Guest Writer By Darcy Fowler, Guest Writer
Tucked away in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, just off Bahrain’s southern coast, the Hawar Islands offer a rare kind of escape. It’s often quiet and untouched by mass tourism, making it the perfect retreat for those looking for a relaxed environment. A stark contrast to the polished skyline of Manama or the bustling beaches of the mainland, these islands feel like a different world altogether.
Once a point of geopolitical tension, the Hawar Islands have now emerged as one of Bahrain’s best-kept secrets. A paradise for eco-travelers, bird watchers and anyone craving 48 hours of beautiful sands and tranquil sea. Whether you’re looking to explore one of the Gulf’s most ecologically significant spots, a weekend on Hawar promises something unique.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to spend two unforgettable days on the Hawar Islands from wildlife safaris and beach bonfires. Get ready to discover a side of Bahrain that few travelers ever see.
Trip Planning Essentials
The best time to visit the Hawar Islands is between November and March, when the weather is comfortably cool and wildlife activity is at its peak. Accommodation options are limited, with the Hawar Resort by Mantis being the primary choice for travelers seeking both comfort and proximity to nature. Given its popularity during the cooler months, advance booking is essential so that you get the best accommodation like the sea huts. Access to the islands is typically via boat transfer from the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion, often coordinated through the resort or the Southern Tourism Company. This gives you fantastic views while you’re making your way to the island.
When packing, prioritize essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, lightweight clothing, insect repellent and a power bank for off-grid moments. Smoking is banned in public places throughout Bahrain, so you avoid packing these and instead choose something like Nicopods as a healthier alternative. For those keen on wildlife watching, binoculars and a zoom lens camera are invaluable to get a full view of some of the most magnificent sights. Most importantly, remember that the Hawar Islands are a designated protected area that respects the environment.
Hawar Islands: Day One
Morning
Once you arrive at Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion in the morning, we recommend enjoying the scenic 25 to 30-minute boat ride across the turquoise waters to Hawar Island. There’s plenty of sights to see along the way, including the chance to see dolphins splashing around in the sea.
You can then check into your accommodation, there’s plenty of unique stays on the island with ocean view rooms, tented suites and overwater villas being popular choices. After you’ve settled into your new room, you can then explore the island’s immediate surroundings and witness some of the best views in the serene area. You can even indulge in some traditional Bahrain breakfasts, such as Balaleet (sweet vermicelli with egg), Nikhee (spiced chickpeas) and various egg dishes like tomato eggs.
Afternoon
Hawar Islands has plenty of excellent dining venues located in the Hawar Resort. These include an all-day dining restaurant, a beach lounge and a signature restaurant called C-Salt, which features rotating pop-up concepts from celebrity chefs. Guests can enjoy a blend of Bahraini, regional and international cuisines like Greek Kataifi, with a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients.
After you’ve had lunch, you can head to the resort’s designated areas to learn about the island’s unique ecosystem. The Hawar Islands is the perfect bird watching environment with there being some interesting wildlife that you might have never seen before. It’s home to a massive colony of Socotra cormorants, as well as western reef herons, terns, and even flamingos during migration. Arabian oryx and gazelles are also present on the island.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the beach with the sun peaking between 4pm to 6pm. This 1.8km beach has some of the most beautifully soft sand in the whole of Asia with crystal clear waters to enhance it. Whether you want to relax and soak in the sun or go kayaking, this coastline offers you a space to enjoy at your own pace.
Evening
Settling down from the daytime activities, those who visit the Hawar Resort can experience live music, themed dinner nights and other entertainment options, depending on the schedule. You can have food from the resort’s restaurant and enjoy some cocktails from one of the bars. It can be a truly romantic nighttime setting for couples who travel to the area.
With minimal light pollution, Hawar Island also offers excellent opportunities for stargazing. So, once the night draws to a close, why not lay down for a while and enjoy the beautiful night sky? It can be a wonderful experience during your first night on the island.
Hawar Islands: Day 2
Morning
Start your day with a calming sunrise yoga session, often offered by the resort, to truly connect with the tranquil surroundings and get your mind and body ready for the day ahead. You won’t be disappointed with the resort having wonderfully trained yoga instructors.
After you’ve enjoyed another hearty breakfast at the resort, we recommend dolphin spotting and snorkeling in the morning. You will be taken to the vibrant coral reefs around Khor Fasht Island, teeming with marine life including various fish and potentially green sea turtles.
Afternoon
Grab a quick lunch at one of the resort’s casual eateries or enjoy a picnic on the beach. Once you’ve eaten, you can take a dip in the infinity pool or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage at the spa to receive the full Hawar island relaxation experience.
You also have the opportunity to visit any locations you are interested in seeing before you leave the island, as there’s so much for you to pack in within 48 hours. We recommend that you visit the Bahrain Fort, wildlife reserve and desert landscapes if you want to have everything covered.
Evening
Get everything packed before your departure, so that you can have the final moments on the island with a meal and drink at the resort’s restaurant. It’s your last chance to experience the pleasantries that Hawar island has to offer.
When the time comes to check out and board the boat for the transfer back to the Durrat Al Bahrain Pavilion on the mainland, make sure that you’ve got all of your belongings and experienced everything you’ve aimed to do. Hopefully, you’ve had 48 hours that dreams are made of and would consider returning in the future.
Final Thoughts
Spending 48 hours in the Hawar Islands is less about checking off a packed itinerary but more about reconnecting with nature and perhaps with yourself. Whether you’re kayaking through calm turquoise waters, spotting rare birds along the shoreline or watching the sunset, Hawar Islands offer a kind of escape that’s increasingly rare in the Gulf. This is Bahrain at its most beautiful and a journey you will not soon forget.