Green Island
Sheikh Said Island
A small island reached by boat in about fifteen minutes from the port, surrounded by mangroves and coral shallows, ideal for a half-day of snorkelling and beach picnics.
Sheikh Said Island, also known as Green Island, lies offshore to the south of Massawa Harbour. It is covered in mangroves and shrubs, which is where its name comes from. The shallow waters around the island have coral and tropical fish, making snorkelling easy, and its white sand beaches are quiet. You need to hire a small boat at the Old Town quay, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes each way. The island has no facilities, so bring your own drinking water, food and sun protection. You may need a permit to take a boat, and your hotel can help arrange it.
Opening hours
Daytime (by private boat charter)
Nearby sights
- Sheikh Hanafi Mosque
- Massawa Old Town (Batse Island)
- Former Banco d'Italia Building
- Massawa Tank Memorial
- Mosque of the Companions
- Imperial Palace, Massawa
- Northern Red Sea Regional Museum
- Gurgusum Beach