Pearl Snorkelling & Diving

For centuries, this wonderful tradition of finding natural, beautiful pearls was the principal trade of Bahrain, establishing the nation's international reputation as the source of the finest gems. These treasures were sought after by royalty and famous jewellers across the globe.

Today, this remarkable tradition lives on, offering tourists the chance to join the legendary search. Visitors can dive into the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and search for pearls, following the path of many generations of divers and forging a real connection to a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Diving for Pearls: A Simple Guide

Getting ready is part of the tradition for every pearl seeker. The adventure requires just a little planning before you take the plunge. Here is what you can expect.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Pearling Path, where countless tales of adventure and tradition await. After absorbing these mesmerising stories, hop aboard a boat for a ride to the diving site, where your underwater experience begins!

Visitors must book their trip with a licensed tour operator approved by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). These operators handle all safety procedures, permits, and transport.

There are two main categories of exploration:

• Pearl Diving: This category includes the option of a diving trip only or a comprehensive tour that encompasses both the diving trip and a visit to the Pearling Path.
• Snorkelling: You may choose a lighter marine experience focusing on snorkelling, or combine it with a tour of the Pearling Path.

It's that simple. So, and enjoy the adventure ahead!

Choose Your Adventure Type

When booking, visitors select their dive type: beginners can opt for a snorkelling trip in shallower water, while certified divers (with a valid PADI license) can choose a diving trip to search in deeper water for longer periods.

At the Dive Site: Searching for Oysters

All pearl snorkelling and diving excursions depart from the marinas at Saada or Bu Maher Fort. While most journeys start at the Saada port, the tours that include a visit to the Pearling Path always begin at the Bu Maher Fort port to align with the itinerary. From there, a scenic 20 to 30 minute boat journey takes you directly to the oyster beds.

Once anchored, the instructor teaches the best methods for spotting the precious oysters scattered across the seafloor. Visitors use simple equipment (snorkels, fins, or diving gear) to look for the oysters.

Each person can only collect a maximum of 60 oysters during the trip. This limit helps protect the marine environment while still giving tourists an excellent chance to find their own pearl.

After the Dive: Unveiling the Treasure

The most exhilarating part of the entire experience happens on the journey back to the port. The guide will help the visitors safely open (or shuck) the oysters they collected. This is the moment of truth, a highly anticipated process where you finally get to see if you were lucky enough to find a pearl.

Any pearl found by the visitor is legally theirs to keep, a natural, unforgettable souvenir of Bahrain. The joy and surprise of discovering a perfectly formed pearl is something truly special.

After returning to the port, visitors can get their unique finds examined and appraised by local experts. Whether a person finds a tiny seed pearl or a beautiful cluster, they leave with a tangible piece of the Bahrain's rich history.