Snoopy Island Fujairah: Snorkelling, Access and What to Expect

Snoopy Island is a small rock island just off the Sandy Beach area on Fujairah's east coast. It got its name from its shape, which people say looks like Snoopy, the cartoon dog. It's a popular spot for easy snorkelling, so you'll often find first-timers there. This guide covers how to get there, what to know before you get in the water, and what to pack. Where we don't have a confirmed fact, we'll tell you.

What is Snoopy Island?

It's a small rocky island that sits close to the shore, off the Sandy Beach area. That's all it is, really. But its size is part of the appeal. You don't need a big plan or a long boat ride to enjoy it.

People come here mainly to snorkel. Because it's known as an easy spot, it tends to suit a few kinds of guests:

• Beginners who want to try snorkelling without heading far out to sea.
• Families looking for a simple beach day with some time in the water.
• Solo guests who want a quiet morning with a mask on (go with a buddy in the water, though, even if you travel alone).

If you're building a longer trip, our guide to things to do in Fujairah gives you the wider picture of the coast.

How to get to Snoopy Island and the beach

Most guests reach the Sandy Beach area by road. You can drive or take a taxi from the main cities in the UAE. We don't have confirmed drive times we can share, so check a map app on the day. Traffic changes things, and so does where you start.

The beach next to Snoopy Island sits beside a resort. That matters, because the beach or resort operator sets the rules for entry and parking. They also decide on any charges. We don't list fees here, and we won't guess. Please contact the beach or resort operator before you go and ask about access and any charges for the day.

Good to know: we haven't confirmed whether guests usually swim out from the shore or go by kayak or boat. Ask the operator about that too. Ask about the lifeguard on duty as well. They'll know the safest way to reach the island and what's allowed.

Snorkelling at Snoopy Island: best time, tide and conditions

We'll be honest here. We don't yet have first-hand reports from our guests on the best time of day or the best tide for snorkelling at Snoopy Island. So we won't tell you "go at 8 am" or "wait for low tide". We'd rather you check on the day than trust a guess.

What we can give you are some plain calm-water tips that work on any beach.

Before you get in

Stand on the sand for a few minutes and watch the water. If the waves look strong, or the water looks rough near the rocks, wait. Talk to the lifeguard or beach staff if there are any. They see the sea every day, so their answer is worth more than ours.

In the water

Go with someone. Agree on a signal for "I want to go back". Keep the shore in sight, and don't swim further than you can comfortably swim back. If you get tired, float on your back and rest. And don't climb on the rocks of the island unless the operator says it's allowed.

Who should take extra care

Weak swimmers should wear a float vest and stay in shallow water. Young children need an adult within arm's reach the whole time. A mask can make kids feel brave, and they may drift further than you expect.

Tip for long stays: you have time on your side. If one day looks rough, you can simply try again another morning. Guests on a short break of one or two nights have less room to wait, so check the conditions early and have a backup beach plan.

What marine life you can see

This is the part where many guides make big promises. We won't. We don't have confirmed reports from our guests about which fish or other sea life they usually see around Snoopy Island. Sea life also changes from day to day, so nobody can promise a sighting.

What we can say is how to be a good visitor. Look, but don't touch. Don't stand on anything living on the seabed, and don't feed anything you see. Keep your fins away from the rocks, because one kick can damage what's growing there. If you want to know what's around that week, the beach operator or a local snorkelling operator is the right person to ask.

What to bring from the villa

Pack the night before, so the morning is easy. Here's a short list for a snorkelling day:

• Mask and snorkel. We don't lend gear, so bring your own or rent from a local operator.
• Fins, if you have them
• Sun protection
• Plenty of drinking water
• Towels
• Water shoes, which help on rocky ground

A dry bag for your phone and keys is handy too. Families might add snacks and a change of clothes for each child, because wet kids in a car get cold fast with the air conditioning on.

If you're still choosing where to stay for this trip, take a look at our villas near Snoopy Island. Check each property's location on the map before you book, so you know how your beach mornings will work.

Plan the rest of your day

Snoopy Island won't fill a whole day for most people. After a swim, you might want a different stretch of sand. Our guide to Fujairah beaches covers other swim spots along this coast.

Some guests try snorkelling and then want to go deeper. If that's you, read our post on diving in Fujairah before you book anything.

Before you head to the water

Send a message to the beach or resort operator the day before. Ask about entry, any charges and how guests reach the island. One short call can save you a long drive to a closed gate.