Snoopy Island Fujairah – Snorkelling Guide 2025

Q: Do I need a boat to reach Snoopy Island?

No — it is only about 100 metres from shore at Sandy Beach Hotel, reached by swimming. No boat or tour required.

Q: What is the water visibility like at Snoopy Island?

Typically 8-15 metres in morning calm conditions. Best October through April. Morning visits consistently better than afternoons.

Q: Is Snoopy Island suitable for children?

Confident child swimmers can snorkel with adult supervision. Non-swimmers use kayaks. Under-6s should stay at the beach.

Q: Are there really sea turtles at Snoopy Island?

Yes — hawksbill and green turtles are regular visitors, most commonly seen early morning. Maintain 2-metre respectful distance.

Q: How far is Snoopy Island from Dubai?

Approximately 140 km from central Dubai — 1.5 to 2 hours. Scenic route via E88 Hajar Mountains through Masafi.

The UAE's Best Snorkelling Secret

Snoopy Island is a small rocky island just offshore from Sandy Beach Hotel, near Dibba on Fujairah's east coast. Named for its profile — which, viewed from above, resembles Snoopy the dog lying on his back — it's one of the most celebrated snorkelling sites in the entire Middle East, and remarkably unknown outside the UAE's expat community.

You don't need a boat. You don't need a guide. You don't need to pay an entry fee. Swim approximately 100 metres from the beach at Sandy Beach Hotel and you're immediately above one of the UAE's richest coral reef systems — home to sea turtles, moray eels, parrotfish, angelfish, and dozens of tropical species that most visitors to the UAE never know exist here.

Why the East Coast Has Better Snorkelling Than the Gulf

The Arabian Gulf coast (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) has largely lost its coral reefs due to warming, hypersalinity, and development. Fujairah's Indian Ocean-facing coast retains extraordinary marine biodiversity. Snoopy Island's shallow reef (2–8 metres depth) brings healthy coral, diverse fish, and regular turtle sightings within easy reach of non-divers — genuinely comparable to reef quality in the Maldives for accessible snorkelling.

What You'll See Underwater

Most Wanted

Sea Turtles

Hawksbill and green turtles are regular reef visitors. Early morning in calm conditions gives the best encounter chance — turtles are often seen within the first 50 metres from shore.

Always Present

Tropical Reef Fish

Hundreds of species: parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, wrasse. In clear morning water the colours are genuinely spectacular — tropical standards, not Gulf standards.

Look in Crevices

Moray Eels

Large morays live in crevices around the island's rocky base at 3–5m depth. Completely harmless if undisturbed. Look into dark gaps and you'll often find one looking back at you.

Practical Information

Item	Cost	Notes
Island Access	Free	No ticket — swim direct from beach
Sandy Beach Hotel Day Pass	AED 100–200	Beach access, pool, equipment rental
Snorkel Gear Rental	AED 30–50	Mask, snorkel, fins from hotel hut
Kayak Rental	AED 60–100/hr	Paddle out and view from surface
SCUBA Diving	AED 250–400	From Sandy Beach Hotel dive centre
Parking	Free	At Sandy Beach Hotel car park

Safety: You must be a comfortable open-water swimmer to reach Snoopy Island — 100m in open sea, not a pool. Do not attempt if not confident in the water. Children must always be accompanied by a competent adult swimmer. Non-swimmers can enjoy the beach and use kayaks to view the island from the surface.

Getting There

By Car from Dubai: Take the E88 through the Hajar Mountains via Masafi, then north on the coastal road towards Dibba. Approximately 1.5–2 hours (140 km). GPS: "Sandy Beach Hotel Fujairah" — the hotel is exactly where you want to be.

By Car from Fujairah City: Drive north on the coastal highway towards Dibba Al Fujairah. Sandy Beach Hotel is approximately 25 km north of Fujairah city — about 30 minutes.

No Public Transport: No practical bus or metro service exists. A car, taxi, or organised day trip is required. The mountain drive via Masafi on the E88 is itself a highlight of the journey.

Insider Tips

Arrive by 8–9am for best visibility and calmest conditions. Afternoon north winds stir up sediment and reduce visibility to 3–5 metres from a typical 10–15 metres in the morning.
Rent fins as well as a mask — fins are essential for swimming efficiently and keeping pace with turtles during an encounter.
Use reef-safe sunscreen only. Regular sunscreen contains oxybenzone and octinoxate which bleach and kill coral. Fujairah's reef is one of the region's most important ecosystems.
Do not touch, chase, or feed any marine life. Turtles are protected. Observe quietly at a 2-metre minimum distance for the best encounter.
The Sandy Beach Hotel restaurant does good value lunch (AED 50–80 per person) after your swim — worth building into your day plan.
Combine with Fujairah Fort (30 minutes south) and Al Bidya Mosque for a complete Fujairah east coast day. Both described in our Fujairah Fort guide.
Stop at Masafi fruit market on the E88 on your way home — fresh dates, mangoes, and dried fruits at excellent prices make great souvenirs for the return drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to reach Snoopy Island?

No — that's what makes it so accessible. Snoopy Island is only about 100 metres from the shore at Sandy Beach Hotel and is reached by swimming. Strong swimmers can also kayak out. No boat, guide, or tour booking is required.

What is the water visibility like at Snoopy Island?

Typically 8–15 metres in calm morning conditions — excellent by regional standards. Afternoon north winds can reduce this to 3–5 metres. Best visibility is October through April. Morning visits before 11am are consistently better than afternoons.

Is Snoopy Island suitable for children?

Confident child swimmers can enjoy the snorkelling with adult supervision. Non-swimming or weak-swimming children should use the beach shallows and kayaks. The reef starts very close to shore so even the paddle out to the island perimeter by kayak gives excellent marine viewing. Under-6s should stay at the beach.

Are there really sea turtles at Snoopy Island?

Yes — hawksbill and green sea turtles are genuine and regular visitors to the reef. Most commonly seen in early morning calm conditions. Sightings are frequent but not guaranteed on every visit. Always maintain a respectful 2-metre distance — turtles are protected wildlife.

How far is Snoopy Island from Dubai?

Approximately 140 km from central Dubai — about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. The most scenic and enjoyable route is via the E88 through the Hajar Mountains via Masafi, with roadside fruit stalls and dramatic mountain scenery. The drive itself is an attraction.

Snoopy Island, Fujairah