Plizio Visual Lab

Hawar Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Hawar Island is the largest member of its eponymous archipelago, situated southeast of mainland Bahrain and remarkably close to the coast of Qatar. As a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status, the island serves as a vital ecological refuge, particularly famous for hosting one of the world's largest breeding colonies of Socotra cormorants. The surrounding seagrass beds are equally significant, supporting a major population of vulnerable dugongs. The island's environment is characterized by a stark, arid beauty that provides a sanctuary for various migratory birds and marine life away from urban development. Historically, the islands were the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar, which was finally resolved by the International Court of Justice in 2001 in favor of Bahrain. Currently, the island is evolving into a key destination for sustainable ecotourism, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the pristine natural heritage of the Persian Gulf.

Location: Bahrain
Nearby: Jaww (29 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	19	22	27	32	35	36	36	34	30	25	20
Rain mm	6	5	4	5	0	0	0	0	0	2	10	9

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Hawar Island is the largest island in the Hawar archipelago and a crucial seabird sanctuary. The island can be visited through guided tours or with a special permit, as it is partly protected.

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Typical hours

As the island is a protected area, visits are only possible at specific times and with a permit. Tours are typically offered during the day for birdwatching.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in accessible areas, but with respect for the birds. The large seabird colonies and rugged coastline offer unique photo subjects.

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Time needed

A visit typically lasts half to a full day, depending on the tour booked and allowed zones. Plan at least four hours for travel and exploration.

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Combine with

Combine the island with other destinations in the Hawar archipelago such as Bu Sa'adah and Fasht al-Azm. Many operators offer combined day tours.

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Getting there

The island is accessible only by boat, usually from Bahrain's west coast. Guided tours often depart from Al Jazaer Beach or Manama.

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Insider tip

Book a tour in advance as visitor numbers are limited. Bring binoculars to observe the rare seabirds from a distance without disturbing them.