Inland Sea: Day Trips and Tours from Doha

Khor Al Adaid — also known as the Inland Sea — is a spectacular body of water that lies between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This unique stretch of water is home to an abundance of marine life including turtles, dolphins and nursing sharks, and is surrounded by soaring sand dunes.

On a day trip to the Inland Sea from Doha, you can admire the beauty of Qatar's landscape and see all the way to Saudi Arabia.

Here's all you need to know about the Inland Sea, one of the most exciting day trips from Doha.

How to get to the Inland Sea from Doha?

The Inland Sea is located in the southeast of Qatar and is situated on the Persian Gulf. It is approximately 80 kilometers from the capital city of Doha.

From Doha to the Inland Sea by car

The journey to the Inland Sea by car takes just over an hour and is an easy drive. Heading south out of Doha, you'll follow Mesaieed Road as far as Mesaieed town. From there, you'll journey along the Sealine Beach Road as far as the Inland Sea.

Guided tour to the Inland Sea from Doha

An alternative way to make the jaunt to the Inland Sea is by booking a guided excursion. Everything is arranged for you ahead of time and you'll benefit from a hotel pickup, and drop-off service.

You can usually choose between a morning tour that begins around 7:30 AM or an afternoon tour, which starts around 1:30 PM. These excursions last approximately 4 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Generally, Inland Sea day trips begin with a scenic drive down the coast of Qatar. You’ll stop to deflate the tires and then head off-road into the Arabian desert for an exhilarating dune safari.

Hold on tight as you bump your way through the mountains of sand in your ATV. While in the desert, you may take advantage of the environment by participating in sandboarding — a fun activity everyone can try.

You might also have the opportunity to hop on a camel's back and view the desert from a new perspective. Continuing on, you'll reach Qatar's only Inland Sea — Khor Al Adaid.

You'll relax and enjoy the sweeping views over this stretch of water before returning to your 4x4.

Many day tours to the Inland Sea journey back to the city from here. However, you can also choose to prolong your experience by booking a multi-day trip from Doha and sleeping under the stars.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Inland Sea?

You can choose between several day tours to the Inland Sea — one of Qatar’s most celebrated sites. These guided excursions include plenty of activities to suit every taste.

Guided tour to the Inland Sea from Doha

You'll begin this action-packed adventure by boarding a 4x4 and heading toward the golden dunes of the desert. Cover rough terrain at high speeds as you race your way through the colossal stretch of sand.

Try your hand at sandboarding — an alternative to snowboarding in the Middle East — before journeying to see the Inland Sea. Here, you'll have a panoramic view that stretches across the glittering sands and turquoise seas of Qatar as far as Saudi Arabia.

Sunset tour to the Inland Sea from Doha

Alternatively, choose an Inland Sea day trip that begins later in the day to capture the region at its most spectacular.

Cover the lumps and bumps of the desert at speed all the way to the Inland Sea in time for sunset. Here, you can admire the sands as they are illuminated by the setting sun.

Cross the desert the traditional way — on a camel's back — before returning to Doha.

2-Day tour to the Inland Sea from Doha

Extend your Inland Sea excursion by participating in an overnight tour from Doha. You'll enjoy a bucket-list experience of sleeping under the stars at a camp in the Arabian desert.

You'll be served a mouthwatering barbecue buffet and have the opportunity to try shisha — an ancient tradition that originated in 15th-century India.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Qatar by bathing in the clear waters of the Inland Sea and experiencing the golden rays of the sunrise.

How much does a day trip to the Inland Sea from Doha cost?

The majority of Inland Sea day trips cost between US$80 and US$120 per person. The price includes dune bashing through the desert, as well as a professional guide and unlimited drinks. Those on the higher end of the range also include a short camel ride.

If you choose to participate in a multi-day tour to the Inland Sea, you can expect to pay upwards of US$350 each. This includes all meals, accommodation and private transportation.

What will you see and do?

The Inland Sea is a 10-kilometer stretch of water that meanders from a large lagoon all the way into the Gulf of Persia. It was declared Qatar's only nature reserve in 2007 and is surrounded on all sides by golden sand dunes.

Throughout the 19th century, the inlet served as a resting spot for pirates escaping from Abu Dhabi. During this time period, the area also housed the 200 members of the Bani Yas tribe, until Qatar fell under Ottoman rule.

Today, the Inland Sea is a major tourist attraction because of its unique appearance. In fact, there are very few Inland Seas that exist in the world today — the largest of which is Hudson Bay in the United States of America.

Qatar's Inland Sea is one of three places on earth where the sea directly backs onto sand dunes and from its edge, visitors can see across to Saudi Arabia.

The marine life in this inlet is wide-ranging, from flourishing coral reefs to large predators. Barracudas, needlefish and silver bream are among the species of fish to call these waters home.

Greater marine creatures that can be found lurking under the turquoise waves include turtles, dugongs, finless porpoises and Bryde's whales.

On land, you'll find Arabian oryx, camels and Arabian gazelles scattered across the sandy dunes. Birdwatchers on an Inland Sea day tour will enjoy seeking out ospreys and waterfowls in the clear skies overhead.

When is the best time to visit the Inland Sea?

Plan your day trip to the Inland Sea between November and March when the weather cools significantly to between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. This mild climate makes the journey through the Arabian desert pleasant.

If you wish to swim in the Inland Sea, you may consider a summertime tour when the water temperature rises.

Travel tips

• Wear long, loose clothing on your day trip to the Inland Sea in order to keep cool and remain respectful of the local customs.
• Camels are placid, friendly beings. Don't be shy when participating in a camel ride and make sure you give them a good petting.
• Temperatures in the desert can climb to over 45 degrees Celsius in the heat of the summer, so ensure you drink plenty of water on your day tour.