Off Kuwait's southern coast, beyond the busy marinas, three small islands pull boaters back year after year: Kubbar, Umm Al-Maradim and Qaruh. One is a sandy getaway for weekend day-trippers, one is Kuwait's southernmost island with a wild, protected feel, and one is a tiny speck whose name every local skipper knows. Around all three the water runs clear over reefs and sand, the fishing is good, and seabirds - and at certain times nesting turtles - make these waters home.
Kubbar is a low, sandy island several hours by boat from the coast - a firm weekend favourite for swimming, snorkelling over sandy patches and coral heads, picnics on the beach and shore fishing. The water is clear and the reefs hold colourful fish, so a mask and fins are worth the space in the boat. Anglers after bigger fish work the water farther out, trolling around the island.
Remember: those sandy shores matter to wildlife too - seabirds rest and nest here, and turtles visit in season. Give them room and take every bit of rubbish back with you.
Umm Al-Maradim lies at the southern end of Kuwait's waters, farther out than Kubbar, and fewer people visit. It has a quieter, more protected character - most treat it with the same care they would give a nature reserve, and that is the right attitude. The sea life around it is rich: clear water, coral growth and plenty of fish, making the grounds around it some of the best in the area for serious fishing.
This is not a swim-and-barbecue stop like Kubbar; its visitors are mostly experienced boaters and anglers. Seabirds crowd the island, and turtles nest in the wider region in season - keep your distance and leave the island exactly as you found it.
Qaruh is a small island in the same southern stretch of sea, near the offshore oil-field zone, and takes its name from a local plant that grows there. It is not a camping or swimming spot; most boats circle it, take in the view or fish just off it before moving on. Small as it is, every Kuwaiti sailor knows Qaruh - a handy landmark and a decent fishing stop on longer runs south.
A run to these islands is an open-water passage, not a short hop. Gulf weather can turn quickly, and out there you are on your own. Before leaving, check the sea state and the tide - the B7R app shows sea state and tide times for Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports, so you can pick a realistic window for the crossing.
Kubbar, Umm Al-Maradim and Qaruh show Kuwait's southern sea at its best: clear water, corals, good fishing and quiet shores. Plan properly, act responsibly, and you will come back with the right memories.
Ready to head out? Download the B7R app for free: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.q8dm.b7r