If you are planning a trip to Failaka Island Kuwait, you likely can’t wait to see the gorgeous blue water, the archaeological finds, and the remnants of the Iraq-Kuwait War scattered across this short 16 mile stretch.
But, gathering up to date information on this incredible island can be tricky. When I was researching how to visit Failaka Island before my recent trip to Kuwait, it was nearly impossible to find contacts, schedules, and a clear “how to” for tourists.
After visiting Failaka Island, Kuwait, and spending time in the country as a whole, I now have a clear understanding of the best options for visiting. And, I’ve created this guide so that you can choose the best option for your own trip.
This guide to visiting Failaka Island will also cover the best things to see during your visit. And let me assure you, Failaka Island was one of the greatest highlights of my entire trip! It is 100% worth the effort.
From a self-guided Failaka Island day trip to an all-inclusive Failaka Island tour, here are the best ways to see one of Kuwait’s brightest highlights.
⫸ Want a stress-free experience? The easiest way to plan a trip to Failaka Island is to book an all-inclusive tour. Hotel pickup, ferry tickets, lunch, and a personal tour guide are included. BOOK YOUR ALL INCLUSIVE FAILAKA ISLAND TICKETS HERE!
An Introduction to Failaka Island, Kuwait
Failaka Island is a small but unmissable island off the coast of Kuwait. In just a 16 mile expanse, more than 4000 years of history are jam-packed in the sand.
Inhabited by the ancient Dilmun civilization in 2000 BC and later taken over by Alexander the Great in 400 BC, the island showcases a fascinating mix of ruins from different eras. And, these ancient sites from thousands of years ago are still being excavated, though today there are no permanent residents living here.
After the Iraq attacks on Failaka in 1991, when Iraqi forces first invaded Kuwait during the Gulf War, the more than 2000 residents of Failaka Island were moved to the mainland. And, due to the extreme damage to the local buildings, homes, and businesses, the island’s population never came back.
Pro Tip: For those interested in learning about the war, be sure to also visit the Martyr’s Museum, which I talk about in detail here.
Today, the homes and businesses that once thrived all lay in ruins, with bullet holes pock-marked on the facades and the interiors mostly gutted.
Despite its turbulent past, Failaka Island is a fascinating stop for anyone interested in seeing the ruins first-hand or for exploring the remnants of the war. Personally, I consider Failaka Island to be one of the best places to visit in Kuwait.
How To Get To Failaka Island, Kuwait
The only way to reach Failaka Island is by boat. Tourists wishing to take a day trip to Failaka Island (or a multi-day trip to Failaka Island) will need to either arrange their own ferry tickets or book an all-inclusive, round trip, door-to-door package.
There are pros and cons to each option.
If you decide to book an all inclusive tour, it couldn’t be easier. You will get hotel pickup and dropoff. Your ferry tickets will be included. You will have a guide who can explain what you are seeing and take care of all of the arrangements – all you do is show up! However, this option will be more costly. Check current prices and dates here.
If you wish to DIY your Failaka Island trip, as I did while traveling Kuwait as a solo female, it will take a bit more planning. But, it will definitely be more budget friendly.
Step 1: Find the current Ferry Schedule.
This article will cover using the Ikarus Boat Kuwait Tours to Failaka Island. Unfortunately, they do not publish their ferry schedule to Failaka Island on any webpage.
Instead, they publish a monthly schedule on their Instagram page that is heavily impacted by the tides as well as the seasons. Winter is high season which means more ferries – as in several per day – and summer is low season which means less ferries – as in one per day max and sometimes only on the weekends.
I contacted Ikarus directly via WhatsApp (one of my absolute favorite travel apps) to verify ferry dates and times, and then once in Kuwait City, I took a trip to their office to purchase tickets the day prior.
To contact Ikarus via WhatsApp, text them at +965 9892 0706. The agents I spoke to were fluent in English and communication was easy.
Step 2: Go to the Marina to purchase your tickets.
You will need to purchase your tickets in person at the Marina at least one day in advance. In high season, you may need to purchase even earlier. The Ikarus ticket office can be found here.
Be sure to bring your passport to the ticket office, as you will not be able to purchase without it. Expect to pay 15KWD for a roundtrip ticket, which is roughly $50USD.
Note that while Ikarus did attempt to send me an electronic payment link, I tried the link on several devices and attempted two different credit cards, but alas, it was just not working. So going in person was non-negotiable.
I also recommend calling or texting prior to going to the Marina to make sure that the office will be open. Kuwait is not cheap compared to other budget destinations, so a wasted roundtrip taxi ride would not be ideal.
Once your ticket has been issued, feel free to explore Kuwait and relax.
5 Failaka Island Essentials
✅ A wide brim hat for sun protection
✅ One refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
✅ A loose kimono to throw over your clothes
✅ A portable but high quality camera for photos
✅ This Failaka Island Day Tour for a stress-free trip
Step 3: Take the Ferry to Failaka Island.
On the day of your ferry departure, you will head back to the Marina. The boats actually depart at a separate location from the ticketing office (here) but it is an easy walk from the ticket office.
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. I highly recommend packing snacks and a lunch for the day, as you won’t have many options on the island.
Once allowed to board, you will see the telltale bright golden yellow paint on the Ikarus boats. Take the stairs up and grab a seat in the air-conditioned interior.
Enjoy the views for the next 30+ minutes. Coffee, sodas, chips, and snacks are all available for purchase on the ferry.
Step 4: Book the Failaka Island bus tour.
To actually see the island, you are going to need some form of transportation. It is all but impossible to walk to each of the sites, and if you are here outside of winter, it will be insanely hot.
One option is to bring a car across to Failaka Island from the mainland (additional costs will apply.) The other option is to book the Failaka Island Bus Tour.
Your ferry will dock at the Island’s small and mostly vacant “heritage resort.” From here, it will be a roughly 5 minute walk to the small convenience store that sells the tickets. Be sure to ask a ferry employee upon disembarking, and they will point you the way.
The Bus Tour ticket will cost 3KWD, or about $10USD. It will stop at three main sites on the island: the Camel Farm, the abandoned Tank Graveyard, and the ruins of the National Bank of Kuwait.
So which did I do – bring a car or book the Bus Tour?
Well, as luck would have it, neither. And yet, I saw more than the average visitor!
I had planned to buy the bus tour upon arrival, which is why I have it so well researched.
But on the ferry, I met a man who was a Kuwait citizen and who had actually grown up on Failaka Island until the age of 18. He was also involved in building the museum for the archaeological sites and had endless stories of life on the island prior to the Iraq invasion.
Long story short, I took a chance and explored the island with a stranger. I saw all of the sights that the bus tour visits, as well as all of the excavation sites, ancient ruins, and the small museum. We even enjoyed lunch at his childhood friend’s now-abandoned home.
It ended up to be an unforgettable day and it was so cool to hear his personal stories and not be on a timetable. Obviously this was a fluke, but it gave me a glimpse of what a private tour might be like, so if you want expert commentary, definitely go that option.
Step 5: Take the ferry back to the mainland.
Once your day is over, it is time to head back to the ferry dock. The return time for your Failaka Island Day Trip will be determined by the tides. It could be as early as 3 hours later, or might be up to 12 hours later.
And yes, you can even stay overnight, if you wish. You have only one resort to stay in, which can be arranged through Ikarus as well. Be sure to plan it in advance.
Sit back and enjoy your 30+ minute ride back to the mainland and be sure to explore all the other sights to see in Kuwait, like the Kuwait Towers.
What Will I See on Failaka Island?
While most of the island tends to be residential ruins, there are a few must see spots on Failaka Island.
- The Camel Farm – there is a small herd of camels to visit, which graze the island shrubbery when not in their home base.
- The Tank Graveyard – one of the highlights for me, it is pretty surreal to climb around this collection of rusty Iraqi tanks and vehicles.
- National Bank of Kuwait – a gripping reminder of the war, this bank was set to have their Grand Opening on the day of the attack, and therefore never got to open o the public.
- Archaeological Ruins – from Dilmun to Greek ruins, these sites are incredibly interesting to view. They are still being excavated.
Failaka Island Kuwait FAQs:
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on planning a Failaka Island day trip!
Is a day trip to Failaka Island worth it?
Hands down yes – a day trip to Failaka Island is unforgettable for anyone interested in war history, ancient ruins, beautiful blue water, or abandoned villages. Just a short ferry ride away from Kuwait City, Failaka Island is a fascinating place to explore and discover.
How long does it take to get to Failaka Island?
The ferry ride from Kuwait City to Failaka Island will take roughly 30 minutes.
What is Failaka Island known for?
Failaka Island is most known for the following: 1) being one of the earliest hit locations after the invasion of Iraq; 2) being home to ruins from nearly 4000 years ago; and 3) being frozen in time after the devastating attack, and housing miles of residential ruins.
How big is Failaka Island?
Failaka Island is only 16 miles wide, but houses 4000 years of history within its tiny borders.
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