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Hawar Islands
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Explore Bahrain’s Hawar Islands for sheltered Gulf waters, desert beaches, birdlife, marine habitats and a remote southern-island escape.

The Hawar Islands form Bahrain’s most remote and nature-focused destination, a low-lying archipelago in the Arabian Gulf near the country’s southern coast. The islands lie close to Qatar, but they are internationally recognised as Bahraini territory. The group contains numerous small islands and rocky islets, with Hawar Island by far the largest and the principal base for any visit. There is no urban centre in the conventional sense: the landscape is formed by pale beaches, shallow turquoise water, salt flats, limestone outcrops and broad, wind-exposed stretches of desert.
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The islands are valued primarily for their wildlife and coastal habitats. Their surrounding waters support marine life including dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles, while the shorelines and mudflats attract migratory and resident birds. Depending on the season, visitors may see flamingos, herons, terns and cormorants. Hawar Islands Protected Area is one of Bahrain’s most important conservation landscapes and forms part of the country’s wider effort to protect fragile Gulf ecosystems. Because the islands are arid and exposed, shade, fresh water and undisturbed habitat are as important here as the scenery itself.
Hawar’s human history is connected with the sea. Fishing, pearling, boatbuilding and seasonal movement between the coast and offshore islands shaped life in southern Bahrain for generations. Small traces of earlier occupation and maritime activity are less visually imposing than the island’s beaches and wildlife, but they help explain why these apparently barren islands have long mattered to communities around the Gulf. The islands also became the focus of a prolonged territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar; in 2001, the International Court of Justice awarded the Hawar Islands to Bahrain.
A visit is best understood as a carefully organised excursion rather than an independent island-hopping holiday. Boat access, accommodation, conservation rules and weather conditions can change, so arrangements should be confirmed before travelling. The islands appeal to visitors interested in birdwatching, marine environments, photography, fishing, quiet beaches and the geography of the southern Gulf. Swimming and boating can be enjoyable in suitable conditions, but the area rewards restraint: keeping away from nesting birds, avoiding litter and following local instructions are essential to preserving Hawar’s character.

When is the best time to visit Hawar Islands?

Best: February–March, December · 22–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2110
February (best)228
March (best)267
April305
May342
June370
July390
August380
September361
October334
November296
December (best)248

Getting to and around Hawar Islands

How to get there

Hawar has no regular international air connection and no airport used by ordinary visitors. The usual approach is from Bahrain’s main island by an organised boat service or approved excursion, commonly using a southern mainland departure point such as Al Dur; arrangements and operating locations can change, so confirm them directly before travel. Visitors first reach Bahrain through Bahrain International Airport near Manama and then travel overland to the departure point. The crossing is weather-dependent, and independent arrival without a confirmed boat arrangement should not be assumed.

Transportation

Transport on Hawar is limited and concentrated around organised accommodation, boat excursions and specific recreation areas. There is no conventional public-transport network comparable with Bahrain’s main island, and distances, loose sand, heat and restricted habitats make walking away from developed areas impractical. Arrange transfers in advance and follow the instructions of the boat operator or accommodation provider. A private car or taxi is useful for reaching the mainland departure point, while boats are the essential means of reaching the archipelago itself. Do not land on small islets or enter restricted areas without permission.

Best attractions in Hawar Islands

Hawar’s attractions are primarily natural and maritime rather than urban. Boat excursions reveal shallow Gulf waters, low limestone shores, sandy beaches, tidal flats and small offshore islets, while the protected area offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Depending on season and conditions, visitors may look for flamingos, herons, terns, cormorants and other coastal birds, as well as dolphins or dugongs offshore. Sea turtles and intertidal life are also part of the archipelago’s ecological interest, although sightings are never guaranteed. Organised fishing and boating may be available, subject to current regulations and weather. The main island can support quiet beach recreation and short nature walks, but facilities are limited and the landscape is exposed, so excursions need to be planned around heat and water supplies. Hawar’s remoteness is itself part of the experience: there are no dense shopping streets, museums or historic town centres to compete with the open horizon. Visitors interested in conservation can learn about the importance of Bahrain’s Gulf wetlands through guided interpretation, while families may prefer supervised beach and boat activities. The best experiences are low-impact ones that leave wildlife undisturbed and recognise that much of the archipelago is habitat rather than conventional sightseeing infrastructure.

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Best landmarks in Hawar Islands

Hawar’s most important landmarks are geographical and ecological rather than monumental. The broad, low profile of Hawar Island, surrounded by pale beaches and shallow Gulf water, defines the archipelago’s visual identity, while the chain of smaller islets demonstrates how finely divided this part of Bahrain’s coast is. Protected mudflats, salt-tolerant coastal vegetation and bird habitat are significant natural features, particularly during migration seasons. The islands also carry political significance as the territory awarded to Bahrain in the 2001 International Court of Justice ruling that settled the Bahrain–Qatar dispute. Unlike Bahrain’s main island, Hawar has no large fort, cathedral or historic urban quarter; its importance lies in maritime geography, conservation and the continuing relationship between land and sea. Any traces of earlier fishing or seasonal occupation are modest and vulnerable, so they should be treated as heritage rather than explored or collected from. The combination of open desert terrain, tidal shorelines and an almost uninterrupted Gulf horizon is the archipelago’s defining physical character.

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Best restaurants in Hawar Islands

Dining on the Hawar Islands is centred on accommodation facilities, organised excursions and prepared meals rather than a broad independent restaurant scene. Menus may include familiar Bahraini and Gulf dishes such as grilled fish, rice-based meals, meat, salads, flatbreads and dates, with seafood particularly appropriate to the islands’ maritime setting. Visitors should not expect the range of cafés, bakeries and specialist restaurants found in Manama or Muharraq, and those staying overnight should confirm whether breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks are included. It is sensible to carry sealed snacks and water, especially for day trips, while respecting restrictions on glass, litter and cooking in protected areas. On the mainland, southern Bahrain provides a wider choice of restaurants before or after the crossing, but Hawar itself is best approached as a simple nature destination with meals arranged in advance. Alcohol availability should not be assumed, and visitors should follow the policies of their accommodation or boat operator.

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Best bars in Hawar Islands

Hawar does not have a conventional nightlife district, club scene or concentration of late-opening bars. Evenings are generally quiet and shaped by the island setting: visitors may dine at their accommodation, sit outdoors in suitable weather, watch the changing light over the Gulf or join a permitted fishing or boating activity. Any drinks service depends on the individual accommodation or excursion provider and should be confirmed before arrival; alcohol should never be assumed to be available. The archipelago’s limited lighting can make it attractive for calm stargazing, although visitors should avoid disturbing wildlife and follow safety instructions after dark. For live music, lounges, nightclubs and a broader choice of restaurants, travellers need to return to Bahrain’s main island, especially the urban areas around Manama, which are outside the Hawar Islands region.

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Best nightclubs in Hawar Islands

Hawar does not have a conventional nightlife district, club scene or concentration of late-opening bars. Evenings are generally quiet and shaped by the island setting: visitors may dine at their accommodation, sit outdoors in suitable weather, watch the changing light over the Gulf or join a permitted fishing or boating activity. Any drinks service depends on the individual accommodation or excursion provider and should be confirmed before arrival; alcohol should never be assumed to be available. The archipelago’s limited lighting can make it attractive for calm stargazing, although visitors should avoid disturbing wildlife and follow safety instructions after dark. For live music, lounges, nightclubs and a broader choice of restaurants, travellers need to return to Bahrain’s main island, especially the urban areas around Manama, which are outside the Hawar Islands region.

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Best shops in Hawar Islands

Shopping on the Hawar Islands is minimal and generally limited to practical supplies, refreshments or souvenirs available through organised accommodation or excursion facilities. There is no established market town, shopping centre or substantial independent retail quarter. Visitors who want Bahraini dates, spices, sweets, handicrafts, textiles, jewellery or locally produced food should shop on the main island before travelling, where Manama, Muharraq and other mainland centres offer far greater choice. A small, useful souvenir might include a locally made craft or packaged regional product, but visitors should avoid buying shells, coral, wildlife products or items that could have been removed from the protected island environment. Because the crossing is arranged rather than spontaneous, a shopping stop on the mainland is best planned before departure. The most meaningful purchase associated with Hawar is often a conservation-minded experience or locally operated excursion rather than a retail item.

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Hawar Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD), used throughout the Hawar Islands as it is across Bahrain. Card and contactless payment may be available through organised accommodation or established operators, but facilities are limited compared with Manama and mainland resorts. Carry sufficient Bahraini cash for incidental spending and do not rely on finding an ATM on the islands. Confirm in advance what transport, meals, activities and equipment are included in any booking, and keep payment records for arranged boat transfers.
Safety
The main practical risks are intense sun, dehydration, heat exhaustion, slippery or uneven shores and changing sea conditions rather than urban hazards. Wear sun protection, drink water regularly and avoid strenuous activity in the hottest part of the day. Follow boating instructions, use life jackets when directed and take care around shallow water, rocks and strong wind. Wildlife and nesting areas should not be approached. Because services are sparse, visitors with medical conditions, children or mobility needs should discuss access and emergency arrangements with the operator before departure.
Emergency Situations
Dial 999 in Bahrain for police, fire and ambulance emergencies. On the islands, immediately alert the accommodation provider, boat crew or authorised guide, who can coordinate assistance and evacuation to the mainland when required. Mobile coverage and response times can be less predictable offshore than in urban Bahrain, so carry essential medication, protect it from heat and tell someone your itinerary. For a serious incident at sea, follow the boat crew’s instructions and do not attempt an independent crossing.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress for strong sun and wind while remaining respectful of Bahrain’s generally modest social conventions, particularly around shared facilities and organised excursions. Keep noise low near birds and other wildlife, never feed animals, and do not remove shells, coral, archaeological material or plants. Stay on permitted routes and beaches, take rubbish back to the mainland or designated disposal points, and ask before photographing workers or local residents. Tipping is not a regional obligation, but a modest amount may be appreciated for attentive service where customary.
Local Tips
Build flexibility into the itinerary because crossing times and activities depend on sea conditions. Cooler months are usually more comfortable for beach visits, boating and birdwatching, while summer heat can be severe. Binoculars, reef-safe sun protection, a dry bag and a reusable water bottle are practical additions. If staying overnight, clarify meal arrangements and what supplies are available before leaving the mainland. Hawar works best as a conservation-minded nature trip, so allow time simply to observe the coastline rather than trying to cover numerous sites.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloمرحبا[Marhaba]
Goodbyeوداعا[Wadaa'an]
Yesنعم[Na'am]
Noلا[La]
Please/You’re welcomeمن فضلك[Min fadlak]
Thank youشكرا[Shukran]
Excuse me/Sorryعفوا[Afwan]
How are you?كيف حالك؟[Kayfa halak?]
Fine. And you?بخير. وانت؟[Bikhayr. Wa anta?]
Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟[Hal tatahaddath al-ingliziya?]
I don't understandأنا لا أفهم[Ana la afham]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأود رؤية القائمة من فضلك[Awad ru'yat al-qi'ma min fadlak]
I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم[Ana la akul al-lahm]
Cheers!صحتين[Sahteen]
I would like to pay, pleaseأود الدفع من فضلك[Awad al-daf' min fadlak]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!نجدة![Najda!]
Go away!اذهب بعيدا![Idhab ba'eedan!]
Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة![Ittasil bil-shurtah!]
Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب![Ittasil bi-tabeeb!]
I'm lostأنا ضائع[Ana da'i']
I'm illأنا مريض[Ana marid]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...أود شراء...[Awad shir'a...]
I'm just lookingأنا فقط أبحث[Ana faqat abhath]
How much is it?كم ثمنه؟[Kam thamanu?]
That's too expensiveهذا مكلف جدا[Hatha mukallaf jidan]
Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك تخفيض السعر؟[Hal yumkinuka takhfid al-si'r?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?كم الساعة؟[Kam al-saa'a?]
It's one o'clockالساعة واحدة[Al-saa'a wahida]
Half past (10)ونصف (10)[Wa nisf (10)]
Morningصباح[Sabah]
Afternoonبعد الظهر[Ba'd al-zuhur]
Eveningمساء[Masa']
Yesterdayأمس[Ams]
Todayاليوم[Al-yawm]
Tomorrowغدًا[Ghad'an]
1واحد[Wahid]
2اثنين[Ithnayn]
3ثلاثة[Thalatha]
4أربعة[Arba'a]
5خمسة[Khamsa]
6ستة[Sitta]
7سبعة[Sab'a]
8ثمانية[Thamaniya]
9تسعة[Tis'a]
10عشرة[Ashara]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?أين هو...؟[Ayna huwa...?]
What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟[Ma huwa al-'unwan?]
Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك إخباري (على الخريطة)؟[Hal yumkinuka ikhbari (ala al-kharita)?]
When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي (الباص) التالي؟[Mata yati (al-bus) al-tali?]
A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ....)[Tadhkarah (ila ....)]

History of Hawar Islands

Early Gulf Settlement and Maritime Use

The Hawar Islands belong to the wider cultural and archaeological world of the Arabian Gulf, where coastal communities moved between mainland settlements and offshore waters for fishing, shellfish gathering and trade. The islands offered temporary landing places, freshwater challenges and access to productive marine habitats rather than fertile farmland. Their low limestone terrain has preserved fewer monumental remains than Bahrain’s larger islands, yet their importance lies in the maritime networks that connected the Gulf’s shores from antiquity onwards. Hawar’s position near the southern approaches to Bahrain gave it continuing relevance to sailors and coastal communities.

Pearling, Fishing and Seasonal Island Life

Before the development of oil, Bahrain’s economy depended heavily on pearling, fishing, date cultivation and maritime commerce. The Hawar Islands formed part of this seaborne world, providing fishing grounds, seasonal camps and a base for people whose livelihoods depended on the tides and weather. Pearling was demanding work involving specialised boats, divers, rope handlers and merchants, while fishing remained important after the pearling economy declined. The islands’ association with these activities illustrates how Bahrain’s history was shaped not only by towns and forts but also by mobile communities operating across the Gulf.

British Gulf Administration and Modern Boundaries

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Britain exercised a strong political and maritime influence over the Gulf through its relationships with the Trucial states, Bahrain, Qatar and other regional rulers. The islands’ location close to Qatar made their political status significant as modern state boundaries gradually became more important. Administrative records, navigation and territorial claims increasingly treated offshore islands as matters of sovereignty rather than simply as shared maritime space. This transition changed the meaning of Hawar, turning a seasonal landscape into a clearly contested part of the modern Gulf map.

The Bahrain–Qatar Territorial Dispute

Bahrain and Qatar disputed sovereignty over the Hawar Islands, along with other maritime features and areas, for much of the twentieth century. The disagreement reflected the islands’ strategic location and the difficulty of applying modern borders to shallow seas, reefs and small islets. In 2001, the International Court of Justice delivered a ruling that awarded the Hawar Islands to Bahrain while also settling other territorial and maritime questions between the two states. The decision remains an important chapter in the political geography of the Gulf and explains why the archipelago is discussed in relation to both countries.

Conservation of a Gulf Island Ecosystem

As Bahrain industrialised and its population became increasingly concentrated on the main island, Hawar’s value shifted from a working maritime landscape towards a conservation and recreation resource. The archipelago’s beaches, shallow marine areas, mudflats and seabird habitats support species adapted to the Gulf’s intense heat and limited rainfall. Protection measures have sought to balance carefully managed tourism with the needs of wildlife, particularly in sensitive coastal zones. Hawar Islands is recognised internationally as a wetland of importance under the Ramsar Convention, reflecting its role for birds and other species within the Gulf.

Contemporary Low-Impact Tourism

Modern visits to Hawar are centred on nature, boating, fishing, beach recreation and short stays rather than large-scale urban development. Any tourism infrastructure remains relatively limited in comparison with Bahrain’s main island, and access is more dependent on organised arrangements, sea conditions and conservation requirements. This gives Hawar a different identity within Bahrain’s tourism landscape: it is valued for open space, wildlife and isolation rather than museums, shopping districts or dense historical quarters. Its future depends on managing visitor access without damaging habitats that are difficult to restore in an arid island environment.

Hawar Islands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Hawar Islands, Bahrain

Discover the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and more on the Hawar Islands with Evendo - your 100% free app-based travel guide.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • High-quality images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location.
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Experience the beauty of Hawar Islands like never before with Evendo. Your comprehensive, free travel guide app for attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Travel essentials and the history of Hawar Islands.
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  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities.
  • User-friendly navigation and interface.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion to the stunning Hawar Islands, Bahrain. Imagine exploring the pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant local culture with an app that has everything you need to make the most of your trip.

With Evendo, you can discover all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities that Hawar Islands have to offer. Whether you're planning to visit the famous Hawar Resort Hotel, enjoy a meal at the popular Al Jazeera Restaurant, or explore the picturesque Hawar Beach, Evendo has got you covered. Each location comes with rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip.

No more hassle of searching for what to see, what to do, and how to get there. Evendo allows you to easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences right from the app. Experience the island like a local with curated local tips and the convenient 'Near me' feature that shows you what's around you no matter where you are.

Download Evendo now and start your journey to the Hawar Islands. It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, you'll have the world in your pocket.

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