Introduction
Most trips in Qatar start in Doha, but the real wow-moments are in the desert, at Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea) and on Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.
All three are close to the capital, yet each can only be reached in certain ways.
Sometimes a regular taxi is enough, sometimes you need a serious 4x4 and sand-driving skills, and the island is accessible only by the resort’s own boat.
This guide is for visitors and stopover passengers who want to understand exactly how to get to these places, how much it costs and what is safest.
Key takeaways
- The easiest way to the classic desert dunes south of Doha is an organised desert safari with hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea) lies around 60–80 km south of the capital, with no paved road to the shore – a proper 4x4 and dune-driving experience are required.
- For most visitors, Khor Al Adaid is best done as a 4–8 hour organised tour including hotel pickup, dune bashing, an Inland Sea stop and often a camp meal.
- Self-driving into the desert is only realistic in a real 4x4 and is often excluded from rental contracts – off-road use is frequently not covered by insurance.
- Banana Island can only be reached on the resort’s official boat from Al Shyoukh Port in Doha; you need a day pass or a confirmed hotel booking.
- Day passes for Banana Island typically cost around 395–495 QAR per adult with boat transfer, beach/pool access and dining/activity credit included.
- Group desert safaris from Doha usually run about 150–300 QAR per person, while private 4x4 vehicles for a small group cost roughly 600–1,200 QAR depending on duration.
Desert areas around Doha: what is where
For planning, it helps to separate the main areas:
- Sealine / Mesaieed desert – classic dunes and desert camps near Sealine Beach south of Doha, with many tours offering “dune bashing + camel ride + sandboarding”.
- Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea) – a unique bay where dunes meet the sea; accessible only via sand in a 4x4.
- Banana Island – a small private resort island east of Doha, reachable only on Banana Island Resort boats from Al Shyoukh Port.
In all cases, Doha is your natural base, with Doha, hotels and most transport services.
How to get to the desert near Doha (Sealine / Mesaieed)
Option 1: classic desert safari with hotel pickup
This is the simplest and most popular option:
- the tour operator picks you up at your hotel in Doha or at Doha;
- about an hour’s drive on paved roads to the Sealine area south of Al Wakra and Mesaieed;
- at the edge of the dunes your driver deflates the tyres and dune bashing begins;
- programmes often include stops at a camel farm, short camel rides, sandboarding and time at a desert camp.
Pros:
- no need to worry about route, tyre pressure or navigation;
- an experienced driver reads the sand and knows the safe lines;
- tours are easy to book through platforms like Get Your Guide and Viator or local agencies;
- water, tea and sometimes snacks or BBQ dinner are often included.
This option is ideal for first-timers and families.
Option 2: taxi or rental car to the coast + local safari
If you want a bit more flexibility:
- take a taxi or drive a rental car to the Sealine Beach area south of Al Wakrah;
- from there you can join local 4x4 safaris – many drivers operate near the desert entry and camps.
Points to note:
- a one-way taxi ride from central Doha to the Sealine/Mesaieed area (about 60 km) is usually around 300–500 QAR, depending on traffic and provider;
- you’ll need to pre-arrange return transport or ask your tour operator to organise it;
- always use licensed operators, agree on the programme and confirm the price before getting into the car.
This option works better for those who already know Qatar or have visited the desert before.
Option 3: fully self-drive in your own 4x4
This is the advanced and riskier way:
- you need a true 4x4 (Land Cruiser, Patrol or similar) with suitable tyres;
- many rental companies explicitly forbid off-road driving – check the contract carefully (see Car Rental in Qatar: Everything Tourists Need to Know for details);
- proper sand-driving skills are essential: tyre pressure, reading dunes, crest driving.
Recommendations:
- go in a convoy of at least two vehicles so you can recover each other;
- carry a compressor, tow straps, shovels, plenty of water and food;
- download offline maps and tracks to the entry/exit points;
- keep an eye on weather and possible fog.
For most visitors, self-driving in the dunes is not worth the risk – an organised safari is usually safer and cheaper overall.
Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea): how to get there
Khor Al Adaid is a bay on the Saudi border where the sea cuts into the desert and is framed by high dunes.
It sits roughly 60–80 km south of Doha; from Sealine to the shore there is no paved road, only sand tracks, and a 4x4 is officially required.
Inland Sea tours
The safe and sensible choice is a guided tour:
- departure from Doha or hotels near Al Wakra / Mesaieed;
- 45–60 minutes on highway to the dune entry;
- another 45–60 minutes across dunes to Khor Al Adaid with photo stops;
- time for swimming, photos and relaxing by the sea, often with lunch or BBQ at a camp.
Typical formats:
- half-day (4–5 hours) – dune bashing plus a shorter stop at the Inland Sea;
- full-day (7–8 hours) – more time for swimming and activities, often including lunch and extended camp time;
- sunset/night tours – focused on sunset views and dinner under the stars.
Prices:
- shared tours in a group 4x4 are usually about 150–300 QAR per person;
- private 4x4 (up to 5–6 passengers) for half-day trips is around 600–900 QAR per vehicle;
- full-day private safaris with an Inland Sea stop are roughly 1,200–1,500 QAR per vehicle.
Self-driving a 4x4 to Khor Al Adaid
In theory you can drive yourself, but this is only for very confident sand drivers:
- the route crosses big dunes with changing relief, steep climbs and drop-offs;
- a normal crossover or sedan will not make it – you need a proper body-on-frame 4x4;
- a wrong manoeuvre can mean getting badly stuck or even rolling the vehicle.
Minimum requirements:
- at least two cars in convoy, with an experienced leader in front;
- compressor, recovery gear, shovels, water and food;
- full tank, charged phones and offline navigation;
- awareness of tides – in places the track runs close to the waterline.
If you are not an experienced off-road driver, skip self-drive and book a tour.
Banana Island: how to get there
Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a private island resort opposite Doha with a beach, pools and restaurants.
Access is strictly controlled, and guests are transported exclusively by the resort’s own boats; random taxis or private boats do not go there.
Al Shyoukh Port in Doha
Boats depart from Al Shyoukh Port:
- the port is near Doha Corniche and Museum of Islamic Art;
- easiest access is by taxi or ride-hailing; a short city ride typically costs around 30–80 QAR one way;
- there is parking near the terminal if you arrive by rental car.
At the terminal you must show your day pass or hotel booking confirmation before boarding.
Boat transfer to the island
Key points:
- the crossing takes about 20–25 minutes each way;
- day pass packages usually include a morning departure (around 9:00) and an afternoon return (around 17:00–17:30);
- overnight guests have additional scheduled departures – times are listed on the booking confirmation;
- baggage limits apply (commonly 1 suitcase + 1 carry-on per person).
Always check your voucher or confirmation for the exact boat timings and baggage rules, as they change by season.
Banana Island day passes
A typical day pass includes:
- return boat transfer;
- access to the resort’s beach and pools;
- dining credit at on-site restaurants;
- often additional credit for selected activities (SUP, kayaks, Adventure Park, etc.).
Current offers generally look like this:
- adults (12+) – around 395–495 QAR depending on day of week and season;
- children – about 150 QAR;
- infants under 2–3 years are often free on the boat but without food/activity credit.
Day passes should be booked in advance via the resort’s channels – boat capacity is limited.
If you stay overnight on the island
For guests booked for one night or more:
- boat transfers may be included in the room rate or charged separately – check your specific tariff;
- the resort may also offer paid transfers from Doha to the port (or even straight through to the island) in a private vehicle.
Choosing between a tour, taxi + local guide, or car rental
In short:
- Short stopover in Doha – book at least one desert safari with hotel pickup and, if time allows, a Banana Island day pass.
- Week-long stay or more – combine 1–2 organised safaris with a rental car to explore Doha and beaches such as Al Wakrah Beach.
- Experienced sand drivers – consider renting a 4x4 and arranging a convoy, but carefully respect rental conditions and avoid going alone.
- Travelling with kids – choose reputable operators with clear itineraries and request a gentler dune-bashing style rather than the most extreme rides.
Prices (Updated: November 2025)
All figures below are approximate and in QAR:
- Desert safari (shared, 4–5 hours) – about 150–300 QAR per person with pickup in Doha.
- Private desert safari (4 hours) – roughly 600–900 QAR per vehicle (up to 5–6 passengers).
- Full-day private safari including Khor Al Adaid – around 1,200–1,500 QAR per vehicle.
- Taxi from central Doha to Sealine/Mesaieed area (60–70 km) – typically 300–500 QAR one way (including pickup and potential waiting).
- Banana Island day pass – usually 395–495 QAR per adult and about 150 QAR per child, with boat transfer and F&B/activity credit included.
- Regular public transport (metro/bus) – single ride 2–5 QAR, monthly pass roughly 90–180 QAR.
- City taxis – starting fare around 7–15 QAR, 1 km about 5–15 QAR, 1 hour of waiting around 30–90 QAR.
- Fuel – on average 2.0–2.2 QAR per litre.
Practical tips
- For desert and Banana Island trips, consider travelling between November and March when temperatures are milder; midsummer midday heat is extreme.
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and enough water for any desert or island outing.
- When booking tours, check whether hotel pickup is included and where exactly the meeting point is.
- For Banana Island, arrive at Al Shyoukh Port at least 30–40 minutes before departure – late arrivals may lose their booking.
- Always verify what is included in the price: transport, meals, activities, insurance and tips.
- If you plan any self-drive into the desert, read your rental contract carefully and make sure off-road use is allowed.
- Having a local eSIM (eSIM Qatar) and a VPN for stable access to maps and messaging (VPN for Qatar) makes planning and navigation easier.
FAQ
Can I reach the desert in a normal sedan?
You can drive a sedan on paved roads as far as Sealine, but actual dune areas and Khor Al Adaid require a 4x4. Never take a regular car onto sand – it will almost certainly get stuck.
Is there public transport to the desert?
No direct buses go to the dunes or desert entry points. At best you can reach Al Wakra or Mesaieed, but you still need a taxi or tour from there.
Are Khor Al Adaid tours and regular dune safaris the same thing?
Not exactly. Many safaris stay in the dunes and camps near Sealine without reaching the Inland Sea. If you specifically want Khor Al Adaid, look for tours explicitly mentioning Inland Sea or Khor Al Adaid.
Can I just paddle or boat myself to Banana Island?
No. It is a private resort and access is only via the Banana Island Resort terminal and official boats, with a valid booking or day pass.
How much time should I plan for a desert trip from Doha?
Plan at least 4–5 hours for a basic safari (travel plus dune time). For Khor Al Adaid with relaxed sea time, 7–8 hours is more comfortable.
Is dune bashing safe with children?
Most operators accept families and you can request a gentler driving style. Children must be properly belted, and very extreme dune drops are best avoided.
Can I buy Banana Island tickets directly at the port?
Sometimes, but you should not rely on it: boat seats are limited and day passes for popular dates sell out quickly. Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Recommended Services
- eSIM & mobile data in Qatar → eSIM Qatar; providers: Airalo, Ubigi, Yesim, Saily, Esim4travel, Holafly, GoMoWorld, iRoamly, Voye.
- VPN for maps, banking, streaming and messaging → VPN for Qatar; providers: NordVPN, Proton VPN, Surfshark.
- Desert and Inland Sea tours → Tours in Qatar; platforms: Get Your Guide, Viator.
- Transport and car rental for exploring Qatar → Transport in Qatar, with rental details in Car Rental in Qatar: Everything Tourists Need to Know; platforms: Localrent, Economybookings.
- Airport–hotel or port transfers from Doha → Transport in Qatar; services: Kiwitaxi, Welcome Pickups.
- Where to stay in Doha and at the coast → see area and hotel suggestions on Accommodation in Qatar.
Summary
Reaching Qatar’s desert, the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), and Banana Island is fairly easy – as long as you’re aware of the transport limitations.
The desert and Inland Sea almost always require a 4x4 vehicle and are best explored on organized safari tours. Banana Island is a world of its own, accessible only by the resort’s private boat.
For a short stopover in Doha, one or two tours are usually enough. If you’re staying longer, it’s worth combining a desert safari, an island day pass, and car rental for inland trips.
The key is to book in advance, check the details carefully, and not underestimate the sand, sun, and distances.