Travel Guide to Lark Island
If you decide to travel to southern Iran and visit the attractions of Lark Island, we at Gulf City Pedia Magazine have prepared a travel guide to Lark Island so you can plan your trip and sightseeing with peace of mind.
Lark Island is one of the attractions of Hormozgan province and an ideal destination for a one-day trip away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The beach with its silver sands, starry nights, and phosphorescent shores are just a few of the sights on Lark Island.
Since exploring Lark doesn’t take more than two days, consider visiting other attractions in Hormozgan for the next leg of your trip and enjoy your time in southern Iran.
Where is Lark Island?
Lark Island, with an area of 77 square kilometers, is located southeast of Qeshm Island and is the southernmost land of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz region in Hormozgan province. This island is made up of cone-shaped volcanic mountains, with its highest point rising about 138 meters above sea level.
Like Hendurabi Island, Lark Island is not uninhabited and has only a few residents. The inhabited part of the island is limited to a village with a population of about 200 to 300 families, whose main occupation is fishing and goat breeding.
How to get to Lark Island
You can reach Lark Island in the following ways:
– By Airplane
Lark Island does not have an airport, so you need to fly to Qeshm or Bandar Abbas and then travel to Lark Island from there.
– By Sea
To reach Lark Island in Hormozgan, you will have a short sea trip. This journey can be made by motorboat or sea bus, depending on your departure point.
Crossing the azure waters of the Persian Gulf and witnessing the grandeur of the sea will be a unique and memorable experience, and upon arrival at Lark Island, you will be greeted with a world of other wonders.
– Distance from Kish to Lark Island
The distance from Kish to Lark Island is about 220 kilometers. However, you cannot travel directly from Kish to Lark. First, you need to get to Qeshm Island and then travel by boat or launch to Lark Island. The travel time depends on the type of sea transport you use but generally takes more than 5 hours.
– Distance from Qeshm to Lark Island
Lark Island is located about 16 kilometers east of Qeshm Island. If you are departing from Qeshm Island, you can reach Lark by one of the following routes:
Take a sea bus from Shahid Zakeri Wharf to Lark, which takes about 45 minutes.
Go to Doha Wharf in Qeshm and rent a motorboat to reach Lark. This wharf is about 10 kilometers from Lark.
– Distance from Hormuz to Lark Island
The distance from Hormuz to Lark Island is approximately 22 kilometers. If you are in Hormuz and wish to visit the attractions of Lark Island, you can rent a boat to get there.
– Distance from Bandar Abbas to Lark Island
Lark Island is 31 kilometers from Bandar Abbas. If you want to travel from Bandar Abbas to Lark, first take a train or plane to this southern city, then rent a boat to travel to Lark.
Best Time to Travel to Lark Island
Like other islands in southern Iran, the best time to visit Lark Island and its attractions is during the second half of the year. From early autumn, the unbearable heat of summer gives way to mild and pleasant weather, making it a destination for tourists in the winter.
Since traveling to Lark is only feasible for a short period each year, expect crowds, especially during holidays and near Nowruz.
Weather of Lark Island
Lark Island has a warm and humid climate, and in the first half of the year, especially in summer, the weather is very hot and sultry. In the second half of the year, the heat decreases, and in mid-autumn and winter, the weather becomes cool and mild.
Due to the warm weather and low rainfall, the vegetation in this area is sparse, with trees like Acacia and Christ’s Thorn being some of the species found on the island.
Transportation on Lark Island
One thing to know when traveling to Lark Island is that the island is connected by a single dirt road. So, you shouldn’t expect many vehicles on the island. There are only a few motorcycles and cars, and you may need to walk around the island to visit its attractions.
Amenities on Lark Island
Unlike Qeshm Island, the amenities on Lark Island are limited to a small shop for the residents’ necessities and a small guesthouse for visitors. Therefore, be sure to bring any essentials you may need before traveling to the island.
Recreational Facilities on Lark Island
Lark Island, with its pristine nature and unique tourist attractions, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking exciting and marine activities.
– Diving in Lark’s Coral Shores
Lark Island, with its unspoiled coral beaches, offers a great opportunity for underwater enthusiasts to dive into the azure waters of the Persian Gulf and enjoy the underwater world, coral reefs, colorful fish, and sunken ships.
Since swimming and diving are among the most popular recreational activities on Lark, several diving centers in different parts of Qeshm Island and Bandar Abbas organize diving tours to Lark. If you are an experienced diver, you can dive solo in Lark’s waters.
– Sunken Super Tanker Ship
The sunken ship site is one of the most popular diving spots located in the west of the island. The depth of this site ranges from 12 to 30 meters and, due to the high diversity of marine life such as butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, lionfish, and coral reefs around the ship, makes diving here an exciting experience.
– Barge
The Barge site in the western shore of Lark is where a barge (a type of vessel) has sunk, creating a suitable habitat for marine life. The depth of this site is between 5 to 8 meters, making it a good choice for beginner divers.
– Silver Beach
This beach, covered with silver sands and clear blue water, is located in the northwest of the island and, due to its shallow depth, is a suitable place for snorkeling.
– Swimming
Another water activity on Lark is swimming in the shallow parts of the island. The clear and transparent water tempts anyone to take a swim and see the various marine life and underwater nature.
– Nature Walks
If you are not a fan of water activities, you can enjoy the pristine and untouched nature and beach of Lark. The coral reefs and other sights of Lark Island are likely to entertain you.
Salt domes and volcanic mountains are examples of Lark’s natural attractions that you can visit during a walk around the island and witness their beauty.
– Walking and Shopping from Locals
Walking around the island, visiting tourist attractions, talking to the island’s locals, getting to know their customs, and buying souvenirs or local food are other recreational activities on Lark that can make your trip enjoyable.
– Boating
In addition to diving and swimming, boating and sea tours are available on Lark Island, allowing you to see other tourist attractions of Lark Island and experience an exciting trip.
Limitations of Traveling to Lark Island
As previously mentioned in the travel guide to Lark Island, the amenities, transportation, and healthcare facilities on this island are limited, so keep this in mind before traveling.
Moreover, due to Lark Island’s strategic location, it is a site for military maneuvers, during which travel to the island is not possible. However, to avoid disrupting the movements of residents and travelers, the schedule of military maneuvers will be announced in advance; therefore, before planning your trip to Lark, check for information at the Bandar Abbas or Qeshm wharves.
Tourist Attractions on Lark Island
Despite its small size, Lark Island boasts numerous tourist attractions, not limited to its beautiful beaches and water activities. So, get to know the sights of Lark Island and plan your trip with the Hormozgan travel guide.
– Portuguese Castle on Lark Island
You can find remnants of Portuguese colonization and control in almost all southern islands. The Portuguese Castle is one of the historical attractions of Lark Island, built during the Safavid era when the Portuguese controlled the Persian Gulf.
This castle, after the Portuguese Castle on Hormuz Island, is the largest Portuguese castle in the Persian Gulf. It was constructed using Sarooj mortar, coral, and marine stones. Due to its wooden columns, it has remained standing, and you can still see the remaining parts of it on Lark.
If you are interested in historical buildings, don’t miss visiting this site. You can also capture the fortress’s grandeur and resilience with your phone camera.
– Historical Cemetery on Lark Island
Another historical site and tourist attraction is the historical cemetery, which is popular among tourists due to its unique burial practices and distinctive atmosphere.
In this cemetery, all tombstones are made of sea coral, and small clay incense holders resembling little vases are placed on the graves of the recently deceased. According to a tradition from ancient Iran and the Zoroastrian culture of the region, they burn wild rue and incense in these holders, spreading a pleasant fragrance in the air.
– Lark Island Lighthouse Tower
Another tourist attraction on Lark Island is the lighthouse tower, located 4 kilometers from the inhabited part of the island. Although you can’t see this tower up close, its old and unique appearance makes it a great subject for photography.
In this area, you can also find remnants of a telegraph house, houses with an 800-year history, and a sunken ship with parts of it visible above the water.
– Plankton and Phosphorescent Beach on Lark Island
The plankton beach is one of the most beautiful and popular sights of Lark Island, which has made the island well-known among tourists.
On calm, wave-free nights, you can witness the reflection of phytoplankton light in the island’s coastal waters, creating a stunning view. The sea water appears in blue or phosphorescent colors.
We recommend planning your trip to Lark so you can spend a night there and not miss this beautiful phenomenon. Capturing this scene will surely bring back happy memories after your trip.
– Coral Beaches on Lark Island
The coral beaches are one of the scenic spots on Lark and are ideal for walking and swimming. The clear and transparent water allows you to easily see various marine creatures such as corals, aquarium fish, sea anemones, and more.
Famous Restaurants on Lark Island
Culinary exploration is one of the most important parts of any trip. If you are particularly interested in this aspect of travel, it’s important to note that there are no specific restaurants on Lark Island. To try local foods, you will need to visit the island’s accommodations. Additionally, if you plan to stay overnight on the island, you should bring your own food and drinks.
Souvenirs from Lark Island
If you want to take a souvenir from the island, we recommend helping the local economy by first interacting with the island’s natives and purchasing their handmade crafts, usually made from decorative shells and corals.
While walking along the beach and exploring the island’s attractions, you can also collect a few colorful shells and seashells as mementos. Remember, these shells are part of the local ecosystem and are essential for the beach’s wildlife, so only take a few and capture your memories by taking photos instead.
Culture of Lark Island’s People
The culture of Lark Island’s inhabitants is derived from Lorestan and the people who migrated to this region long ago. The local dialect spoken on Lark Island is a version of the Luri language called Kumzari. Interestingly, this dialect is also spoken in Khasab village on Musandam Peninsula in Oman. However, the Lark dialect has been influenced by Persian and differs from the Omani dialect.
Local and Traditional Foods of Lark Island
Since the primary occupation of Lark’s residents is fishing, you can buy and enjoy various seafood dishes such as shrimp and grilled fish from the island’s locals.
Accommodation on Lark Island
Visiting the attractions of Lark Island can be done in half a day. Therefore, many tourists return to their starting point in Qeshm or Bandar Abbas after exploring the island. However, if you want to experience the nights on Lark Island, you can camp on the beach or choose one of the local accommodations.
– Eco-Lodges on Lark Island
If you want to interact with locals, learn more about the island’s culture and traditions, enjoy local food, and get more information about Lark Island’s attractions, eco-lodges are a good choice for you.
– Badgir Eco-Lodge
This eco-lodge features traditional architecture and rooms decorated in a local style, attracting tourists to stay there. It offers a peaceful and pleasant environment and services such as local meals, evening snacks, coffee, and island tours to its guests.
– Cottage Lodge
Another accommodation on Lark Island is the Cottage Lodge, located in a beach camp. This lodge consists of three wooden cottages and provides amenities such as a kitchen, private bathroom, and the option to order local dishes like shrimp and fish stews and local bread for its guests.
– Bam Lark Eco-Lodge
This eco-lodge offers a tranquil environment and is located near the beach. The interior is decorated traditionally, which can be appealing to tourists.
– Coastal Hut Camp
Another place to stay is the coastal hut camp on Lark Island. This camp includes eight 25-square-meter huts, two of which have private sanitary facilities, while the others share common facilities and sleeping arrangements.
– Camping
Experiencing the attractions of Lark Island at night is unforgettable. If you can stay overnight and camp on the island’s beach, don’t miss this opportunity and bring the necessary camping equipment to create a memorable night for yourself.
Camping on the beach is more cost-effective than staying in eco-lodges. Additionally, due to the lack of light pollution, the night sky on Lark Island is very starry and beautiful. Watching the stars, listening to the sound of the sea, along with the island’s peace and quiet, offers a chance to escape from daily worries.
One of the reasons to stay overnight on the island is to see the phosphorescent beach phenomenon, where the water glows blue or phosphorescent at night. Watching this unique sight is highly recommended.
A Brief History of Lark Island
Lark Island, with its ancient history, has witnessed significant events and occurrences. Throughout history, the island was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, with the Lark Castle as a testament to that era. During the Iran-Iraq War, due to its strategic location, Lark Island was subjected to missile attacks. The sunken oil tanker in the diving site is one of the largest sunken tankers in the world and a remnant of the Iran-Iraq War.
Recommendations for a Memorable Trip to Lark Island by Gulf City Pedia
As mentioned earlier, the second half of the year is the best time to visit Lark Island and see its attractions.
Ensure the port and access route to the island are open before planning your trip.
Although the weather is mild in the second half of the year, the midday sun can be harsh. Therefore, bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
If you plan to stay overnight on Lark Island, bring camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight, etc.
Lark Island offers plenty of photography subjects, so don’t forget to capture the beautiful scenery with your camera.
The island’s beaches are pristine and untouched, so make an effort to preserve their cleanliness and avoid littering.
