Snoopy Island near Fujairah: the marine gem that must be earned
A few strokes from the shore of Al Aqah lies one of the most attractive snorkelling sites in the entire Arabian Peninsula. Welcome to Snoopy Island.
Just look from the beach to understand where it gets its name. Seen from the side, this small rocky island jutting out of the waters of the Gulf of Oman irresistibly evokes the silhouette of Charles M. Schulz’s famous beagle, peacefully lying on its back. This nod from nature was enough to make this piece of rock one of the most sought-after destinations in the United Arab Emirates for lovers of the sea and the great outdoors.
A natural setting between desert and ocean
Snoopy Island is located about 54 kilometres north of the city of Fujairah, off Al Aqah Beach, opposite the Sandy Beach Hotel. This geographical location is far from insignificant: Fujairah is one of the few emirates to open directly onto the Gulf of Oman rather than the Persian Gulf, giving it cooler waters, exceptional visibility and remarkable marine biodiversity. Far from the hustle and bustle of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the atmosphere here is that of an authentic, almost secret getaway.
An underwater paradise accessible to all
What makes Snoopy Island world-famous is above all what happens beneath the surface. The shallow waters surrounding the island are home to colourful corals, schools of tropical fish and, for the lucky ones, sea turtles gliding elegantly between the rocks. Snorkelling is possible for all levels, making it an ideal site for families as well as experienced divers wishing to explore the deeper waters nearby.
For water sports enthusiasts, there is just as much on offer: paddleboarding, kayaking, banana boating, jet skiing and scuba diving. Local providers offer a wide range of activities that allow you to spend a whole day on the water without ever getting bored.
Hire a guide and set off on an unforgettable adventure on Snoopy Island:
How do you get there and how much does it cost?
One of Snoopy Island’s great qualities is that it is accessible to everyone. At low tide, you can even walk to the island from the public beach. Swimming from the shore is the most economical option, as access to this public beach is completely free.
For those who want more comfort, the riverside hotels—first and foremost the Sandy Beach Hotel—offer day passes ranging from AED 50 (14 USD) to AED 100 (27 USD), giving access to sun loungers, catering facilities and equipment hire. Organised snorkelling tours, which usually include equipment, supervision and sometimes other water activities, are available for around AED 100 (27 USD) to AED 200 (55 USD) per person, which is very reasonable considering the experience on offer.
The best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Snoopy Island is from October to April, when temperatures are milder and underwater visibility is at its best. Summer, with its extreme heat that can exceed 40°C, is not recommended for a long outing in the sun, even though the seabed remains just as attractive.