go paddling or youngsters to splash around in – and there’s plenty of space for adults to enjoy a peaceful dip, too.

Private Al Safliya Island Dining Experiences

We spend most of our time on the island lounging in the sun and swimming in the clear waters, but there’s more to the island than this! Savor a delicious breakfast on Al Safliya Island and start your day the most peaceful way. Or, take a seat on the beach with friends, family, or a loved one as the sun sinks on the horizon, and enjoy an Al Safliya Island private dining experience.

The island has approximately 35 pergolas available for public use, which provide welcome shade in the warmer summer months. We use these as a cover as we set up a small ‘majlis’ (lounge space), where you can relax and enjoy mesmeric views across the Arabian Sea to Doha.

Boat Tours to Al Safliya Island from Doha

To reach Al Safliya from Doha, we take a tender boat from the Pearl Marina and cover the short distance across the Arabian Sea in approximately 15-20 minutes – depending on the weather conditions. When we reach the island, we beach the boat to make it easy for passengers to disembark in comfort. You may have to remove your shoes and walk a short distance through the water at low tide, but this just adds to the adventure!

Timing your AlTiming your Al Safliya Island Visit

The island is generally quiet during the week, while visitors relax and soak up the rays. But weekends are abuzz with yachts, jet skis, and a variety of other boats coming to enjoy the water and island vibe. Over weekends, you may even spot the floating market operated by a local supermarket chain. The floating market makes it easy to stock up on basic supplies, as your boat simply pulls up alongside and avoids your having to return to shore.