Qatar

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Banana Island

Crescent-shaped island resort off Doha

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Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Qatar

Photo: ACCS2020, CC BY-SA 4.0

Banana Island is a small artificial crescent-shaped island in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Doha, Qatar. It is home to the Anantara-operated Banana Island Resort Doha, with its own marina and reefs, and is visited for resort stays, beaches and water activities.

Largest cities

Doha
Al Rayyan
Al Wakrah
Al Khor
Lusail

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Qatar
Capital: Doha
Population of Qatar: 2.6M
Country area: 11,437 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.64 QAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +974
Drives on the: Right
Plugs: D / G · 240V
Emergency numbers: 999
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	23°	24°	28°	33°	38°	42°	42°	41°	39°	36°	31°	25°
Low	15°	15°	18°	22°	27°	29°	31°	31°	29°	26°	22°	17°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$100
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$270
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$660

Plan a trip to Banana Island

Top things to do

Free
Resort Beach Day
Relax on the island's beaches and swim in the sheltered Gulf waters; sun loungers and umbrellas are provided for resort guests.
- Half day
- Beach and Reef
- Good for kids
≈ $50
Snorkeling at the Reef
Explore the reefs around the island with snorkeling gear; visibility is best in the cooler months, and equipment can be rented on site.
- Half day
- Beach and Reef
- Good for kids
Free
Marina Walk
Stroll along the island's private marina and watch the boats; it is especially pleasant in the late afternoon and early evening.
- Half day
- Marina
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $120
Spa Treatment
Book a treatment at the resort spa for a relaxing indoor break; advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- Half day
- Resort Core
- Indoors
≈ $70
Dhow Cruise
Take a traditional dhow boat trip around the island and nearby waters; sunset cruises offer the best views and cooler temperatures.
- Half day
- Marina
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $60
Water Sports
Try kayaking, paddleboarding or other non-motorized water sports from the beach; check age and safety requirements before booking.
- Half day
- Beach and Reef
- Good for kids
≈ $80
Doha City Tour
Spend a day on the mainland visiting Doha's souqs, museums and corniche; arrange the boat transfer in advance and allow time for traffic.
- Full day
- Doha Mainland
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $100
Desert Safari
Take a full-day 4x4 excursion into the desert outside Doha for dune bashing and camel rides; most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Full day
- Doha Mainland
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Indian and Latin American passport holders, can get a free visa waiver or visa on arrival for stays up to 30 days; other nationalities need to apply in advance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival, and travellers staying more than 30 days must buy local health insurance. Check the latest rules on the Qatar Ministry of Interior website before booking.

Official website

From the airport

The main gateway is Hamad International Airport in Doha; from there it is roughly a 20–30 minute drive to the Banana Island ferry terminal, followed by a short boat transfer to the island. Total journey time from the airport is typically about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Getting around

The island is small and walkable, with resort buggies and boats used for transfers; there are no public vehicles.

Local tips

Qatar is a conservative country: dress modestly in public areas, and swimwear only at pools and beaches.
Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel and resort venues; drinking in public is not allowed.
The local currency is the Qatari riyal; cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
Summers are extremely hot (40°C+), so plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening and stay hydrated.