Plizio Visual Lab

Hawar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Hawar Islands are an archipelago of 16 desert islands situated in the Gulf of Bahrain, characterized by a distinct topography and immense ecological value. The main island, Hawar, is defined by a low central limestone ridge that stretches from north to south, acting as a topographic backbone against the surrounding coastal flats. Historically, the archipelago was the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute with neighboring Qatar, which was only resolved in 2001 by the International Court of Justice in favor of Bahrain. Today, the islands are a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized primarily for their status as a global sanctuary for wildlife. They host one of the world's largest breeding colonies of the Socotra cormorant and serve as a vital habitat for dugongs in the crystal-clear shallow waters. The islands offer a stark, beautiful landscape where the arid desert meets the turquoise sea, providing a critical stopover for migratory birds and a quiet destination for eco-conscious travelers.

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

🚪

Visiting

Hawar Island can be visited, but is only accessible by boat. There is no bridge, so organized tours or private charters are required.

🕒

Typical hours

The island is generally accessible at any time, but boat trips are typically offered during daylight hours. It is advisable to inquire about departure times with local operators.

📷

Photography

Photography outdoors is allowed without restrictions. There are no specific bans, but please respect wildlife and the natural environment.

⏱️

Time needed

A typical visit to the island takes half a day to explore the central ridge and coastline. Allow at least 3-4 hours for a worthwhile visit.

➕

Combine with

Combine the visit with other islands of the Hawar archipelago such as Jaradah or Jazirat al Hamra. Many tours cover multiple islands in one trip.

🧭

Getting there

Access is by boat from Bahrain's mainland, usually from the coast near Askar. Private charter boats or guided tours are the most common options.

💡

Insider tip

Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is little shade. The low ridge has good views, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Geography

Coordinates

25.65500, 50.75200

Facts

Area: 41 km²
Highest elevation: 5 m
Number of cormorant pairs: >100,000
Distance from mainland: 20 km
Year of ICJ ruling: 2001
Length of airstrip: 1.2 km

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hawar Islands4 km · NExplore →

Bu Thaur4 km · SEExplore →

Hawar Island4 km · NEExplore →

Suwad al Janubiyya6 km · NEExplore →

Ajirah6 km · EExplore →

Rubud al-Gharbiyah6 km · EExplore →

Suwad al-Shamaliyah6 km · NExplore →

Bu Sa'adah7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hawar (1)

Hawar Islands📍 landmark

The Hawar Islands are an archipelago in the Gulf of Bahrain. They are a nature reserve with diverse birdlife.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to the Hawar Islands?

By ferry from Durrat Al Bahrain.

Can you stay overnight?

Yes, there is a resort for tourists on the main island.

What animals can be seen?

Dugongs, flamingos, and rare Socotra cormorants.

Is it a nature reserve?

Yes, it is an internationally recognized RAMSAR site.

Is a passport required?

ID is enough for locals, but tourists should bring passports.

Hawar: where is it located?

Hawar is located in Bahrain.

Hawar: when is the best time to visit?

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

Hawar: why is it worth visiting?

The Hawar Islands are an archipelago of 16 desert islands situated in the Gulf of Bahrain, characterized by a distinct topography and immense ecological value.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →