Qulaan Islands: Paradise in the Deep South

In this area of Egypt, you can find dolphins and rare wildlife under the sea, along with islands, mangrove trees, long stretches of white sand beaches and amazing birds soaring above you.

Qulaan beach and its purity		Naturally grown mangrove trees at Qulaan

Located in the south of Egypt, in the protected area of the National Park of Wadi El Gemal, Hamata, these sights are not a work of fiction but a reality more beautiful than what a writer can describe or a photographer can capture.

Qulaan Islands stretch over a bay that is divided into four pieces of land with mangrove trees all around. This setting creates a sustainable eco-system for the wildlife under the sea and the birds that come to feed.

Island with mangrove trees at Qulaan		Qulaan is a perfect place for bird watching

You can spend the day on this multi-colored shades-of-blue beach, and enjoy the day with all the sights it has to offer. There, you can have a traditional Egyptian lunch right on the bay, including: fish, meat or chicken along with rice, vegetables, salad, and fruits for desert. After this fantastic meal, you can enjoy your very own Gabana; the traditional Bedouin coffee, which you can only drink in odd numbers for fear of bad luck. It is typical to the Ababda and Bashareya tribes that live in that area. This is not your typical espresso, but rather a specially prepared coffee with Arabic spices and strong flavor.

Gabana Coffee typical to the Ababda and Bashareya tribes

Visitors also enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the area, as they feast their eyes on the colorful world that exists underneath those crystal clear blue waters. Multi-lingual certified divers and guides are available to take you around the area and show you the most beautiful spots. There are luxury boats available at the Hamata Marina that take you to Qualaan, as there is no place to stay on the islands or bay. These boats also have the option of staying aboard for a night to make the most of your stay in the area and see and experience as much as you can.

Under the sea		Scuba diving in Qulaan

These boats can also take you to Satayh dolphin reef near the area in Fury Shoal reefs, which stretch over six kilometers and is shaped like a boomerang. These areas are full of dolphins and sea mammals that consider the area their home. “We will take you to swim with the dolphins” is among the slogans of Qulaan’s managers.

Swimming with the dolphins at Satayh

Qulaan beach and islands is nature at its purest form, well preserved and untouched by modern concrete buildings. If you would like to interact with nature and enjoy simplicity for a day, then this is the place for you.

** Nearest Airport/Bus Stop: Marsa Alam
** Underwater photos courtesy of Qulaan Travel Service Co.