Updated May 2025
The island-nation of Bahrain is blessed with miles of golden beaches and a marine cultural heritage that runs as deep as its turquoise waters. This summer, partake in high-energy water sports and the timeless legacy of pearl diving in a sumptuous surrounding at Bahrain.
In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the top beach activities across the kingdom, dive into Bahrain’s storied pearl diving traditions, and spotlight the newly launched Hawar Resort by Mantis – an eco-luxury retreat elevating Bahrain’s coastal tourism.
Beach adventures for all ages
Bahrain’s coastline is a playground for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. Water sports are king here, sought out by daredevils looking to skim the waves on a jet ski or harness the warm gulf winds on a kiteboard.
Beaches like Budaiya, Nurana Island, and Askar Beach have become kitesurfing hotspots, promising ample space and steady breeze for riders to test their mettle. For a more laid-back glide, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the calm morning waters sets you up for a serene start to the day – a sunrise SUP session is great for panoramic views of Manama’s skyline as the sea turns gold. Many beaches are also ripe spots for kayaking, wakeboarding, and even eFoil boarding (electric surfboards that let you fly above the waves) for those keen on new technology-driven thrills.
Beyond sports, Bahrain’s beach culture and events are thriving in 2025. In the cooler months, seaside festivals and parties light up the coast after dark, while luxury beachfront hotels frequently host open-air concerts and DJ nights on the sand.
For example, beach festivals at resort venues like Marassi Beach and Water Garden City have featured live music, food stalls, and night-time paddle parades, drawing both locals and visitors into a celebratory atmosphere by the sea.
Snorkeling and diving hotspots
The kingdom’s reefs teem with marine life, from colorful reef fish to sponges and hard corals, making it a snorkeler’s paradise.
Jarada Island, a hidden gem that appears only at low tide, is a favorite excursion among travelers for its crystal-clear shallows and powdery sands—perfect for snorkeling and swimming in a truly out-of-this-world setting. This tiny sandbar, accessible by boat, has often been compared to a slice of the Maldives in the heart of the Gulf.
There are also coral reefs like Abu Thama and wreck sites—including old boats and even a sunken pearl dhow—that serve as homes and hiding spaces for a variety of marine species..
Local dive centers offer trips for all skill levels, ensuring even novice divers can safely discover Bahrain’s underwater wonders.
Pearl diving
No exploration of Bahrain’s coastal culture would be complete without delving into pearl diving, the island’s most fabled tradition. For over 4,000 years, long before oil was ever struck, pearls were the wealth and soul of Bahrain. The nation’s location atop underwater freshwater springs made its pearls exceptionally lustrous, drawing merchants from around the world and turning Bahrain into the center of the world’s finest natural pearls.
In 2025, Bahrain brilliantly bridges this heritage with modern tourism, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of pearl diving themselves. Several licensed operators now run pearl diving excursions that cater to both beginners and certified divers.
After a briefing on technique and sustainability, you’ll don snorkel gear or scuba equipment and set out into the clear blue waters off Muharraq Island. Under expert guidance, you can dive for up to two hours, collecting oysters from Bahrain’s fertile oyster beds just as generations of Bahrainis did.
It’s essentially a treasure hunt underwater – every oyster you gather could contain a natural pearl. The anticipation builds back on the boat or shore as you learn to carefully pry open each shell. If you’re lucky enough to find a gleaming pearl inside, it’s yours to keep – a truly rare souvenir imbued with history.
Participants are allowed to collect up to 60 oysters per dive, in line with government regulations to ensure sustainability. Tour companies provide all the gear and guidance needed, so even if you’ve never dived before, you can join a shallow-water pearling trip and feel safe and supported.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of ways to connect with its pearling heritage. The Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Muharraq, is an immersive walking trail that links a series of historic buildings and coastal sites pivotal to the pearl trade.
Stretching 3.5 km through old Muharraq neighborhoods, this path includes ancient merchant homes, a preserved oyster market, and the remnants of Bu Maher Fort on the shoreline. Along the way, the new Pearling Path Visitor Centre brings history to life with interactive exhibits – you can learn how divers in the past risked their lives for the sea’s “white treasure” and even see tools and boats used in the trade.
Where to stay: Hawar Resort by Mantis – A New Eco-Luxury Haven
Opened in January 2025, the Hawar Resort by Mantis redefines island luxury in Bahrain. Located on the remote Hawar Islands, 20 km off the southern coast, this eco-conscious retreat promises access to pristine beaches, rich wildlife, and utter opulence—all presented to guests with a touch of the famed Arabian hospitality.
Accessible by scenic drive and boat ride, the resort invites guests to experience unspoiled nature, featuring flamingos, dugongs, and UNESCO-protected mangroves.
Designed to harmonize with its surroundings, the resort features 104 accommodations, including overwater bungalows, each with private plunge pools and open-sea views. Interiors blend modern comfort with Bahraini heritage details, while nightly firepits and stargazing elevate the island experience.
Adventurers can kayak, snorkel, or join the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, while wellness seekers unwind in the spa or beachfront cabanas. Five restaurants, including C-Salt and Bahri, serve up fresh seafood with flavor influences from all corners of the world. Pop in for a casual lunch or date night at Bahri, where the ambience strikes a balance between elegance and relaxed. For an exclusive dining experience, however, C-Salt is where you want to be. The restaurant boasts appearances by celebrated chefs and seasonal pop-ups to keep guests excited.
So pack your swimsuit, your sense of adventure, and perhaps your curiosity for history, and get ready to discover the sun, sea, and pearls of Bahrain. Ma’asalaama – safe travels and see you on the beach!
