Siyal Island: Haven of seclusion and purity in Red Sea

CAIRO - 19 March 2026: The Red Sea, with its stunning coastlines and natural desert landscapes, is one of the world's most important tourist destinations. 

Many of its regions combine natural beauty and diversity, a gift bestowed upon Egypt by nature. 

Thousands of tourists from around the globe flock to the Red Sea to enjoy the Red Sea’s unique natural features, making it a distinctive tourist destination compared to other countries.

The Red Sea Islands: Among region's most beautiful features

The Red Sea islands are among the most prominent natural areas, and are home to coral reefs and diverse marine life. 

A total of 39 islands fall within the governorate's geographical boundaries. Most of them retain their unspoiled nature, including Siyal Island, often called the “Island of Seclusion and Purity.”

Siyal Island: One of the best diving spots

Walid Barakat, a diver in the Red Sea, said that Siyal Island is about 40 kilometers from the shores of Marsa Alam. It is a low-lying island composed of coral rocks and white sand, surrounded by coral reefs and rocks on all sides, making it one of the best diving spots in the Red Sea.

He added that the island falls within the Wadi El Gemal Protected Area and boasts a distinctive diversity of different marine creatures, in addition to a number of migratory and resident seabirds that call the island home.

What to see there?

Barakat explained that the area north of Siyal Island includes a number of elongated sandy islets formed as a result of marine sedimentation processes. 

These are located between Sharm El Madfa to the north and Marsa Shaab to the south. Some areas surrounding the island are used for fishing, and although a number of tourist boats frequently arrive there, it has not yet been widely developed for tourism.

 

Siyal Island is one of the most important nesting areas for green and hawksbill turtles. It also boasts rich coral reefs teeming with biodiversity, along with seagrass beds and various desert plants that contribute to the island's diverse wildlife. Rare bird species such as gulls, buzzards, and ospreys also inhabit the island.

Ahmed Al-Antabli, a marine life enthusiast in the Red Sea, stated that Siyal Island is one of the most beautiful marine destinations in the region, thanks to its tranquility, seclusion, and unique natural beauty. 

He added that most visitors to the island are foreign tourists, particularly Europeans, while local tourism remains largely unaware of the island's enchanting beauty.