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Dahlak Archipelago
Red Sea islands of divers and pearl fishers
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
- Currency
- ERN
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Country
- Eritrea
The Dahlak Archipelago is a group of over 120 Eritrean islands in the Red Sea, about 58 km east of Massawa. People come for world-class scuba diving and snorkelling on coral reefs, and to see a traditional island way of life.
- Asmara
- Keren
- Massawa
- Assab
- Mendefera
Quick facts
- Country
- Eritrea
- Capital
- Asmara
- Island population
- 2,500
- Population of Eritrea
- 3.5M
- Country area
- 117,600 km²
- Official language
- Tigrinya, Arabic, and English
- Currency
- Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) · 1 USD ≈ 15 ERN
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Calling code
- +291
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 0 m
- Plugs
- C · 230V
- Emergency numbers
- 112 · 113 · 127
- Best time to visit
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29° | 29° | 32° | 34° | 36° | 38° | 39° | 38° | 37° | 35° | 33° | 31° |
| Low | 24° | 24° | 25° | 27° | 28° | 29° | 32° | 31° | 30° | 29° | 27° | 25° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$40
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$95
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$210
Top things to do
- Free
Dahlak Kebir village walk
Walk through the main village to see traditional houses, fishing boats and daily island life; go in the morning when it is cooler.
- Half day
- Dahlak Kebir
- Good for kids
- Free
Pearl fishery heritage sites
See remains linked to the islands' famous pearl fisheries, which date back to Roman times; a local guide helps find the sites.
- Half day
- Dahlak Kebir
- Good for kids
- ≈ $25
Snorkelling at Nora
Snorkel over shallow coral gardens rich in fish and invertebrates; bring your own mask and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Half day
- Nora
- Good for kids
- Free
Dohul beach and sunset
Relax on quiet beaches and watch the sun set over the Red Sea; there are no facilities, so take water and shade.
- Half day
- Dohul
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- ≈ $120
Scuba diving day trip
Dive coral reefs and shoals where dolphins, dugongs, sharks and turtles are sometimes seen; book with a licensed Massawa dive operator.
- Full day
- Outer reef and dive sites
- ≈ $20
Birdwatching on the islands
Look for spotted sandgrouse, white-eyed gulls, lesser crested terns and sooty falcons in this Important Bird Area; early morning is best.
- Half day
- Outer reef and dive sites
- Good for kids
- Free
Massawa old town and port
Explore the historic port's coral-stone buildings and waterfront before or after your boat; it is a good place for an evening stroll.
- Half day
- Massawa (gateway port)
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
- ≈ $150
Island-hopping boat trip
Spend a full day visiting several uninhabited islands, mangroves and salt-brush shores; agree the route and price with the boat owner in advance.
- Full day
- Outer reef and dive sites
- Good for kids
Before you go
Entry and visas
Most visitors need a visa before travel; there is no general visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, and applications go through an Eritrean embassy or consulate in your home country. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have at least 2 blank consecutive pages. Rules vary by nationality, so check the official UK government entry-requirements page or your nearest Eritrean embassy before booking.
Official websiteFrom the airport
The main gateway is Massawa, reached by road from Asmara (about 2–3 hours). From Massawa's port, boats take roughly 1–3 hours to the main islands, depending on the vessel and destination.
Getting around
On the islands, travel is on foot or by local boat; there is no public transport, so arrange transfers with your boat operator or lodge.
Local tips
- Bring cash in Eritrean nakfa; there are no ATMs or card payments on the islands.
- On arrival, declare all laptops, mobile phones, cameras and other electronic items, or customs may confiscate them when you leave. Exchange foreign money only at Himbol (the state exchange) or spend it at official hotels, and keep proof. You cannot take more than 1,000 nakfa out of Eritrea.
- At least 8 weeks before your trip, check which vaccinations and certificates you need; this may include a yellow fever certificate. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or travel clinic about your own situation.
- Carry plenty of drinking water, sun protection and any medication; facilities are very limited.
- Sea conditions are calmest from November to March; summer is extremely hot and humid.
Areas worth knowing
- Nora
- Dohul
- Outer reef and dive sites
- Dahlak Kebir
- Massawa (gateway port)
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 9, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in Eritrea
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Sources: Wikipedia: Dahlak Archipelago