Iranian islands of Persian Gulf (13)

If you want to choose a tourist destination, within which you would only hear the sound of water waves and observe scenic landscapes, look no further than Hengam Island in Persian Gulf waters.

Accompany us in this wonderful journey.

Hengam is one of the Iranian islands of Persian Gulf, which covers an area of 50 square kilometers. It is situated south of Qeshm Island and is home to salt, soil, and lead mines. This island is 9 kilometers in length and 6 kilometers in width. The island is roughly 43 maritime knots from Bandar Abbas Port, and 29 maritime knots from the Island of Qeshm. The highest altitude of this island is 106 meters above the sea level. The longest diameter of this island stands at 9 kilometers.

Hengam Island is located in Hormuzgan Province. The economic mainstay of the residents of this island has been fishing for a long while. The locals of this island also host tourists. Another economic mainstay of the residents of this island is pisciculture. Less than a thousand people live in Hengam Island; the majority of which maintain familial relationships. If a traveler intends to stay the night in this island, he can reside in the rural residential units.

This island has long maintained strategic importance due to its significant geographical location. It is situated in the middle of Persian Gulf waters and in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz and the Island of Qeshm. Thus, this island was occupied by Portuguese forces in the Safavid era, and by the English troops in the Qajarid era. English troops left this island in November 1932, and the full sovereignty of the then Iranian government on this island was established.

Groups of dolphins are observed in the vicinity of this island. Vessels are prepared to serve and board tourists every day. If you want to closely watch dolphins playing, with the least costs, you should travel to this island early in the morning. Dolphins have been spotted across the coastlines of Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman. In fact, up to now, thirteen different dolphin species have been registered across Iran's waters.

This island also maintains a unique nature, and is home to different deer species, as well as the first and largest crocodile breeding farm in Iran. In the vicinity of this farm, there is a residential camp for eco-tourists. Crocodiles are bred to gain revenues and to protect the environment.

Sharks are also hunted in the vicinity of this island. This island is home to deer and sea turtles which are on the verge of extinction. Red-colored soil and hills exist in this island. The red-colored soil is used in the decorative stones industry for construction of buildings. In the central regions of this island, red soil is also needed for construction of piers and other installations.

In the vicinity of the coastlines of this island, the remains of a sunk ship are observed; with several colorful fish swimming nearby. This scene is a highly attractive location for swimming and playing water sports.

This island's coastal waters are pristine and transparent. You can spot silver-colored fish, swimming nearby. Corals are also abundant in Hengam Island. Due to existence of shinny minerals across the coastal belt, they are referred to as silver coastlines. Based on the studies of scientists, this glitter is due to presence of phytoplankton. These small aquatics radiate light, whenever they are stressed, leading to radiation of coastal waves and sands.

Hengam Island is home to three villages, which are linked to each other by roads. "Hengam-e No" Village is the best spot of this island. This village is home to a pier, a police station, a water-freshening factory, a post office, and a school. Next to this village, there is a local marketplace.

MR/EA