Travel Guide: Dubai To Kish Island

Kish Island is a popular tourist destination for those travelling from Dubai. Located just an hour's flight away, the island offers pristine beaches, vibrant markets, and unique cultural experiences. The best part? You can get there visa-free! With direct flights available daily and a range of airlines to choose from, it's an easily accessible and budget-friendly getaway.

Kish Island is known for its white beaches and crystal clear blue waters, offering exciting water sports and diving experiences. The island is also a free-trade zone, making it a great place for shopping with modern malls and vibrant markets.

So, whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Kish Island has something for everyone.

Direct flights from Dubai to Kish Island

Flights depart from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and arrive at Kish International Airport (KIH). The earliest flight departs at 07:15, and the latest flight departs at 11:30. However, this depends on the date of travel, and the day of the week. There are two direct flights per week, usually on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The airline Flydubai operates non-stop flights from Dubai to Kish Island twice a week. You can fly in Economy and Business Class, but Premium Economy and First Class are not available on this route.

The cheapest round-trip deal recently found on Google Flights was with Flydubai for $275. The cheapest one-way deal was also with Flydubai for $148.

Ferry from Dubai to Bandar Lengeh, then taxi/bus to Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab, then boat to Kish Island

One way to get from Dubai to Kish Island is to take a multi-leg journey via Bandar Lengeh and Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ferry from Dubai to Bandar Lengeh

You can take a car ferry from Port Rashid in Dubai to Bandar Lengeh. Valfajr Shipping Co operates a ferry service that takes around 5-7 hours, with tickets costing around $98.

Bandar Lengeh to Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab

From Bandar Lengeh, you'll need to take a taxi or bus to either Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab, which are smaller port towns nearby. The distance between Bandar Lengeh and these ports is not far, and local taxis or buses should be readily available.

Boat from Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab to Kish Island

Finally, from Bandar Charak or Bandar Aftab, you can take a boat to Kish Island. This leg of the journey is a shorter distance, and you should be able to arrange a boat transfer with local operators.

This journey option allows you to avoid flying and provides a more scenic route to Kish Island. However, it may take longer and may involve more logistical arrangements than flying. Be sure to check the latest travel advice and requirements for each location before you depart, as visa and entry requirements may vary.

No visa required for Kish Island

Kish Island is a beautiful tourist resort in the Persian Gulf, just 17km off the southern coast of Iran. It is a free trade zone with relaxed laws compared to the rest of the country.

Visa Exemptions

Foreign nationals do not need a visa to enter Kish Island for stays of up to 14 days. This exemption applies to citizens of most countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and European Union countries. However, it is always best to check with the Iranian authorities or your nearest Iranian embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Entry Requirements

While a visa is not required, visitors will need to go through immigration and customs procedures upon arrival. This includes presenting a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Western visitors may be asked about the purpose of their visit, so it is advisable to bring any relevant paperwork, such as hotel reservations.

Flights

There are direct flights from Dubai to Kish Island on a daily basis, with the fastest flight time being 1 hour and 10 minutes. The airline "Kish Air" is the most popular option and has international flights to Dubai.

Other Transport Options

It is also possible to drive to Kish Island, with one route available from Tehran. Alternatively, there are private buses from Tehran and other major Iranian cities, although this is not considered the safest option.

Attractions

Kish Island has a range of attractions, including water sports, shopping malls, and ancient sites. The Underground Town of Cariz, the Ancient Town of Harireh, and the Greek Ship are all popular tourist destinations. The island also has a variety of restaurants, offering both Persian and international cuisine.

Things to do on Kish Island

There are plenty of things to do on Kish Island, an Iranian island in the Persian Gulf. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Explore the ancient city of Harireh, said to be the same one mentioned in the works of renowned Persian poet Sa’adi. Discover ancient architecture and ruins that suggest a once-thriving region.
• Visit the Dolphin Park, a 170-acre park with marine life, gardens, and the largest pool on the island, housing dolphins, sea lions, and whales.
• Take a stroll through the Kariz Underground City, an ancient qanat (aqueduct) that has been converted into an underground city and museum. Learn about the ancient Qanat system, which was designed to bring water to arid areas, and admire the fossils of turtles, shells, and other sea species that cover the walls and ceilings.
• Enjoy water sports and activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, wake-boarding, and jet skiing.
• Visit the Greek Ship Khoula F, which has been anchored on the southwest coast of the island since 1966. It's a great spot for photos, especially at sunset.
• Explore the Paniz International Mall, which offers a variety of goods and gifts, including a China shopping centre on the second floor with good prices.
• Relax on Marjan Beach, known for its beautiful coral and the pergolas, palm trees, and landscaping that provide a panoramic view.
• Go biking! Rent a bicycle, tricycle, tandem bike, or scooter and explore the 47-mile-long bike path that snakes around the island, offering scenic views and easy access to secluded beaches.
• Visit the Green Tree Complex, built around one of the oldest lur (banyan) trees, said to be around 600 years old. Many people believe this tree is auspicious and come to make a wish.
• Check out the Damoon Shopping Center, which offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including a food court with a view of the sea.

Hotels on Kish Island

Kish Island is a resort island in the Persian Gulf, with an estimated population of 26,000 residents and about 1 million visitors annually. The island offers a variety of hotels, from luxurious 5-star accommodations to more affordable options. Here is a list of some of the best hotels on Kish Island:

Dariush Grand Hotel

The Dariush Grand Hotel is a prominent accommodation on Kish Island, boasting a grand design inspired by the Achaemenian Empire's architecture. The hotel covers 121,330 square meters and features stone poles, sculptures, and other relics from the Achaemenian Empire. It offers spacious rooms with views of the sea or the hotel's green gardens, as well as two restaurants and three coffee shops. The hotel also provides various facilities such as diving, pools, a tennis court, and a fitness centre.

Maryam Sorinet Hotel

The Maryam Sorinet Hotel is a deluxe hotel constructed with baroque-inspired architecture. It spans 7000 square meters and has 55 comfortable rooms over three floors. The interior features soft lighting and corridors that resemble traditional Persian summer houses. The rooms are well-equipped and beautifully decorated, with wood panelling and spacious balconies. The hotel offers delicious food, including all three courses, and has a refreshing coffee shop.

Toranj Hotel

The Toranj Hotel stands out for its unique design, with rooms arranged in a paisley pattern above the turquoise waters of Kish Island. The hotel offers the comfort of a five-star hotel, with the most notable feature being the glass floor in each room, providing guests with a view of the wonders of the sea beneath their feet. All 100 rooms have private balconies and are connected by a wooden pier. The hotel also has a restaurant and a coffee shop on the beach.

Marina Park Hotel

The Marina Park Hotel is a classy and uniquely designed hotel that spans over 100,000 square meters. It was established in 2011 as a private resort, offering various amenities such as shops, water activities, restaurants, and fitness centres. The hotel has modern and spacious rooms with stunning views of the coral coast. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including traditional Persian cuisine, fresh seafood, and a garden restaurant for peaceful meals.

Eram Grand Hotel Kish

The Eram Grand Hotel Kish is conveniently located within walking distance of Kish's top shopping centres. The hotel covers 50,000 square meters and offers lively and spacious rooms, with more than 70% of them providing attractive views of the Persian Gulf. It features three restaurants, including a revolving restaurant that offers a panoramic view of the island. There are also two coffee shops and a traditional teahouse for a Safavid-style experience.

Sadaf Sorinet Hotel

The Sadaf Sorinet Hotel is a comfortable and affordable option located near Kish's biggest shopping centres. The interior features modern furniture and decorations, including a 27-meter-high man-made mountain and waterfall. The spacious rooms are well-equipped with furniture, a safety deposit box, a fridge, a TV, and a tea maker. The hotel has two restaurants, one serving traditional Persian cuisine and the other offering international dishes with a view of the waterfall.

Frequently asked questions