April Ramble: Overnight Dhow Cruise
Thursday into Friday, April 28th & 29th 2022
Gathering Place and Time: 03:30pm meetup at Box Park Marina. We will set sail no later than 4pm.
Duration: Thursday 28th April Overnight into 29th April. We will return to Box Park Marina between 7&8am.
Trip Leaders & Coordinator Claire Kelly & Omer Bin Abdul Aziz
Trip Registration
Registration is mandatory, the number of participants is limited.
Send an email/message by 25 April to Claire our ramble leader This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Ph:7707 8060)
Include your name, membership number and status, number of participants, copy of your QID and phone number (and Whatsapp number if different). Payment must be made 3 days before the trip with Claire or Omer.
COVID-19 restrictions being the new norm, we’ll have a limited number of participants. So please register as soon as possible, and honor your commitment. Masks and Etheraz app are mandatory.
Trip Summary:
Calling the Available and adventurous members to come and join us on board a traditional dhow boat for approximately 15 hours to explore the eastern coast of Qatar!
We will set sail from Box Park Marina towards as far north of Aaliya Island as possible, and then head south easterly thereafter. Throughout the trip, you can rest and relax under the stars, attempt some night fishing, barbecuing, pelagic birdwatching and dolphin spotting (if we are very lucky). As the night matures, we aim to move at least 20km off the coast to minimize light pollution in order to find the Milky Way (after 1am) with our very own in-house sharp-eyed AstronOmer!
This journey at sea will allow us to witness the rapid development along some desert coastal landscapes. From a floating sea perspective, Opacarophiles can dwell in the marvelous sanguine vibes of the Thursday Sunset and Friday morning Sunrise while sipping a cup of tea or coffee.
The trip cost per person is QAR 350 (Dhow rental only). Food and drinks are at own cost. Open to adults and children above 12 years old. Each person will be given a Life jacket on board.
Advance payment online can be made to:
Mr Omer Bin Abdul Aziz
IBAN number: QA69CBQA000000004700151987001. Please provide screenshot of payment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Claire will meet those who wish to sign up with cash payments.
Finer details of the trip will be shared with people who have signed up successfully.
Free car parking overnight is available at Box-Park where we embark and disembark from the dhow boat.
Please also note that the trip is subject to good weather conditions and minimum registration by complement of 20 members. In case of bad weather or insufficient sign ups, the trip will be canceled and the trip fee will be refunded.
There will be no refund for NO-SHOWs when the trip proceeds in order to honour our booking fees with the Dhow boat owner.
Trip leader:
- Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Bio
A birding enthusiast by day, an astronomer by night and an engineer in between. Behind me are hundreds of pinhole projections of the eclipsed sun from Doha earlier in 2020. I'm proud to live with my 8 inch telescope, a bunch of cameras, a bicycle and three daughters!
Contact details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Claire Low-Kelly
Secretary Domestic Goddess "QNHG connects me to the very atom of Qatar, from knowing the migratory birds to the fossils and cyanobacteria in the sabkhas."
Contact details: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What to Bring
- Plenty of water & Snacks.
- Sun Protection: sun glasses, hat & sunscreen
- Camera, Binoculars
- 4x4 is not required.
- Please wear full shoes.
Notice: Please remember that every person attending the Ramble is responsible for their well-being and safety. Make sure to carry you QID and Ehtaraz App. As Covid restrictions are in place, we do not encourage potluck.
Children are welcome to join our activities, but should remain under parents supervision
