Seven Brothers Islands

The Seven Brothers, Sawabi in Arabic, are a group of uninhabited volcanic islands in the Bab-el-Mandeb strait off Djibouti's northern tip, and the reefs around them are the best in the country: strong current through the narrows brings nutrients and with them large fish, sharks, rays and dense coral. Most diving here is done from liveaboards, and in 2025 UNESCO named the islands a biosphere reserve. The islands themselves are bare rock with seabird colonies.

The landscape

• The reefs - the richest coral and fish in Djiboutian waters.
• The current - the flow through the strait that feeds the whole system.
• The seabird colonies - the birds nesting on the bare islands.
• The strait position - islands sitting in one of the world's busiest sea lanes.

When to go

November to March is the cool season and the main liveaboard window. Current is strong year round. Summer heat makes boat trips unpleasant.

Before you go

Diving here means strong current and is for experienced divers. Access is almost entirely by liveaboard, booked well ahead. There is no landing infrastructure and the islands have no shade or water.

Nearby

Ras Siyyan is southwest, and Khor Angar is south.

Key facts