Al Dar Islands Join Hawar Islands, Daymaniyat Islands, Snoopy Island, Shadwan Island, Giftun and Abu Ramada Islands, Musandam Fjords, and Sahl Hasheesh Bay as the Middle East’s Most Sought-After Island Escapes for Swimming, Snorkeling, and Pure Coastal Serenity

Published on December 22, 2025

The Middle East is often associated with deserts, bustling cities, and ancient monuments, but hidden along its coasts are stunning islands and marine sanctuaries waiting to be explored. Away from crowded resorts and tourist-heavy beaches, these destinations offer a rare chance to immerse yourself in nature, swim in clear waters, and snorkel among colorful reefs.

Whether you are a marine enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone simply seeking a peaceful escape, the Middle East has numerous tranquil coastal retreats. From the shallow lagoons of Bahrain to the coral gardens of the Red Sea, these spots promise serenity, beauty, and memorable underwater adventures.

Below, we explore eight of the most beautiful and quiet islands and coastal areas in the region that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the sea.

1. Al Dar Islands — Bahrain’s Hidden Paradise

Al Dar Islands, located just off Sitra in Bahrain, are a pair of small islands that offer an idyllic getaway for families, couples, and solo travelers. Only a short boat ride from the mainland, these islands feel a world apart, with calm turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and charming small-scale accommodations.

The islands are ideal for a variety of activities. Visitors can swim in shallow lagoons, snorkel along vibrant coral beds, or relax on the sun-kissed sand. Al Dar Islands also offer kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, making it a versatile destination for adventure and relaxation alike.

One of the biggest draws of Al Dar is its peaceful atmosphere. Even during peak season, the islands remain uncrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy a sense of solitude and connection with nature. Whether you choose a day trip or an overnight stay, Al Dar Islands provide a perfect introduction to the Middle East’s serene coastal escapes.

2. Hawar Islands — Bahrain’s Wildlife Sanctuary

A short distance from the southern coast of Bahrain lies the Hawar Islands, a protected archipelago known for its rich biodiversity and pristine waters. Unlike resort-heavy destinations, these islands are largely undeveloped, offering visitors a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature.

The Hawar Islands are home to a variety of bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. The surrounding waters are shallow and calm, ideal for snorkeling and swimming among colorful fish. The islands are also known for marine life such as dugongs and turtles, which can often be spotted in the crystal-clear lagoons.

Visitors to Hawar can enjoy eco-friendly boat tours, quiet beach picnics, and a chance to explore untouched landscapes. Its combination of natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful waters makes the Hawar Islands a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

3. Daymaniyat Islands — Oman’s Marine Paradise

Off the coast of Muscat, Oman, the Daymaniyat Islands are a protected nature reserve and one of the region’s top snorkeling destinations. Comprising nine islands, this archipelago is home to vibrant coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and endangered sea turtles.

Visitors often take day trips from Muscat to experience the islands’ crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The reefs are teeming with life, offering an underwater spectacle for both novice and experienced snorkelers.

The islands themselves feature secluded beaches perfect for picnics and relaxation. Because the Daymaniyat Islands are a protected area, they remain largely untouched by development, ensuring quiet, intimate experiences with nature. For those seeking a combination of marine adventure and tranquil surroundings, Daymaniyat is a top choice.

4. Snoopy Island — UAE’s Coral Haven

Snoopy Island, located off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, is a small rocky island famous for its shape, calm waters, and coral reefs. Accessible from Al Aqah Beach, it is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking.

The surrounding waters are clear and shallow, making it perfect for beginners who want to explore marine life without venturing into deep waters. The reefs around Snoopy Island are home to colorful fish and corals, creating an enchanting underwater playground.

The island’s relaxed atmosphere and easy accessibility make it ideal for a day trip from Fujairah. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful beaches, paddle around the island, or snorkel through vibrant coral gardens. Snoopy Island is a shining example of how the UAE offers tranquil coastal escapes away from the hustle of city life.

5. Shadwan Island — Egypt’s Red Sea Secret

Shadwan Island, located in the Egyptian Red Sea, is a quiet, largely unvisited island offering exceptional snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Unlike the busy resorts of Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh, Shadwan provides a peaceful, natural setting that is perfect for explorers seeking solitude and marine adventures.

The surrounding waters are clear and rich with life, featuring coral reefs, tropical fish, and occasional sightings of rays and turtles. The island itself is rugged, with scenic cliffs and isolated beaches, ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet moments by the sea.

Shadwan Island is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to escape crowded tourist hubs and experience the Red Sea’s natural beauty in its purest form. It offers a perfect balance of marine exploration and peaceful relaxation.

6. Giftun & Abu Ramada Islands — Hurghada’s Coral Retreats

Just off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, the Giftun Islands and Abu Ramada Island are small, coral-rich islands renowned for snorkeling and swimming. These islands provide a serene escape from the busy mainland resorts, making them ideal for day trips and full-day marine excursions.

The waters around these islands are shallow, clear, and teeming with colorful fish, including parrotfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish. Coral gardens create a magical underwater landscape, ideal for both snorkelers and beginner divers.

Above water, the islands feature quiet beaches and calm lagoons, perfect for relaxing under the sun or enjoying a peaceful picnic. Giftun and Abu Ramada islands combine stunning marine life with tranquil settings, offering visitors a quintessential Red Sea experience.

7. Musandam Fjords — Oman’s Dramatic Waterways

The Musandam Peninsula in northern Oman is often called the “Norway of Arabia” due to its fjord-like landscape and rugged coastal scenery. While not a traditional island destination, Musandam’s rocky islets, sheltered coves, and calm waters make it a prime location for swimming, snorkeling, and slow-paced coastal exploration.

Visitors typically explore the area aboard traditional dhow boats, winding through narrow fjords and stopping at isolated coves for snorkeling. The waters are calm, clear, and rich in marine life, including tropical fish and occasionally dolphins.

Musandam offers a unique combination of dramatic landscapes, underwater biodiversity, and serene surroundings, making it one of the most memorable coastal destinations in the Middle East. Its quiet beauty is perfect for travelers seeking peace, adventure, and scenic vistas.

8. Sahl Hasheesh Bay — Egypt’s Emerging Coral Paradise

South of Hurghada lies Sahl Hasheesh Bay, an emerging coastal destination on the Red Sea known for calm waters, vibrant reefs, and quiet beaches. Unlike the busier resort areas nearby, Sahl Hasheesh offers peaceful snorkeling opportunities and gentle swimming conditions.

The bay is dotted with small islands and coral reefs, where visitors can snorkel among tropical fish and explore colorful underwater gardens. The beaches are soft, uncrowded, and perfect for relaxation, making it an ideal spot for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Sahl Hasheesh Bay exemplifies the new wave of tranquil Red Sea destinations, providing a balance of marine adventure and peaceful coastal scenery. Visitors can spend the day snorkeling, swimming, or simply enjoying the serene seaside ambiance.

Conclusion — Embrace the Middle East’s Coastal Serenity

From Bahrain’s calm lagoons to Oman’s rugged fjords and Egypt’s vibrant coral reefs, the Middle East offers a wealth of quiet, nature-focused coastal escapes. These eight destinations demonstrate that the region has much more to offer than deserts and bustling cities.

Whether swimming in turquoise lagoons, snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens, or simply relaxing on a deserted beach, these hidden gems provide opportunities for peace, adventure, and connection with nature.

For travelers seeking a tranquil, authentic coastal experience, these islands and marine sanctuaries are ideal. They are a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable vacations are not in crowded resorts but in serene waters, quiet beaches, and untouched natural landscapes.

So pack your snorkeling gear, prepare for turquoise waters, and explore the Middle East’s hidden coastal treasures, where every island offers its own story, scenery, and underwater wonder.