Manama is a getaway for Arabs and expats residing in Arab countries where alcohol is banned. Tourists, particularly Saudis and residents of Saudi Arabia, come to Bahrain mainly for the nightlife.
- Dolphin Watching, ☏ +973 1770 0677. Take a boat trip and you can watch the dolphins and manatees playing in the warm Gulf waters, and see local fisherman head out in traditional wooden dhows to catch the prized local hammour, a type of grouper. Dolphin watch trips take place three times daily. BD 6 for adults, BD 3 for children under 12 years..
- Scuba Diving, Bahrain Yacht Club & Al Bandar resort, ☏ +973 1770 1201, +973 1770 0677.
- Horse riding, Saar, ☏ +973 1769 0926, +973 3956 6809. For anyone wanting riding lessons or an occasional hack, the Twin Palms Riding School and the Dilmun Club are good places to start.
- Horse racing. Arabia is famous for its horses. The national racecourse at Al Sakhir hosts races every Friday from October to March. The grandstand holds up to 3,000 spectators and entry is free. Betting is prohibited.
- Pearl Diving. Bahrain is also famous for its pearls. Try your hand at pearl diving and maybe take home one of these natural gems of the sea.
- Bird Watching, Hawar Islands, Boats depart from Ad Dur Jetty, ☏ +973 1729 0377. 10AM daily. The Kingdom and the Hawar Islands are a haven for native and migratory birds including flamingos, bulbuls, ospreys and sooty falcons. Any twitchers are strongly advised to take the 20-km boat trip to the islands.
- Ice skating The only ring in town is located at the Fun-land centre along the Marina corniche.
