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Najwat Bulthamah

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

wildlife

Weather…

Najwat Bulthamah is a premier marine sanctuary in Bahrain, situated approximately 70 kilometers north of the mainland in the open waters of the Persian Gulf. This remote reef system is celebrated for its incredible underwater visibility and pristine ecological state, far removed from the impacts of coastal urbanization. It serves as a vital habitat for a huge array of marine life, including diverse coral colonies, sea turtles, and animated schools of tropical fish like angelfish and groupers. The reef's structural complexity provides essential breeding grounds for many species, making it a focal point for regional marine biological research. For diving enthusiasts, Najwat Bulthamah has a world-class experience characterized by clear blue waters and thriving biodiversity. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to monitor the reef's health against rising sea temperatures, ensuring that this biological hotspot remains a resilient and healthy part of Bahrain's natural heritage for years to come.

Location: Bahrain
Nearby: Galali (47 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	20	19	21	24	28	30	32	33	33	30	26	22
Rain mm	23	15	11	9	1	1	0	0	0	2	19	26

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for diving at Najwat Bulthamah is between November and April, when water quality is excellent. In summer, temperatures rise and visibility can be affected by algal blooms.

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Best time of day

Morning dives take advantage of the best natural light and calmer conditions. In the afternoon, wind may pick up and the sea become rougher - plan your activities accordingly.

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Etiquette

The reef is protected - anchoring on corals is prohibited, use the buoys. Do not feed fish, as it disrupts the ecological balance.

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What to bring

Full diving equipment is required, including a dive watch and dive computer for depth monitoring. An underwater light can help see coral colors even at greater depths.

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Getting there

Najwat Bulthamah lies far out at sea and is only reachable by boat chartered in Bahrain. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on weather and swell.

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What to expect

The remote location means you should plan a full day, as travel is time-consuming. However, species diversity is excellent - patience in exploring deeper reef sections is rewarded.

Geography

Coordinates

26.80000, 50.90000

Facts

The island covers 0.2 km².
About 300 pairs of greater crested terns breed there.
Maximum elevation is 2 m above sea level.
Current speed reaches 3 knots.
The island is located 5 km northwest of Umm Jalid.
It was declared a protected area in 1997.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Berezne12 km · NExplore →

Hayr Shariyah20 km · SWExplore →

Kostopil25 km · WExplore →

Fasht al Dibal37 km · WExplore →

Korets Castle40 km · SEExplore →

Jaradah45 km · WExplore →

Umm al Shajar46 km · SWExplore →

Galali47 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Najwat Bulthamah?

A well-known coral reef located far north of Bahrain.

Is it suitable for diving?

It is one of the best diving spots for experienced divers.

How far is it from the coast?

It is about 70-80 kilometers north of the main island.

Are there sharks there?

You can often see harmless reef sharks and large pelagic fish there.

Do you need a permit to go there?

Boats must register with the coast guard.

Najwat Bulthamah: where is it located?

Najwat Bulthamah is located in Bahrain.

Najwat Bulthamah: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.

Najwat Bulthamah: why is it worth visiting?

Najwat Bulthamah is a premier marine sanctuary in Bahrain, situated approximately 70 kilometers north of the mainland in the open waters of the Persian Gulf.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →