The Dahlak Archipelago is an archipelago in the Red Sea off the coast of Eritrea. The archipelago comprises two large and about 200 small islands, four of which are inhabited. A total of 2,500 people live there, more than half on the largest island of Dahlak Kebir. The islanders speak their own language, Dahlak, which is related to Tigré. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs and are a paradise for divers.

The islanders were the first inhabitants of Africa to convert to Islam. Already in the 7th century there was an Islamic state, which came first under Yemeni and in 1559 under Ottoman rule. At the end of the 19th century, the islands, along with Eritrea and Ethiopia, came under Italian colonial control. Later, under Ethiopian rule, there was a naval base of the Soviet Union. In 1993 Eritrea, including the islands, became independent from Ethiopia.

For this trip we’ll leave Massawa early in the morning and you’ll have the day for full exploration of the island. You can either snorkel or scuba dive. Just let us know and we’ll arrange the right equipment and assistance for you. We’ll bring our cook and provide all meals during your stay. As there is no hotel on the island we’ll be staying in tents. We’ll provide all camping equipment, water and food during this stay. We ask you to bring a back up of water and alcohol and sodas if you need as well as some snacks just in case. During the night we’ll have a campfire and enjoy star gazing and story telling. If we’re lucky we might see fluorescent plankton. We’ll have a total of two full days. On the third day we’ll leave after breakfast.

Includes:
– Professional local guide: English or Italian
– Transport by boat
– All meals as described
– Scuba or snorkeling equipment: please ask
– Accommodation in tent
– Cook and captain

Doesn’t include:
– Alcohol and sodas
– Insurance