On Hengam Island, just off Qeshm, a shoreline of glittering sand and midnight-blue bioluminescence feels like stepping into a living fairytale — and yes, you can visit.
On today’s virtual adventure we’re taking you to one of Iran’s most beautiful beaches — a shore beside the deep azure waters known as Silver Beach, Qeshm.
Qeshm’s attractions form a long list, each with distinctive features, but Silver Beach on Qeshm stands apart with its shining sands, pretty shells and nocturnal blue glow. These sparkling effects are caused by mineral grains and by phytoplankton, which we’ll explain at length below.
So join SaedNews' travel magazine in this article to discover the wonders and secrets of the Silver beaches.
All travelers who visit Qeshm want to see the Silver Beach on Hengam Island. The beach shines as if glitter has been scattered across its sands.
Those glinting silver particles are actually mineral grains that reflect light, producing a spectacular sight. The beach’s name comes from these smooth, shiny grains.
But exactly where on Qeshm Island is this popular shore located?
To reach the Silver beaches you must first travel to Qeshm Island in Hormozgan Province and then take a boat to Hengam Island. Hengam lies about two kilometres southeast of Qeshm and hosts this pristine beach.
The distance from Qeshm to the Silver beaches on Hengam Island is approximately 53.7 kilometres. If you are visiting Qeshm and want a half- or full-day tour to Hengam, start at Kendalu Pier and catch a launch to the Silver Beach.
If you prefer to go directly to Hengam Island to see the beach, take a taxi from Qeshm Airport to Kendalu Pier.
The distance from Bandar Abbas to the Silver beaches on Hengam Island is about 79 kilometres. To reach Hengam from Bandar Abbas, first go to Shahid Haqqani Pier. From there you can travel to Qeshm by ferry, landing craft, boat or ship.
After roughly an hour to reach Qeshm, proceed to Kendalu Pier and take a small boat to the Silver shore.
The reason the sand sparkles like diamonds is the presence of shiny mineral grains and other glossy elements. These particles reflect sunlight and create a dazzling effect.
But is the Silver beach’s beauty only a daytime spectacle? Not necessarily. If you’re lucky enough to visit when phytoplankton are present in the water, you might witness an astonishing phenomenon.
Phytoplankton are tiny organisms that live in sea and ocean water and are invisible to the naked eye.
When their numbers swell and the sea is choppy, the waves wash these organisms close to shore — producing a brilliant blue glow emitted by the plankton. This phenomenon can sometimes be seen on autumn evenings.
After travelling all that way, what should you do at the Silver shores? Here are the main activities to enjoy:
Dolphin watching
One of the most popular activities is watching the dolphins that frequent Hengam’s blue waters. These dolphins visit from autumn through mid-Ordibehesht (late spring). They often leap and play at dawn when the water is cooler — take a boat for the best viewing.
Walking the shore and photography
Can you visit the Silver Beach and not take dreamlike photographs of the glittering sand and sea? Walk the shoreline, breathe the fresh air and capture the scene with your camera to take home a glowing travel memory.
As noted, Silver Beach is on Hengam Island, which has limited facilities: for example, there is no clinic or hotel. If you plan to stay overnight you can use local eco-lodges.
There are attractive local stalls selling food and traditional products. Still, before boarding for the island bring essentials — medicines, an extra set of clothes, and so on.
Because Silver Beach lies in southern Iran, summers are hot and humid; summer on Hengam can be sweltering. The most pleasant weather tends to be in autumn, winter and early spring. If you want fewer crowds, avoid public holidays and visit in autumn or winter.
One caution: in winter always check weather and sea conditions beforehand, because boats won’t operate when the sea is stormy and you may be unable to reach the beach.
Silver Beach is one of Hengam’s sights, and nearby there are many fascinating attractions, each with its own story.
Below are notable places close to the Silver coast:
English Port Facilities
The English port facilities are the remains of buildings such as a telegraph house and coal warehouses constructed on Hengam during the Qajar era.
Because of Hengam’s strategic location, the British sought to control it, and remnants of their presence still remain. That era ended under the Pahlavi dynasty; today those ruins are visible.
Stranded Portuguese ship
Hengam has seen many powers seek control. During the Safavid period the Portuguese also settled here; the remains of a stranded Portuguese ship lie in a part of the island known as the Natural Aquarium.
Mother and Daughter Rock
The “Mother and Daughter” rock formation is a striking sculptural feature carved by nature into cliff faces. It stands near the village of Gheel on Hengam.
Beyond visual appeal, the rocks carry folklore: locals tell a tale in which a mother and daughter, fleeing robbers, prayed to God to be saved — and were turned to stone to hide from danger.
Local market
The Hengam local market is a delightful place to stroll among traditional stalls: the floor of many stands is covered with the island’s sand and the roofs are woven reed. You can buy shell handicrafts, spices, traditional clothing and local foods.
A highlight of the market is the chance to meet warm local people and learn about their customs. If you visit Hengam for the Silver shore, don’t miss talking with residents and wandering the market.
Imagine stepping where one side of the sand is red and the other side blue — breathtaking, isn’t it? Another Silver beach exists on Hormuz Island; its red sands and silver glints make for an astonishing sight.
To see that shimmering beach you must travel to Hormuz Island. Keep in mind that Hormuz’s Silver shore has no facilities; bring all necessities.
To stay near Silver Beach you have a few options. Many travelers make the Silver shore a half-day trip from Qeshm and return the same day, using Qeshm accommodation. Others stay longer on Hengam: for them, eco-lodges, rented houses or camping are options.
If you plan to spend one or more nights on Hengam, choices include homestays and traditional eco-accommodations.
If you like camping and sleeping beneath the stars near the Silver shore, you can choose this — but do so only if you have accurate local knowledge, proper equipment and a guide. Bring tents, sleeping bags, torches, and food.
Near Silver Beach and on Hengam Island, several Qeshm eco-lodges operate with a traditional feel. Possible options include Morvarid Hengam, Garum Zangi, Badgir Sefid, Karadeniz and Dolphin.
Because Hengam has limited facilities, we recommend making Silver Beach a half-day outing from Qeshm. Bring essential medicines and a spare set of clothes.
Please do not take Silver Beach sand home — removing sand harms the ecosystem.
If you visit in hot months, pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothing and cool drinking water.
If you travel by car to Qeshm and plan to reach Hengam, note there is no vehicle ferry from Qeshm to Hengam; organise parking for your car in advance.
