Al Thakira Mangroves
مانجروف الذخيرة
Kayak through Qatar’s largest mangrove forest and watch flamingos and herons up close.
The Al Thakira Mangroves are Qatar’s green lungs – a tranquil ecosystem of trees, birds, and calm tidal waters.
Kayaking through these channels is a surreal experience, surrounded by herons and flamingos.
It’s best visited at sunrise or sunset, when the light turns the water and mangroves into a living painting.
How to Get There
From Al Khor by taxi or transfer ~14 min.
From Lusail by taxi ~53 min.
From DOH airport (Doha) by taxi/transfer ~79 min.
Description
What is this place
Al Thakira Mangroves are Qatar’s largest mangrove stands near Al Khor, a mosaic of tidal creeks, mudflats and kayak-friendly channels. It’s one of the country’s few areas with natural Avicennia marina trees.
Key features
- Qatar’s largest mangrove area with continuous wetland along the Al Thakhira shore.
- Tidal network and mudflats – channels are easier to navigate at high tide; at low tide some parts dry out.
- Seasonal birdlife – flamingos are typically seen from November to April; herons and terns occur year-round.
- Popular kayak route towards Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghannam) with sheltered waters.
- Heritage-style seafront – a 1.8 km walkway opened in 2019, improving access to the coast.
What to see
- Mangrove “tunnels” and narrow creeks with Avicennia roots.
- Waders and flamingos across the lagoons and flats.
- Purple Island’s low ridges and views over the mangrove lagoon.
History
Al Thakhira’s shore long served as a natural inlet and minor anchorage for fishing boats, with mangroves protecting the lagoon; Lorimer’s 1908 Gazetteer already notes the site’s maritime role.
In the early 21st century the area gained reserve status and received access upgrades. In 2019 a seafront walkway about 1.8 km long with lighting and a bike track opened along the beach.
Practical information
Location: Northeast Qatar near Al Khor; main launch points are Al Thakhira beach and the Purple Island parking area.
Getting there: 45–60 minutes by car from Doha via Al Khor Road; public transport with transfers is slower, so taxis or organized tours are easier.
Access: Shoreline is free to enter; kayaking is possible with your own gear or with local outfitters.
Visit hours: Daylight hours; kayak tours commonly run at sunrise and sunset.
Time needed: 1–2 hours for a shoreline walk; 1.5–3 hours for kayaking through the creeks and to Purple Island.
Best time: November–March for cooler weather and birdlife; plan for mid-to-high tide.
Notes: Muddy and shelly ground – wear closed shoes and gloves; avoid disturbing birds, don’t damage mangroves, pack out trash.
