The Ultimate Guide to Qatar’s Dive Sites

1. Old Club Reef – Doha

Depth: 6–12 m
Highlights: Artificial reef built from old vehicles and concrete blocks. Expect large schools of snapper, batfish, and the occasional stingray.
Best For: Beginner divers and easy freediving sessions close to the capital.

2. Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid)

Depth: 5–15 m
What Makes It Special: A UNESCO-recognized natural reserve where desert dunes meet the sea. Calm lagoons, sea grass beds, and juvenile fish make this a great spot for macro photography.
Tip: Ideal for relaxed boat dives or snorkeling when the tides are high.

3. Al-Rayyan Wreck

Depth: 12–20 m
Experience Level: Advanced Open Water or experienced freedivers.
Features: A 1960s cement freighter that now shelters moray eels, lionfish, and schooling jacks. Night dives reveal hunting squid and cuttlefish.

4. Othman Reef

Depth: 8–18 m
Highlights: Hard corals and vibrant reef fish, including angelfish and butterflyfish. Visibility is best from October to May.

5. New Club Reef

Depth: 6–15 m
Details: Another artificial reef project, this one includes sunken cars and metal structures that have quickly become home to colorful soft corals.

6. The Barge Wreck

Depth: 18–20 m
Why Go: A steel barge lying on its side, encrusted with corals and teeming with barracuda and trevally. Stronger currents add excitement for experienced divers.

7. Al Aaliya Island & Surrounding Reefs

Depth: 4–10 m
Perfect For: Half-day trips from Doha. Shallow coral gardens with turtles and plenty of tropical fish make this a family-friendly spot.

8. Fuwairit Reef

Depth: 6–12 m
Unique Aspect: Near Qatar’s famous turtle-nesting beaches. During the right season you might spot hawksbill turtles gliding over the reef.

9. Halul Island

Depth: 10–20 m
Advanced: Strong currents and deeper dives. Schools of barracuda and occasional pelagic visitors reward those who make the longer boat ride.
Best Season to Dive Qatar
October–May offers the clearest visibility and comfortable water temperatures (22–28 °C).
Summer months can exceed 33 °C water temperature and reduce visibility but are excellent for warm-water freediving.

Qatar may be best known for its desert landscapes and futuristic skyline, but beneath the surface lies a rich, diverse marine world. From beginner-friendly reefs to challenging wrecks, the country’s dive sites offer something for every skill level. Pack your fins, and experience a side of Qatar that few travelers ever see.