Al Safliya Island

Al Safliya is a small protected island just 10 km from central Doha, making it Qatar's most accessible reef dive and the primary training ground for Qatari divers. The fringing reef wraps around the island's sheltered western and northern sides in 4 to 12 metres of water, with a sandy seafloor scattered with coral heads that provide habitat for juvenile reef fish, nudibranchs, and flatworms. Hawksbill turtles nest on the island's beaches from May through September and can be seen underwater year-round. The site is protected as part of Qatar's island nature reserve network.