Zubair Group Islands

Address: Zubair Group (Zubayr Islands), Southern Red Sea, Yemen - uninhabited volcanic archipelago

The Zubair Group is a small chain of volcanic islands in the southern Red Sea that belong to Yemen. The islands are volcanic in origin and form part of the Red Sea island arc.

The group is composed of several low, rocky islets and volcanic cones; the islands are remote and sparsely vegetated. They are notable for their volcanic landforms rather than built attractions.

The islands were formed by volcanic activity; eruptive construction and erosion have shaped the present islands. Historical records and scientific studies identify the archipelago as part of Holocene volcanic activity in the Red Sea region.

The Zubair Group lies in the southern Red Sea off Yemen’s western coast, within the maritime area administered from Al-Hudaydah Governorate. The islands are isolated from major population centres and are accessible only by sea.

The Zubair Group lies in the Southern Red Sea off Yemen’s Al-Hudaydah coast. Access is by private research or expedition vessel and requires permission from Yemeni authorities; trips from neighboring countries are rare and dependent on security conditions.

• Only visit with permission from Yemeni authorities and experienced sea operators - the islands lie in contested waters and can be hazardous.
• Bring binoculars and a robust sea-sickness kit; the archipelago is prime for seabird colonies and geological observation.
• Avoid the Northern monsoon months when sea conditions make passage dangerous.