Seven Brothers Islands

Islands Small volcanic islands off Djibouti's northern Red Sea

The Seven Brothers Islands off Djibouti’s Obock coast are volcanic islets with steep shores; divers and seabird watchers visit for offshore reefs, clear water and fishing charters.

Main image

The Seven Brothers Islands are a small archipelago off Djibouti’s northern coast in the Obock Region, made up of a group of steep, rocky islands. They are notable for their seabird colonies and surrounding marine habitats.

The islands are volcanic in origin and rise steeply from deep water; they are primarily visited for seabird watching, sea-based wildlife observation and diving in the surrounding waters. Landing on the islands is limited and typically arranged from coastal towns by boat.

The archipelago lies in the Gulf area off northern Djibouti and forms a conspicuous set of offshore islets in a largely marine-dominated landscape.

  • Access and marine life: Located off Djibouti's northern coast in the Obock Region, the islands are reached by small boat and are known for steep cliffs and rich marine life.
Seven Brothers Islands
12.4635, 43.4109

How to Get to Seven Brothers Islands #

The islands lie off the Obock coast in northern Djibouti. Day trips are arranged from Obock town (roughly a 3-4 hour drive north from Djibouti City along RN1 and local coastal tracks) or from Djibouti City by charter boat. Most visitors book a skipper in Obock; crossings take between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on which islets are targeted and sea conditions.

Tips for Visiting Seven Brothers Islands #

  • Visit by private boat early in the morning to see seabirds and avoid heat; many operators from Obock or Djibouti City run day trips.
  • Bring snorkel gear: the reefs around the islets are shallow and clear but fragile-use a reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Watch for currents when landing - don't attempt landings without a local skipper familiar with the tidal rips around Obock.
  • Respect local fishing grounds; the islands are used seasonally by fishers and herders.

Best Time to Visit Seven Brothers Islands #

Best visited in the cooler, drier months when sea conditions are gentler and visibility for snorkeling is highest.

Winter dry season
November-March · 22-28°C
Calm seas, clearer visibility for snorkeling and more comfortable daytime temperatures.
Hot season
April-October · 28-37°C
Very hot with stronger onshore winds and occasional dust; boat trips still run but expect choppier water.

Weather & Climate near Seven Brothers Islands #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

February

Weather

2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.6h daylight

March

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

Weather

2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

June

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

July

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

August

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

September

Weather

2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

November

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

December

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Seven Brothers Islands