Hawar Islands
جزر حوار
The Hawar Islands are a protected archipelago off Bahrain's south-west coast near Qatar, known for seabird colonies, dugongs and a single island resort.
About Hawar Islands
The Hawar Islands lie about 26 km south-west of the Bahrain mainland, close to the coast of Qatar. UNESCO describes six major islands and more than 30 smaller ones. In 2001 the International Court of Justice confirmed Bahrain's sovereignty over the main Hawar group.
The islands were listed as a Ramsar wetland of international importance on 27 October 1997. They host one of the world's largest concentrations of Socotra cormorants, along with greater flamingos and other waterbirds. Bahrain placed the Hawar Islands Reserve on its UNESCO World Heritage tentative list in 2001.
The seagrass meadows around the islands feed a large dugong population. A 2022 study reported a herd of nearly 700 dugongs near the islands. Dolphins are also seen on boat trips. Most islands are off limits to protect wildlife. Visitors reach the main island through Hawar Resort by Mantis, which opened in early 2025 and runs a boat from Durrat Al Bahrain. The resort offers wildlife boat trips, kayaking, snorkelling and desert activities.
Watch
Highlights
- Seabird colonies, including Socotra cormorants
- Dugong and dolphin boat safaris
- Snorkelling and kayaking from the resort
- Desert island landscapes
- Stays at Hawar Resort by Mantis
Good to know
- Access to most islands is restricted; visitors normally travel via Hawar Resort.
- The resort boat leaves from the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion; arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure.
- Fishing is prohibited near the resort shoreline.
- Keep your distance from nesting birds and marine life.
Getting there
Boat from the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion at the southern tip of Bahrain, about a 30-minute crossing
Questions people ask
How do you get to the Hawar Islands?
Visitors take the Hawar Resort boat from the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion, a crossing of about 30 minutes.
Are the Hawar Islands protected?
Yes. They have been a Ramsar wetland of international importance since 1997 and are on Bahrain's UNESCO World Heritage tentative list.
Can you see dugongs at the Hawar Islands?
The waters around Hawar support a large dugong population, and the resort runs boat safaris to look for dugongs and dolphins.
Who owns the Hawar Islands?
The Hawar Islands belong to Bahrain. The International Court of Justice confirmed Bahrain's sovereignty in 2001.
