Snoopy Island

The rock off Al Aqah is called Snoopy Island because from the beach its profile resembles the dog lying down, and it is the best snorkelling within easy reach on the east coast. A fringing reef runs around it in shallow water: hard and soft coral, parrotfish, moray eels, rays and, in season, green and hawksbill turtles feeding on the seagrass. It is close enough to swim to from the sand, and dive operators use it for training as well as fun dives.

What you actually see

• The fringing reef - hard and soft coral in shallow water around the rock.
• The turtles - green and hawksbill turtles feeding on the seagrass beds.
• The shore entry - a reef reachable by swimming out from the beach.
• The rock profile - the outline that gave the island its nickname.

When to go

October to April for the most comfortable conditions; visibility is generally better in winter. Mornings are calmer. Coral bleaching events have affected the reef in hot summers.

Honest expectations

The reef has suffered bleaching and damage from heavy visitor numbers and is not what older accounts describe. Currents between the beach and the rock can be strong. Standing on coral is common here and does real harm.

Nearby

Al Aqah Beach is the shore, and Dibba is north.