Qatar Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes
Qatar’s compact coastline and modern marina infrastructure make it exceptionally easy to charter. Day trips from Doha reach every corner of the country’s coast, while multi-day itineraries open up the offshore islands, the northern mangroves and the extraordinary Inland Sea to the south. The routes below are designed to be combined: the 3-day Doha coast route and the 4-day southern voyage cover different ground entirely, and together they create a 7-day charter that captures the full range of Qatar’s maritime landscape. Every itinerary is fully customisable – your captain and Boatcrowd charter specialist will adapt stops and pacing to your group’s interests.
Day Charter Routes
Doha Waterfront and Banana Island
Depart Porto Arabia Marina at The Pearl mid-morning and cruise south along the Doha waterfront – the glass towers of West Bay gleaming to starboard, the Museum of Islamic Art’s geometric silhouette ahead. Pass the Corniche and continue to Banana Island, roughly 30 minutes from The Pearl. Anchor off this crescent-shaped island and spend the morning snorkelling the surrounding reef, swimming from the yacht’s swim platform or paddleboarding in the calm, shallow water. Your chef serves lunch on the aft deck with the Doha skyline as a backdrop. In the afternoon, cruise back along the waterfront, stopping for a late swim off the museum’s promontory before returning to The Pearl for sundowners and a waterfront dinner at one of Porto Arabia’s restaurants.
Al Thakira Mangroves and Purple Island
Set course north from The Pearl for Al Thakira – roughly 40 nautical miles along the coast, about two to three hours at cruising speed. Arrive mid-morning and anchor off the mangrove reserve. Your crew launches kayaks for a paddle through the shallow, tree-lined channels at high tide – herons, crabs and juvenile fish in a setting of absolute tranquillity. Lunch on the aft deck, then cruise a short distance to Purple Island near Al Khor for a hike through this archaeologically significant site, named for the ancient Kassite purple-dye industry that operated here over 3,000 years ago. Return to Doha in the late afternoon.
Offshore Islands and Snorkelling
Cruise east from The Pearl towards the offshore islands – Al Safliya and nearby sandbar anchorages. These small islands, roughly an hour from Doha, offer pristine, crystal-clear water and excellent snorkelling over coral and sand. No permanent structures, no other visitors on a quiet morning – just you, the yacht and the Gulf. Your crew sets up shade and a beach picnic on the sand while you snorkel, swim and paddleboard. Return to Doha by mid-afternoon for a late lunch aboard or dinner ashore at Nobu Doha.
Multi-Day Itineraries
3-Day Qatar Yacht Charter Itinerary: Doha’s Coast and Culture
Day 1: Doha Waterfront, Souq Waqif and The Pearl
Board your yacht at Porto Arabia Marina by mid-morning. After a welcome briefing and champagne toast, cruise south along the Doha waterfront to the Museum of Islamic Art. Anchor off the promontory and tender ashore for a morning exploring 1,400 years of Islamic art in I. M. Pei’s architectural masterpiece. Walk to Souq Waqif for a late lunch of traditional Qatari kebabs, aromatic rice and karak tea in the century-old marketplace. Browse the Falcon Souq and stock up on frankincense and spices. Return to the yacht and cruise to Banana Island for a late-afternoon swim. Dinner aboard at anchor off The Pearl, or ashore at Hakkasan Doha for contemporary Chinese cuisine.
Day 2: Northern Coast – Al Thakira and Purple Island
Depart early and cruise north along the coast to Al Thakira. Spend the morning kayaking through the mangrove channels and photographing the birdlife. Your chef serves lunch on the aft deck as the yacht repositions to Purple Island. Explore the island on foot – trails through archaeological remains dating back to the second millennium BC. In the late afternoon, cruise back south, anchoring off an offshore sandbar for a sunset swim in calm, shallow water. Dinner aboard with the northern Qatar coast glowing in the last light.
Day 3: Offshore Islands and Farewell
Rise for a final morning swim, then cruise east to the offshore islands for a morning of snorkelling and beach time on Al Safliya. Your crew prepares a picnic on the sand while you explore the pristine reef. After lunch, cruise back to Porto Arabia Marina, arriving by mid-afternoon. Time for a farewell stroll along The Pearl’s waterfront promenade, last-minute shopping at the designer boutiques, or a final dinner at Nobu Doha’s three-storey waterfront dining room.
4-Day Qatar Yacht Charter Itinerary: Qatar’s Southern Coast and the Inland Sea
Day 1: Doha to Al Wakrah and the Southern Coast
Depart Porto Arabia Marina mid-morning and cruise south past the Doha skyline. Pass through the waters off Mesaieed, Qatar’s industrial port, and continue south along the increasingly remote coastline. Anchor off Al Wakrah’s renovated souq district for a late-morning walk – traditional pearl-merchant houses, artisan workshops and waterfront restaurants in a quieter, more local setting than Doha. Your chef serves lunch on the aft deck as the yacht continues south. By late afternoon, anchor in a sheltered spot along the southern coast for a swim and sundowners. Dinner aboard beneath the stars.
Day 2: Khor Al Udaid – The Inland Sea
Continue south to Khor Al Udaid, Qatar’s most extraordinary natural landmark. This UNESCO-tentative-listed reserve covers over 1,800 km² where towering sand dunes roll directly into the turquoise Gulf – one of only a handful of places on earth where desert and sea meet in this way. Anchor offshore and tender to the beach for a morning of swimming in the surreal landscape. Your crew sets up a barbecue lunch on the sand while you explore the dunes on foot. Flamingos and ospreys frequent the area. Spend the afternoon swimming, paddleboarding or simply absorbing one of the Gulf’s most dramatic landscapes. Overnight at anchor.
Day 3: Southern Islands and Marine Encounters
Cruise east from Khor Al Udaid towards the offshore waters. Depending on the season (April–September), your captain heads for the whale shark congregation zone roughly 90 kilometres offshore – a full morning’s run. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants in warm, clear water, with your crew ensuring a safe, respectful encounter. If outside whale shark season, spend the day exploring the southern offshore sandbar anchorages – pristine snorkelling, calm swimming and beach picnics in complete solitude. Your chef serves dinner on the aft deck as the yacht repositions north.
Day 4: Return to Doha
Cruise north along the coast, stopping for a final morning swim and snorkel at an offshore sandbar. Your crew serves a farewell brunch on the aft deck as the Doha skyline grows on the horizon. Arrive at Porto Arabia Marina by early afternoon – time for a last walk along the waterfront, a final dinner at one of The Pearl’s international restaurants, or a sunset visit to Katara Cultural Village. Guests looking for a longer voyage can combine the 3-day Doha coast route with the 4-day southern itinerary for a comprehensive 7-day charter covering Qatar’s entire coastline – urban culture, northern mangroves, southern desert and offshore marine encounters – without repeating a single stop.
