The Hidden Secret of the Persian Gulf: A Tiny Maldives Called Maro

WANA (Sep 06) – In the Persian Gulf, tucked between well-known islands like Kish and Qeshm, lies a small white dot on the map that locals call Maro. For many travelers, the name remains unfamiliar, but those who have set foot on it introduce it with a memorable nickname: “The Maldives of Iran.”

Reaching an Uninhabited Island

Maro sits just 1.5 kilometers off the coast of Lavan Island and about an hour’s boat ride from the port of Maqam. There are no flights or scheduled ferries to get here, and that very remoteness is the first sign of its untouched charm. The island has no roads, hotels, or restaurants—only nature accompanies you: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a silence broken only by the calls of terns.

Strolling Along the Shores of Maro Island. Social media /WANA News Agency

Attractions Like Nowhere Else

For travelers seeking something different, Maro offers a rare experience. Its soft, bright sands, shallow turquoise waters, and the chance to see turtles nesting on the shore in summer make it unique. Beneath the waves, coral reefs spread like a colorful underwater garden, home to fish, clams, and other marine life.

In spring, flocks of terns fill the sky above the island, and on certain days, the shadows of whales or sharks can be spotted offshore—moments that turn a short trip into an unforgettable memory.

Hawksbill Sea Turtles. Social media / WANA News Agency

A Tiny Island with Global Significance

Maro’s importance extends far beyond its beauty. Since 1999, it has been listed under the Ramsar Convention as an international wetland, making it part of the global network of protected habitats. What may appear small on the map plays a vital role in sustaining the Persian Gulf ecosystem.

The endangered hawksbill turtle chooses this island for nesting. Migratory birds and terns also find refuge here, ranking Maro among the region’s most valuable wildlife sanctuaries.

Diving in the Waters of Maro Island. Social Media / WANA News Agency

The Contrast of Serenity and Risk

The local name “Maro” or “Maran” stems from the venomous saw-scaled vipers that once inhabited the island. This reality, alongside its serene shores, is a reminder that this little paradise still belongs to nature. That very contrast—beauty and danger side by side—adds a unique dimension to visiting Maro.

Responsible Tourism: The Key to Maro’s Future

In recent years, the island has drawn more attention under the brand of “The Maldives of Iran.” Short tours and local boats now bring domestic and foreign visitors to its shores. This rising interest is both an opportunity and a challenge: an opportunity to place Maro on the global tourism map and boost the local economy, but also a challenge, since every careless step on its white sands or every piece of litter threatens the fragile ecosystem.

Strolling Along the Shores of Maro Island. Social media /WANA News Agency

Environmental experts stress that Maro’s future depends on the attitude of its visitors. If travelers see themselves as part of the conservation effort—respecting wildlife habitats and following environmental rules—Maro can remain both a breathtaking destination and a safe haven for its creatures.

An Experience Like No Other

Maro is neither a bustling tourist hub nor an unreachable paradise. It is a small island offering a unique mix of adventure and tranquility. The moment a boat leaves the shore of Maqam and the white speck of the island appears on the horizon marks the beginning of a journey unlike anywhere else in the world.