Guide to Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Islands

In southern Iran, a group of beautiful islands sits along the Strait of Hormuz, where desert mountains touch turquoise waters and colorful beaches. You can visit Qeshm, Hormuz, Hengam, Larak, and smaller islands to see unique geology, wildlife, and a side of Iran that’s different from its famous mosques and ancient ruins. To get a better sense of these islands, it’s helpful to know where the Strait of Hormuz is.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Many of Iran’s southern islands are found here. With Hormozgan Province on one side and Oman and the UAE on the other, islands like Qeshm and Hormuz are great starting points for exploring the area’s nature, culture, and sea life.

Now that you know where they are, you might wonder why travelers should visit Iran’s southern islands. The southern islands have warm weather in autumn and winter. The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to mid-April, when it’s pleasantly warm and less humid. During these months, you can hike, camp on the beach, and take boat trips without the intense summer heat.

Besides the good weather, these islands are less crowded than Iran’s big cities. Travelers can experience authentic Bandari (southern coastal) culture, witness traditional fishing life, and enjoy untouched landscapes that showcase the region’s unique character.

Qeshm is the biggest island in the Persian Gulf and is known for its unusual landforms and geological sites. It’s a UNESCO Global Geopark. The island’s dolphin shape and its canyons, caves, and rock formations showcase its remarkable natural history and invite visitors to learn more about the area’s geology.

Some of the best things to do on Qeshm are taking a boat ride through the Hara mangrove forests and hiking in Chahkooh Canyon. Walking among the tall rock pillars in the Valley of Stars feels like an adventure. If you love wildlife, you can also visit Hengam Island to watch dolphins or see turtle nesting sites and bird-filled wetlands around Qeshm.

The Hara mangrove forests grow in the shallow waters between Qeshm and the mainland. Here, salt-tolerant Avicennia trees rise from the sea. Boat tours take you through narrow channels surrounded by green roots and branches, where herons, flamingos, pelicans, and many other birds feed and nest.[1][4][5]ful in winter, when migratory birds arrive, and the weather is cool enough to enjoy long, slow rides through the calm water.[8][4]

The Valley of Stars (Dareh Setaregan) is part of the Qeshm Geopark. It’s known for its strange rock towers and narrow gullies, shaped by wind and rain. Local legends say a falling star or meteor made the valley, and some people believe spirits and jinn visit at night.

Visiting at sunset makes the place even more special, with long shadows over the rocks and a sky full of stars after dark. Other interesting sites on Qeshm include Chahkooh Canyon, with its smooth walls and water-carved basins, as well as coastal caves and places like the Naz Islands, which appear and disappear with the tides.

Hormuz Island is smaller than Qeshm but stands out for its bright colors, which is why it’s called “Rainbow Island.” Its red, orange, yellow, white, and purple soils come from ancient layers of salt and volcanic rock, covering hills, valleys, and beaches across the island.

Most people explore the island by tuk-tuk, bike, or motorbike, stopping at viewpoints, beaches, and caves along the 24-kilometer coastal road. Everywhere you look, odd rock shapes and bright soil colors make Hormuz feel like a natural art gallery.

Red Beach (Sorkh Beach) is one of the most famous spots on Hormuz. The sand here is full of iron and hematite, turning the shore a deep red and even coloring the shallow waves. At sunrise or sunset, the red sand and turquoise sea look even more striking, drawing photographers and nature lovers from all over.

Close by, Rainbow Valley features hills and rocks striped with red, yellow, green, and white, making it a favorite place for camping and photography. Many tours visit Red Beach, Rainbow Valley, and the Valley of Statues, where wind-eroded rocks resemble odd creatures gazing out at the sea.

Hormuz was once an important stop on trade routes. The 16th-century Portuguese Fortress still stands above the port, showing how valuable the island was. Walking through the castle’s thick stone walls and looking out at the sea helps visitors imagine why control of this narrow strait mattered so much.

In town, you can visit markets with colorful fabrics, seashell art, and natural pigments made from the island’s minerals. Staying in local guesthouses or homestays is a great way to experience southern Iranian hospitality and try homemade Bandari dishes full of spices and seafood.

Hengam Island, just south of Qeshm, is known for morning boat trips to watch dolphins play in the clear water. On the way, you might also see schools of fish, rays, and other sea life in the crystal-clear sea.

When you arrive on Hengam, you’ll find sparkling sandy beaches, interesting rock formations, and a small bazaar where women in traditional masks and bright dresses sell spices, snacks, and handmade crafts. Some tours let you enjoy dolphin watching and then spend time swimming, walking along the coast, or relaxing on the beach before heading back to Qeshm.

Larak Island, east of Qeshm, is often called a hidden gem. Its clear waters and untouched scenery make it different from the more popular islands. People come here mainly to snorkel, relax on the beach, and enjoy beautiful views of Qeshm and Hormuz across the strait.

Around Qeshm, the Naz Islands appear at low tide and become separate islands as the tide comes in, making a fun, ever-changing place to walk and take photos. With all these places, you can plan an island-hopping trip focused on wildlife, geology, or simply relaxing.

Most travelers begin in Bandar Abbas on the mainland, then take a ferry to Hormuz or Qeshm to start exploring. Many tour companies offer three-day trips that visit Qeshm, Hengam, and Hormuz, with stops at the Hara mangroves, Valley of Stars, Rainbow Valley, and dolphin watching.

If you have more time, you can spend extra days relaxing on the beach, camping on Hormuz’s colorful shores, or visiting quieter islands like Larak. Even a long weekend shows off southern Iran’s variety, with palm-lined coasts, warm breezes, and wide horizons where the islands and the Strait of Hormuz meet.

The islands of the Strait of Hormuz offer a different side of Iran: colorful, quiet, and deeply connected to nature. If this journey has inspired you, we’d be happy to help you experience it for yourself with our tailor-made Iran tours, designed around your interests and travel style.

For those seeking even more adventure, you might also be interested in our Mount Damavand tour, an unforgettable journey to Iran’s highest peak.

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