Zabargad Island
Island Red Sea island famed for peridot deposits and reefs
In the Egyptian Red Sea, Zabargad (St. John’s Island) is known to divers for coral reefs, abundant fish and historic peridot deposits; day‑trip boats visit for snorkeling and diving.
Zabargad Island, also called St. John’s Island, is an island in the Red Sea under Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate. It is best known for historic deposits of peridot (olivine) and for surrounding coral reefs.
The island is uninhabited or sparsely used and attracts divers and boats for its clear water, reefs and marine life; there are no developed visitor facilities on the island. Remnants of historical mining and natural outcrops are points of interest for visitors arriving by boat.
Ancient and historic accounts note extraction of peridot on the island; more recent visits focus on diving and natural history rather than permanent settlement or large-scale industry. Access is by private boat or liveaboard dive vessels operating in the central Red Sea.
Zabargad sits in the central Red Sea roughly between the Egyptian mainland and the far-eastern Red Sea islands, at about 23.61°N, 36.20°E, within a remote marine area administered from the Red Sea Governorate.
- Gemstone source: Historically known as St. John's Island and noted as a classical source of the gemstone peridot (olivine).
How to Get to Zabargad Island #
Zabargad (St. John’s) Island in the Red Sea is remote and has no regular commercial ferry service - access is by private boat or liveaboard dive vessels operating out of Red Sea ports such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Sharm el-Sheikh. Reaching the island usually means booking a dive/liveaboard trip or chartering a boat from one of those ports; landings depend on sea and weather conditions and on permissions from Egyptian authorities.
Tips for Visiting Zabargad Island #
- Reach Zabargad (St. John's) by liveaboard or licensed day-boat from Egyptian Red Sea ports - the island is accessible only by sea and most visitors come on diving/safari trips.
- The island is historically known for peridot (olivine) deposits and its volcanic geology; look for green volcanic glassy stones but avoid collecting-the island is environmentally and archaeologically sensitive.
- Plan dives or snorkeling around the island with a dive operator who knows local currents and protected zones; check with your operator about any landing restrictions or permit requirements before you go.
Best Time to Visit Zabargad Island #
For diving and comfortable weather, visit between October and April when air temperatures are milder and sea visibility is excellent.
Weather & Climate near Zabargad Island #
Zabargad Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 37°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
