Dahlak Archipelago
ደሴታት ዳህላክ
An archipelago of some two hundred low coral islands in the Red Sea. Its unspoiled reefs, sea turtles, and schools of fish make it a secret paradise for divers.
The archipelago lies in the sea east of Massawa. The main island, Dahlak Kebir, is about 60 km from Massawa, a 2 to 3 hour boat ride away. It has ancient cisterns, Islamic gravestone inscriptions, and shipwreck remains. Most of the outer islands are uninhabited, and their reefs are pristine, with dolphins, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish, making them excellent for diving and snorkeling. Access requires a foreign visitor's travel permit and a boat charter arranged through a travel agency in Massawa. There is very little accommodation on the islands, so most visits are day trips or overnight stays on the boat.
Opening hours
Private boat charters only
Nearby sights
- Mosque of the Companions
- Green Island
- Massawa Old Town (Batse Island)
- Former Banco d'Italia Building
- Sheikh Hanafi Mosque
- Adulis
- Imperial Palace, Massawa
- Massawa Tank Memorial