Ocean Atlas · Red Sea and Arabia
Kuwait
Three small offshore islands with some of the most northern coral reefs in the Gulf, and a few nesting turtles.
On pause, travel not recommended. A government travel advisory says not to travel here, so we do not offer trips. Sources: Kuwait travel recommendations, Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 10 Jun 2026; Kuwait travel advisory, Level 3 Reconsider travel, US State Department, 28 Aug 2026; Kuwait's marine biodiversity: qualitative assessment of indicator habitats and species, Edmonds et al., Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2021.
Why: Since the 2026 conflict with Iran, EU and US citizens may be advised against travelling to Kuwait, so please check your own government's website. Our ethics check is paused. What we know: the small offshore islands hold coral reefs near their northern limit, stressed by heat and bleaching, and only a few turtles nest there. For now we only share their story, with no trips.
We share this country as a story and do not offer trips. This is not a judgement of the people or the ocean here. It only means that today we could not find a visit that meets our animal-welfare and safety standards. Places change, so we look again every year.
⚠️ Official travel advice is a separate question, and it differs by passport. EU citizens or US citizens may be advised against travelling there, so please check your own government’s website before you plan.
Why Kuwait
A few green and hawksbill turtles nest on Qaruh and Umm Al Maradim in very small numbers, and nests are easily disturbed, so we do not offer nest visits.
Conservation-led. Ocean Calling guests never chase, touch or bait animals.
When to go
Apr-May, Oct-Nov. Timing changes by place and by animal, so check each place below.
Official travel advice or our ethics check means we do not send guests here.
Can we travel here ethically?
On pause, travel not recommended
We follow government travel advice. We will look again when it changes.
This is not a judgement of the people or the ocean here. It only means that today we could not find a visit that meets our animal-welfare and safety standards. Places change, so we look again every year. Checked 26 Sep 2026.
⚠️ Official travel advice is a separate question, and it differs by passport. EU citizens or US citizens may be advised against travelling there, so please check your own government’s website before you plan.
Sources for this check
- Kuwait travel recommendations, Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 10 Jun 2026
- Kuwait travel advisory, Level 3 Reconsider travel, US State Department, 28 Aug 2026
- Kuwait's marine biodiversity: qualitative assessment of indicator habitats and species, Edmonds et al., Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2021
Where in Kuwait
We share these places as stories and research notes. We do not offer or sell trips here.
Kubbar Island
On pause, travel not recommendedA tiny island about 30 km offshore, ringed by coral reef and cared for by local volunteer divers.
What lives here: Coral reef near its northern limit, Reef fish, Turtles (sometimes)
Also seen: White-cheeked terns (breeding colony)
When: Apr-May, Oct-Nov. Spring and autumn look best, before and after the summer heat. The reef has bleached in hot summers and has become smaller since 2006.
Qaruh and Umm Al Maradim
On pause, travel not recommendedTwo small southern islands with reefs, where a few green and hawksbill turtles still nest.
What lives here: Coral reef, Reef fish, Green and hawksbill turtles (sometimes)
When: Apr-May, Oct-Nov. Spring and autumn look best for diving. Turtles nest in summer, in very small numbers, and nests must not be disturbed.
Animals recorded in Kuwait
Tap an animal to learn how it lives, where it travels and how to meet it respectfully.
Green turtleChelonia mydasSeen in 103 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern
Hawksbill turtleEretmochelys imbricataSeen in 88 countries in the AtlasCritically Endangered
Indian Ocean humpback dolphinSousa plumbeaSeen in 13 countries in the AtlasEndangered
Whale sharkRhincodon typusSeen in 54 countries in the AtlasEndangeredFinless porpoiseNeophocaena phocaenoidesSeen in 11 countries in the AtlasVulnerable
Socotra cormorantPhalacrocorax nigrogularisSeen in 8 countries in the AtlasVulnerable
White-tailed eagleHaliaeetus albicillaSeen in 38 countries in the AtlasLives on landLeast Concern
Great cormorantPhalacrocorax carboSeen in 90 countries in the AtlasLeast Concern
Sooty shearwaterArdenna griseaSeen in 53 countries in the AtlasNear ThreatenedWhy this is a story, not a trip
Read our ethics check above. If you would like to talk about it, Rocío is happy to explain.
Bahrain
Djibouti
Egypt
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Iran
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Israel
Jordan
Oman
Pakistan
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Saudi Arabia
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United Arab Emirates
YemenBased in Kuwait?
We are always happy to hear from exceptional local operators, accommodation, conservation organisations and destination experts in Kuwait. If your work fits responsible, small-group ocean travel, we would love to learn more.
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