Snoopy Island

Al Aqah · Fujairah · United Arab Emirates

Snoopy Island is one of the most charming and accessible dive and snorkel sites in the United Arab Emirates. This small rocky island, named for its resemblance to the cartoon beagle lying on his doghouse, sits just 200 metres off the shore of Al Aqah's Sandy Beach in Fujairah. Its shallow waters, easy access, and surprisingly rich marine life make it a beloved destination for divers, snorkellers, and families alike. The island can be reached by a short swim from the beach, making it one of the few genuine shore dives on the UAE's east coast. The underwater landscape is a ring of coral-encrusted boulders and rocky reef surrounding the island, with depths reaching a maximum of about 7 to 8 metres. Despite the modest depth, the diversity of life is remarkable. Green and hawksbill turtles are frequently encountered, often grazing on algae or resting on the reef. Blue-spotted stingrays nestle in the sand, and schools of sergeant majors, parrotfish, and butterflyfish add constant movement and colour. The sheltered western side of the island, facing the beach, offers the calmest conditions and is ideal for snorkellers and beginners. The eastern side, facing the open sea, can have slightly more current and typically better coral growth. Both sides reward exploration, with clownfish in their anemones, moray eels in crevices, and lionfish hovering under overhangs throughout. Night diving at Snoopy Island is a particular highlight. As darkness falls, the reef transforms. Octopuses emerge from their hiding spots to hunt, their colour-changing displays mesmerizing under torchlight. Lionfish become active predators, using their ornate fins to corner small fish against the rock. Bioluminescent plankton sparkle with every fin kick, and crabs and shrimps appear from every crack in the rock. The site is diveable year-round, though October through May offers the best visibility and most comfortable water temperatures. Summer months bring warmer water and plankton blooms that can reduce visibility but also attract larger visitors to the Fujairah coast. The beach offers comfortable amenities, and several dive operators based at Sandy Beach and nearby hotels provide equipment rental, guided dives, and courses.