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Banana Island
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Banana Island is an exclusive, crescent-shaped island resort located approximately 11 kilometers off the coast of Doha in the Persian Gulf. The 13-hectare man-made island is accessible only by a private luxury ferry service from a dedicated terminal near the Museum of Islamic Art. Opened in 2015 and managed by the Anantara group, the resort blends traditional Arabic hospitality with contemporary luxury. Featuring an 800-meter private sandy beach, multiple outdoor pools, and a specialized wellness center, the island serves as a premium sanctuary for relaxation. Key attractions include a surf pool, a cinema, a bowling center, and several fine-dining restaurants offering diverse international cuisines. Notably, the resort features over-water villas that provide direct access to the sea, a rare architectural feature in the Gulf region. As the island is a car-free zone, it gives a peaceful and serene environment, making it a popular choice for families and honeymooners. It also provides various water sports, such as scuba diving and kayaking, in the clear waters of the gulf.
- Location: Qatar
- Top sights: Prayer Room · Mens Prayer Room
- Nearby: Al Wakrah (10 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
The island's resort is exclusive, so day visitors must pre-book access through the hotel. You can enjoy the pristine beaches and facilities if you secure a day pass or dining reservation.
Typical hours
Ferries run on a regular schedule throughout the day, typically from early morning to late evening. The resort's facilities are open to guests and day visitors according to resort timings.
Photography
You are free to take photos of the beautiful beaches and resort on the island. However, drone photography is usually not allowed without prior permission from the management.
Time needed
A typical day visit to Banana Island takes about 4-6 hours, including round-trip ferry and time on the beach. If you only book a meal at the restaurant, allow 2-3 hours for a relaxed lunch.
Combine with
The ferry departs from the Pearl-Qatar, so combine your island visit with exploring this luxury district. You can also easily visit the Doha Corniche or Katara Cultural Village on the same outing.
Getting there
Access is by ferry from the Pearl-Qatar Marina; book your ticket directly with the Banana Island Resort. A taxi from Doha city center to the marina takes around 15-20 minutes.
Insider tip
An insider tip is to reserve a day pass or lunch booking well ahead, especially on weekends. Also, consider a late afternoon ferry to enjoy the sunset over the water.
Geography
Facts
- The island spans a total land area of approximately 13 hectares.
- The resort was officially opened to the public in January 2015.
- The island's private stretch of sandy beach is 800 meters long.
- The ferry trip from the Doha Corniche terminal takes about 20-25 minutes.
- It is a dry resort, meaning no alcohol is served on the premises.
- The island features Qatar's first luxury over-water villas.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Banana Island (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Banana Island as a day guest?
Yes, day passes are available for non-hotel guests and include the boat transfer.
How do you get to Banana Island?
The island is accessible exclusively by the hotel's ferry from the Al Shyoukh Terminal.
Is the island family-friendly?
Yes, there are many family-friendly activities such as pools, a mini-golf course, and beaches.
Can I bring my own food?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted on the island.
What is the best time of year to visit?
From November to April, temperatures are convenient for beach activities.
Banana Island: where is it located?
Banana Island is located in Qatar.
Banana Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prayer Room, Mens Prayer Room.
Banana Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Banana Island: why is it worth visiting?
Banana Island is an exclusive, crescent-shaped island resort located approximately 11 kilometers off the coast of Doha in the Persian Gulf.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
National Museum of Qatar
The desert rose-inspired building tells the story of Qatar from its geological formation to the modern metropolis.
The Pearl-Qatar
This artificial archipelago features luxury residential complexes, Mediterranean-style marinas, and exclusive shopping centers.
Museum of Islamic Art
The striking building on an artificial island houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Islamic art from three continents.
Souq Waqif
The traditional market in the heart of the capital offers a labyrinth of alleys with spices, handicrafts, and restaurants.
Falcon Souq
A specialized market area within Souq Waqif dedicated to the deeply rooted Qatari tradition of falconry.
Msheireb Museums
Four historic, meticulously restored heritage houses in the center of Doha that document the rich social and cultural history of Qatar.
Katara Cultural Village
A cultural center that celebrates the traditions of Qatar with theaters, galleries, and an impressive amphitheater.
Doha Corniche
The seven-kilometer waterfront promenade curves along the bay, offering spectacular views of the city skyline.
Nature
More places
Al Safliya Island Nature Reserve
A narrow, uninhabited sandy island off the coast of Doha, serving as an important resting area for migratory birds and a protected mariti…
Al Aliya Island Reserve
Another maritime protected area near Doha, particularly important for marine species conservation due to its rich underwater world and co…
Ras Bufontas Free Zone
A state-of-the-art business and logistics center near Hamad International Airport.
Doha Port
Once the country's main port, now redesigned for cruise ships and tourism.
MIA Park
MIA Park surrounds the Museum of Islamic Art, offering breathtaking views of the Doha skyline and a relaxing atmosphere.
Megapolis Entertainment Center
The Megapolis Entertainment Center offers state-of-the-art arcade games, bowling, and escape rooms for youth and adults in The Pearl.
Al Koot Fort
Also known as Doha Fort, this building originally served as a police station and prison in the heart of the traditional Souq Waqif.
Wind Tower House
A rare surviving example of traditional Qatari cooling architecture, where a wind tower was used for natural ventilation of living spaces.