Kish Island offers a broad spectrum of leisure activities for residents and tourists alike. With so much on offer, the challenge often becomes: which activities should we opt for? Travel guides suggest that due to the plethora of activities available, one should decide on their preferences before arriving in Kish. Broadly, Kish’s leisure activities can be categorized into water-based and non-water-based activities, ensuring something for everyone.

The island boasts an array of aquatic adventures, each offering a distinct thrill level. Several companies provide these water-based activities, and each has its unique features, thus varying in price. A popular feature offered by some of these centers is underwater photography during diving or other marine sports, allowing tourists to take home a cherished memory from their trip.

Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, the Ocean Water Park, and flyboarding are among the most favored water activities in Kish. However, the thrill-seekers’ list doesn’t end with water sports. If you’re not keen on aquatic adventures, the island offers other adrenaline-packed activities. Biking, safaris, electric scooters, gyrocopters, and bubble soccer are just a few examples of the exciting non-water-based recreations available on this charming island.

Water-Based Adventures in Kish Island

The recreational activities available in the heart of Kish Island, Iran, offer an unparalleled diversity. For many visitors, it presents an opportunity to explore their passion and skill in various water sports. In this section of the Kish travel guide, we will introduce you to two famous aquatic entertainments on the island.

Scuba Diving in Kish One of the best and most exhilarating activities in Kish is scuba diving in the azure waters of the Persian Gulf. While diving in Kish, you can marvel at the sight of open sea fishes, touch live corals, and swim amongst other marine creatures. This unique experience can be forever captured with an underwater photograph. And if you’re not familiar with swimming, there’s no need to worry. Before entering the water, all participants are required to attend a brief scuba diving training session on how to breathe underwater.

Flyboarding in Kish

Flyboarding in Kish Flyboarding in Kish is among the most thrilling water sports, an experience not available in every city or region. Hence, if you’re traveling to Kish, trying out flyboarding is highly recommended. In this activity, a special device is attached to your feet, which is connected to a jet ski that ejects water at high pressure. This allows you to soar up to 12 meters above the sea’s surface. By moving your feet in the water, you can dive and then swiftly emerge back to the surface.

Attractions That Excite the Kids!

There are several recreational spots crafted exclusively for young ones in Kish to ensure that they, like other family members, enjoy their trip to the island. In this section of the Kish travel guide, we’ll take a look at the attractions that get children excited.

Children’s Park at Kish

Children’s Park at Kish Shopping Center One of Kish’s recreational hubs for children is the Children’s Park located within its shopping centers. By visiting this park, you’re essentially hitting two birds with one stone. Not only can you peacefully carry out your shopping spree in one of Kish’s shopping centers, but you can also leave your child to play in this well-equipped park. The Children’s Park provides all the necessary amenities, including inflatable slides, intellectual games, and jumping attractions, tailored especially for children under 10 years old.

Dolphin Park (Dolphinarium Kish)

Watching the graceful movements of dolphins is a mesmerizing experience for both adults and children. Many families make it a point to visit the Dolphinarium in Kish to witness these marine wonders up close. It’s an excellent way to entertain the children. This attraction is suitable for kids over 3 years of age. Moreover, beyond dolphins, the facility also houses other marine creatures like penguins and sea lions.

Thrills for Adrenaline Junkies

For those seeking a dose of thrill, Kish Island is an adrenaline lover’s paradise. The island boasts a myriad of electrifying water sports that ensure beach and sea lovers are always entertained. The thrilling part is that these activities never feel repetitive, always injecting a fresh wave of excitement with each try. Let’s explore a couple of these high-octane attractions.

Shuttle & Banana Boat Ride

A popular and affordable water sport in Kish is the Banana Boat Ride. Here, participants sit on an inflatable tube tethered to a motorboat. As the boat speeds off, the tube bounces on the waves, offering riders a thrilling experience. Suitable for solo riders or a small group, this activity lasts about 20 minutes. It’s advisable to know how to swim before embarking on this ride.

Venturing beyond water-based activities, one of the most thrilling experiences in Kish is a desert safari. Roam the sandy dunes at high speeds in specialized vehicles, expertly driven by experienced drivers. Often, these safaris are combined with desert tours, where you can also witness local wildlife. Additionally, you can indulge in other exciting activities like ATV quad biking, buggy rides, drifting, camel riding, trampolining, bungee shooting, bubble soccer, the magic cylinder, and Zorb ball.

So, if you’re looking for a blend of serene beauty, aquatic wonders, and adrenaline-pumping activities, Kish Island in Iran is the place to be!

What Souvenirs to Buy from Kish?

No matter where you travel, choosing souvenirs can always be a bit of a puzzle. And considering that millions of tourists flock to Kish Island every year, there’s a broad array of souvenirs to pick from, which might make the decision even more daunting. But worry not! In this guide to Kish, we’ll delve into the best keepsakes to take home with you.

Fish and Shrimp

One of the most pleasurable parts of a trip to Kish is indulging in its fresh seafood. The fish market here offers an array of species that are a treat to the taste buds. You can find exquisite varieties like Sheer fish, Spearfish, Red Snapper, Hammour, and Sardine. But it’s not just about the fish – shrimps are another must-buy. The island boasts a diverse range of fresh shrimp, each variety finding its own set of enthusiasts.

Kish’s Indigenous Handicrafts

Exploring the native handicrafts of Kish could turn out to be one of the most memorable parts of your journey. The island boasts some truly magnificent and valuable handcrafted items, making them perfect souvenirs or mementos of your trip. Among these treasures, you can find intricately needle-woven rugs, clay and pottery jars, wicker baskets, and fabrics adorned with ‘Golabtoon’ embroidery and sequins. These Kish souvenirs are particularly suitable for those who have an appreciation for art, decorative items, and handmade crafts. Additionally, decorative seashells and ornamental fish artifacts, especially in the traditional markets, are captivating sights that many choose to take home.

So, the next time you’re wandering the vibrant bazaars and shops of Kish, keep an eye out for these gems. They’re not just purchases; they’re memories you can touch and feel, reminders of a mesmerizing island getaway. Safe travels and happy shopping!

The History of Kish Island

Kish Island’s history is rich and filled with many highs and lows. Our journey through the travel guide to Kish reveals that the birth of the island dates back about 200 million years. The separation of intercontinental plates and their subsequent pressure on each other led to deformations, resulting in the emergence of mountains. This geological activity in the Iranian plateau culminated in the creation of the Zagros mountain range and eventually, islands like Kish and others in the Strait of Hormuz.

Historically, Kish made its mark during the Achaemenid (Persian) Empire. The Achaemenid naval forces frequented the island, establishing various settlements there.

Following the defeat of the Achaemenids by Alexander the Great, this Greek conqueror, eager to explore cities and islands in the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf, dispatched one of his naval commanders on a reconnaissance mission to this region. This admiral, named Nearchus, left behind numerous manuscripts detailing his visits, highlighting Kish’s beauty, lush palm groves, and vibrant gardens.

The 16th century saw a significant shift in the island’s fate. Coinciding with Europe’s economic transformations, the Portuguese, after torching Muscat and several other islands, made a halt in the city of Hormuz. They demanded the rulers of Hormuz and Kish to surrender. The Amir declined their terms, leading the Portuguese to seize both Hormuz and Kish. This invasion marked a turning point for Kish, sending it into a period of decline. The Portuguese reigned over Kish until the Safavid era, causing extensive damage and desolation. However, their dominance was eventually challenged by Shah Abbas, who initiated the liberation of Kish and successfully expelled the Portuguese, restoring the island’s integrity.