Al Dar Islands

Al Dar is a small island off Sitra on Bahrain's eastern side, developed as a day resort with a beach, huts, a restaurant and water sports, reached on a boat that runs from the Sitra jetty through the day. It is the simplest way to get onto open water from Manama without organising anything, and it fills at weekends with families from the city. Overnight huts are available. The crossing runs on a fixed schedule through the day, with the last boat back in the early evening.

What you actually see

• The beach - the island's sand and the shallow water off it.
• The short crossing - a fifteen minute boat run from the Sitra jetty.
• The huts - the shaded shelters and overnight accommodation.
• The water sports - jet skis and other activities run from the island.

When to go

November to April is the comfortable season. Weekends are crowded and weekdays much quieter. Summer heat and humidity make it unpleasant.

Honest expectations

It is small and commercially run, and expectations of a wild island should be set aside. Weekends are very crowded. The water around Bahrain is not particularly clear.

Nearby

Sitra is west, and Manama is northwest.