Plizio Visual Lab
Umm al-Maradim
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Island
Umm al-Maradim is a small yet strategically significant island located at the southern maritime tip of Kuwait's territorial waters. It is uniquely characterized by its deep surrounding waters, which allow large vessels to dock directly alongside the shore, a rare feature among the typically shallow islands of the Persian Gulf. Historically, the island was a vital hub for pearl diving, with its surrounding seabed once teeming with high-quality oyster beds that sustained the local economy for centuries. Today, it hosts a permanent coast guard station that plays a key role in national maritime security and border surveillance. Beyond its tactical importance, Umm al-Maradim is a sanctuary for nature, serving as a critical stopover for various species of migratory birds. Its crystal-clear waters and spirited marine life also make it a popular destination for local divers and boaters who come to explore its coral reefs and enjoy its tranquil, remote atmosphere.
- Location: Kuwait
- Nearby: Ali Sabah Al-Salem (59 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 17 | 20 | 24 | 29 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 33 | 30 | 24 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 12 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
It is accessible primarily by chartered boats or private yachts that regularly depart from the established southern mainland marinas located along the Kuwaiti coastline.
Best season
The period from late autumn to early spring typically has the most comfortable sailing conditions and generally pleasant, mild weather for extended maritime excursions.
Terrain & paths
This is a relatively small, low-lying island surrounded by notably deep coastal waters, featuring undisturbed sandy shores and areas of sparse, hardy coastal vegetation.
What to bring
Be sure to pack comfortable swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life, a light windbreaker for the breezy boat trip, and basic snorkeling equipment if desired.
Parking
Visitors typically leave their personal cars securely parked at the formally designated parking areas of the mainland marina from which their chosen chartered vessel departs.
Safety
Always pay close attention to underlying sea currents and local maritime traffic, especially since deep-draft large commercial ships frequently navigate these nearby waters.
Time needed
A typical island excursion usually takes a full day to complete, which includes the maritime transfer time and several relaxing hours spent exploring the sandy shores.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 0.3 km²
- Distance to mainland: 40 km
- Coral reef area: 1.5 km²
- Sea turtle species: 2
- Bird species: 30
- Protected since: 1990
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 Umm al-Maradim (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is Umm al-Maradim located?
It is located in the south of Kuwaiti waters near Saudi Arabia.
Are there coral reefs there?
Yes, the island is surrounded by deep and species-rich reefs.
How do you get to the island?
Only via private boats or organized diving expeditions.
Is the island monitored?
Yes, there is a police post there for border security.
Can you relax on the beach there?
Yes, there are nice sandy beaches, but no shaded areas.
Umm al-Maradim: where is it located?
Umm al-Maradim is located in Kuwait.
Umm al-Maradim: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Dec.
Umm al-Maradim: why is it worth visiting?
Umm al-Maradim is a small yet strategically significant island located at the southern maritime tip of Kuwait's territorial waters.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Kuwait →
History & landmarks
🗺️
Nuwaiseeb Coast
The southernmost coastal area of Kuwait at the Saudi border, characterized by a pristine desert-sea interface.
Ras al-Zour Coast
A coastal headland in southern Kuwait, featuring a mix of natural beaches and industrial significance.
🗺️
Bnaider Coast
A popular coastal stretch in the south, known for fine sand and calm waters.
🗺️
Dubayeiyah Coast
A coastal area south of Ahmadi, valued for its natural beauty and connection to the desert.
🗺️
Al-Kabrit Plain
The Al-Kabrit plain is located in the far southeast of Kuwait near the coast.
🗺️
Khabrat Al-Malha
This salt pan in southern Kuwait is a depression with a high salt concentration.
Messila Coast
An extensive stretch of coastline south of Kuwait City, known for its sandy shores and shallow waters.
🗺️
Anjafa Beach
A natural coastal stretch in Salwa, known for its rocky formations and tidal pools.
Nature
🗺️
Khiran Creek Nature Area
A natural watercourse on the southern coast, considered one of Kuwait's few remaining tidal creeks.
🗺️
Khiran Lagoons
Natural tidal lagoons in the south, part of a major coastal development project but retaining ecological niches.
Wafra Desert Strip
A natural desert corridor in the far south, situated between the agricultural areas and the border.
🗺️
Jabal Al-Maseilah
This small isolated hill near the coast offers a rare viewpoint over the southern urban areas and the Gulf.
🗺️
Burgan Sands
The vast desert plain in central Kuwait, characterized by sandy soils and scattered low hills.
🗺️
Khor al-Subiya
A narrow marine channel separating Bubiyan Island from the Kuwaiti mainland, rich in marine biodiversity.
Subiya Mudflats
Extensive mudflats on the northern coast of Kuwait Bay, a critical ecosystem for many bird species.
🗺️
Kabd Protected Area
A research and conservation area in central Kuwait dedicated to the regeneration of desert vegetation.
More places
Qaruh Island
The smallest and most distant island of Kuwait from the mainland, surrounded by deep blue waters.
Kubbar Island
A small coral island in the Persian Gulf, located about 30 kilometers off the southern coast of Kuwait.
🗺️
Auha Island
A tiny island southeast of Failaka, serving primarily as a navigational landmark for shipping.
🗺️
Wadi Umm Al-Hayman
A flat wadi system in the southeast that drains towards the Al-Khiran coast.
Miskan Island
A small, uninhabited island north of Failaka, strategically located at the entrance to Kuwait Bay.
🗺️
At-Tawil Ridge
An elongated, low ridge in southern Kuwait.
Bubiyan Island
The largest island in Kuwait's territory, located in the Persian Gulf at the northeastern corner of the country.
🗺️
Umm al-Namil
An island in Kuwait Bay that is almost connected to the mainland during low tide, possessing archaeological significance.