Eritrea's Dahlak Archipelago consists of over 350 islands, but only around 25 can be reached directly from the port of Mitsiwa (Massawa).

Most of the islands are arid and barren and hold little of interest, but they are still a popular destination for the unspoilt waters of the Red Sea. The local fishing industry came to a virtual standstill during the successive wars and the sea is filled with dense fish and coral populations.

There are also several interesting wreck-diving sites and scuba divers from all over the world flock to the ecological paradise of the Dahlak Archipelago. The best time to go diving in the archipelago is July through August, when the seas are calm and not so impeded by algae and the likes.

The largest island in the archipelago is Dahlak Kebir. On the island are nine ethnic villages, as well as several significant archaeological ruins of both local and Arabian origin. Dahlak Kebir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately a big hotel-casino complex has been built there, as the Eritrea government needs the hard currency to rebuild the country.

The island of Nokra used to be an Italian penitentiary and was later used by the Russians as a military base. You might need permission from the Massawa shipping office in order to visit it, so you better ask before heading there.

Accommodation is available on the island of Dahlak Kebir. You can get there by boat from Mitsiwa (Massawa) on the mainland. The Dahlak Archipelago is 120 km east of Asmara and 60 km off the coast from Mitsiwa (Massawa).