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Jazirat Mashtan
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Jazirat Mashtan is a small uninhabited island off the northeast coast of Bahrain, approximately 2 km east of Sitra Island. It falls under the Southern Governorate and spans an area of about 0.3 km². The island's bedrock consists predominantly of limestone and sand deposits, shaped by Holocene sea-level changes. Its maximum elevation is only 4 meters above sea level, making it highly susceptible to coastal erosion. The island serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds such as flamingos and terns. Although never permanently settled, archaeological surveys have uncovered pottery fragments from the Dilmun period (c. 2000 BC), suggesting temporary use by fishermen. Today, Jazirat Mashtan is part of a marine conservation area aimed at protecting regional biodiversity.
- Location: Bahrain
- Top sights: Sitra · Al Dar Island
- Nearby: Sitra (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 30 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 30 | 25 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Jazirat Mashtan is a small island east of the main island, connected by a sandbank at low tide. Visiting is possible at low tide.
Typical hours
Access is limited to low tide, providing a window of about two hours daily. Exact times can be found in tide tables.
Photography
Photography is allowed, especially the view of the exposed sandbank is appealing. Be aware of the rising water level.
Time needed
A visit can last 1-2 hours as long as the sandbank is dry. Time is limited by the incoming tide.
Combine with
Can be well combined with a visit to the main island Hawar, as the sandbank provides a walking path at low tide.
Getting there
At low tide, you can walk from the main island Hawar across the sandbank. At high tide, only a boat is suitable.
Insider tip
Start your walk well before low tide peak to have enough time for the return. Good footwear is advisable due to wet sand areas.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 0.3 km²
- Maximum elevation: 4 m above sea level
- Distance from Sitra Island: 2 km east
- Geological formation: Holocene limestone and sand deposits
- Archaeological finds: Dilmun-era pottery (c. 2000 BC)
- Protected status: part of a marine conservation area
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jazirat Mashtan (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Jazirat Mashtan?
A small island off the east coast of Bahrain.
Is the island protected?
Yes, it is an important marine protected area.
Can you go birdwatching?
Yes, terns in particular nest here.
Is landing on the island allowed?
Only with a permit to protect the environment.
What makes its ecosystem special?
The seagrass meadows are important for dugongs.
Jazirat Mashtan: where is it located?
Jazirat Mashtan is located in Bahrain.
Jazirat Mashtan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sitra, Al Dar Island.
Jazirat Mashtan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Jazirat Mashtan: why is it worth visiting?
Jazirat Mashtan is a small uninhabited island off the northeast coast of Bahrain, approximately 2 km east of Sitra Island.
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