Tiran Island is one of those small territories that has a rich history simply because of its location. It lies between two of the region’s most important countries, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and in the middle of a strait of the Red Sea surrounded by corral reefs and colourful fish. So it comes as no surprise that a visit to this desert islet is almost obligatory for diving enthusiasts, but also for those who love unexplored territories.
The history and context of the island
Tiran Island is now a slice of desert in the midst of a strait of the same name, surrounded by corral reefs that have become a heaven on Earth for divers. However, its strategic location, between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, meant that it was well known to the sailors of the Ancient World who sought a refuge or a stopping-off point on their trading expeditions on this desert in the middle of the Red Sea.
Although there is little information about these settlements or their inhabitants, there are concrete references to the island in some Greek and Byzantine texts.
However, it was not until the twentieth century that this islet, covering an area of 60 square kilometres, became a focus of political tension during the Suez crisis and later, during the Cold War.
In fact, it was occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War, as it lies at Israel’s only exit to the Red Sea, but Egypt regained it a few years later, and these days, the islet’s only inhabitants are the soldiers guarding this maritime frontier.
How to get to Tiran Island
The usual way to reach Tiran Island is on one of the organised excursions that depart from the port of Sharm el Sheikh or from nearby towns. In many cases, these excursions include time for snorkelling and diving, as well as lunch or swimming from one of the islet’s beaches.
Another option is to book a private excursion for a more personalised tour, which may even include water-based activities other than diving, such as fishing, kayaking or kitesurfing.
Restrictions
Tiran Island belongs to the Ras Mohammed National Park. However, it is not a protected area solely because of its natural value, but also because of its important strategic and military position — something that needs to be taken into account when planning a visit.
Normally, you need to obtain permission to engage in water sports such as diving or snorkelling. In this case, it is the tourist agencies organising the excursions that usually take care of the paperwork.
On Tiran, there are military installations that visitors must not approach, and civilians are not allowed access to some parts of the island — but the tourist guides know exactly where you can and cannot go.
Diving and water-based activities
Apart from the astounding marine life on the coral reefs surrounding the island, where you can see everything from sea turtles to dolphins and tropical fish, there are lots of undersea tunnels in the area around Tiran that are a dream come true for diving enthusiasts.
One of the best-known areas for this activity is the Straits of Tiran, where you can enjoy the finest underwater scenery in this part of the Red Sea.
It is recommended that divers who travel to Tiran organise their trip with a company that provides all the permits and facilities, and also that they check the weather conditions before setting out because, depending on the time of year, the experience can be either good or superb.
But you can do lots more than snorkelling or diving in Tiran — including other water sports such as kitesurfing, as the wind conditions are ideal for it, or you could go paddleboarding, which is trending at the moment, or kayaking.
There are lots of boats offering trips around the islands, stopping off at some of Tiran’s coves and bays, and the opportunity to go leisure fishing in certain areas, or even spotting the dolphins that sometimes gather to play around the island.
