Exploring Hawar Island: A Guide To Bahrain's Natural Wonder

The Hawar Islands, an archipelago of desert islands, are a renowned wildlife reserve located 20km south of Bahrain. With crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches, the islands offer a unique and exotic experience. The islands are home to a variety of indigenous flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx, dugongs (sea cows), and green turtles. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching, snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring historical sites such as the 16th-century Hawar Fort. The islands are accessible by boat from Durrat Marina or Duraz Port in Bahrain, with trips available on Fridays and Saturdays. Hawar Island is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, wildlife exploration, and environmentally-friendly ecotourism.

Getting to Hawar Island: By boat from Durrat Marina or Duraz Port in Bahrain

The Hawar Islands are an archipelago of 16 islands, with the largest island, Hawar, accounting for more than 41 square kilometres of land. The islands are known for their natural beauty, wildlife, and historical and cultural attractions. They are a great destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking peace and relaxation.

Getting to Hawar Island by Boat from Durrat Marina

You can take a boat from Durrat Marina in Bahrain to Hawar Island. The journey takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. A day trip to the island costs 20 BHD and includes lunch, free bike and kayak rentals, pool access, and boat transportation. The boat departs from Bahrain at 8 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m.

Getting to Hawar Island by Boat from Duraz Port

Alternatively, you can take a boat from Duraz Port in Bahrain to Hawar Island. Regular trips are available, and the journey takes about one hour.

Best Time to Visit Hawar Islands

The best time to visit the Hawar Islands is during the winter, from November to March, when the weather is mild and sunny.

Things to do: Birdwatching, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sightseeing

Hawar Island in Bahrain is an archipelago of 16 islands located 20 kilometres south of Bahrain. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a charming and remote escape. With its diverse wildlife, natural beauty, and historical attractions, it is no wonder that the Hawar Islands are a must-visit destination in Bahrain. Here are some of the top things to do on the islands:

Birdwatching

The Hawar Islands are home to a variety of birds, including migratory birds and rare species. Birdwatchers can spot seabirds, unusual birds such as dugongs (sea cows), and even endangered birds. The presence of these birds contributes to the eligibility of eight of the islands as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Diving and Snorkelling

The islands are surrounded by turquoise waters and are known for their coral reefs, making them ideal for diving and snorkelling. Explore the underwater world and discover the diverse marine life, including endangered species like dugongs and green turtles.

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the activities offered by the island's hotel, Hawar Beach. Paddle through the turquoise waters and explore the islands from a different perspective. Kayak rentals are included in the Hawar Island day trip package.

Sightseeing

In addition to its natural beauty, the Hawar Islands offer a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. Visit Al Jasra Fort, a 16th-century archaeological site, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the islands. The islands also host cultural events and festivals throughout the year, providing a glimpse into the local traditions and customs.

Wildlife: Dugongs, green turtles, migratory birds, coral reefs

Hawar Island in Bahrain is an archipelago of 16 islands, located about 20 kilometres south of Bahrain. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and dense vegetation. The islands are also known for their diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, coral reefs, dugongs, and green turtles.

The Hawar Islands are home to a large number of migratory birds, making them a popular destination for birdwatching. The islands have been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International due to the significant populations of western reef egrets, Socotra cormorants, terns, and falcons. The variety of birds on the islands adds to their appeal for nature enthusiasts.

The waters surrounding the islands are known for their large population of dugongs, also known as sea cows. Dugongs are an endangered species, and the presence of these gentle marine mammals makes the Hawar Islands even more unique. The islands also support sea turtles, with green turtles being one of the endangered species found in the area.

In addition to the rich bird and marine life, the Hawar Islands boast an impressive array of coral reefs. These coral reefs not only enhance the beauty of the islands but also make them a sought-after destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The combination of vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and tranquil waters creates an ideal setting for underwater exploration.

The Hawar Islands offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and ecological significance. With their diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, coral reefs, dugongs, and green turtles, the islands provide a sanctuary for endangered species and a rewarding experience for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

History and culture: Al Jasra Fort, archaeological sites, festivals

Hawar Island is rich in history and culture, with many archaeological sites and festivals. One of the most notable sites is Al Jasra Fort, which dates back to the 16th century. The fort is located on the largest island in the Hawar archipelago, Jazirat Hawar, and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

In addition to Al Jasra Fort, the Hawar Islands are home to several other archaeological sites. One notable site is the Bander Nakhla cistern, which was used to collect rainwater. The island of Rubud Al Sharqiyah, located within the Hawar archipelago, is also significant. It is home to the largest protected nesting colony of Socotra cormorants in the world. The interplay between these birds is fascinating, with birds flying above, nesting on the ground, and young birds exploring. The island also offers a view of shipwrecked tankers and a variety of other wildlife species, including sea turtles, herons, flamingos, and ospreys.

The Hawar Islands also host many festivals and cultural events throughout the year. While specific festival names are not mentioned, these events are known to showcase the local culture and traditions, providing visitors with a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant community of the islands.

The islands' history and culture are closely tied to their natural environment and wildlife. The Hawar Islands are known for their distinct natural beauty, featuring white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and dense vegetation, including palm and mango trees. This natural environment attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Where to stay: Hawar Beach Hotel, with pool, restaurant, gym

If you're looking for a place to stay on Hawar Island, the Hawar Beach Hotel is the perfect choice. The hotel is located on the island and is accessible by a 45-minute boat ride from the Durrat Marina Yacht Club on the mainland.

Hawar Beach Hotel offers spacious rooms with unobstructed sea views from the balcony. The hotel combines the natural desert island feel with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive packages that include two-way boat transport, Arabic and international cuisine for all meals, a guided introductory bus tour of the island, and fun water activities such as paddle boating and kayaking. There are also two swimming pools with water slides.

The hotel also provides chargeable eco-tours, such as bicycle desert trails, guided treks, boat tours to neighbouring islands, and the opportunity to see dugongs in their natural habitat.

The hotel was reopened in September 2016 under new management and has received positive reviews for its friendly staff, clean amenities, and relaxing atmosphere. It is a great choice for those seeking a calm and enjoyable getaway.

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