Umm Al Maradim Island

Umm Al Maradim lies in the far south of Kuwaiti waters near the Saudi border, a small low island of sand and coral with a lighthouse, coastguard post and reef running around it. Hawksbill turtles nest on the beach and the water is the clearest in Kuwaiti waters, which makes it the country's best diving and snorkelling. Access needs a permit and a chartered boat. The island lies around forty kilometres south of the mainland, which is why the water around it is so much clearer.

What you actually see

• The reef - the clearest water and best coral in Kuwaiti waters.
• The turtle nesting - hawksbills coming ashore on the beach.
• The lighthouse - the light and post on the low island.
• The isolation - the southernmost of Kuwait's islands.

When to go

November to March is the comfortable season; water is clearest in the cooler months. Turtle nesting runs around April to August. Summer heat is extreme.

Honest expectations

A permit is required and access is by chartered boat only. There is no accommodation and facilities are the coastguard post. Border proximity means the area is monitored.

Nearby

Qaruh is north, and Al Khiran is northwest.