Mathaf Island

Mathaf Island, also spelled Mataf, has earned the nickname "Iran's Bermuda" because of past maritime accidents. It is a natural marine feature in the waters of the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Bardkhun District in Bushehr Province. This sandy expanse lies about 30 kilometres from the port of Deyr. Unlike ordinary islands, much of it is submerged at high tide and emerges at low tide. Mathaf has an elongated shape that stretches from northwest to southeast. Its location along the route of shipping traffic, together with the particular characteristics of the tides, has made it one of the best-known and most hazardous spots for navigation in the Persian Gulf.

One of Mathaf's most important features is that its surface changes with the rise and fall of the tides: its sandbanks disappear from view when the water rises and reappear when it falls. The northern part of the expanse is mostly sandy, while the southern parts include marshy ground. The shallow waters around it, and the collision of sea currents with the shallow seabed, create significant waves in the area. This, combined with some sailors' unfamiliarity with local conditions, has caused numerous maritime accidents in the past. Mathaf is also one of the Persian Gulf's important fishing grounds, and the surrounding waters are of great importance to fisheries because they offer good conditions for marine life to live and reproduce. Tiger shrimp and fish such as tigertooth croaker (rashgu), white pomfret (halva sefid) and shoorideh (greasy-back croaker) are among the well-known species of the area. In recent years, the installation of navigational aids and equipment has improved the identification of high-risk areas for vessels.

To reach the Mathaf area, you must first travel to the port of Deyr in Bushehr Province. Because of its marine setting and submerged nature, it can only be reached by boat. However, Mathaf is not a suitable destination for recreational boating or for visits without a guide who knows the sea routes. The best time to travel to the nearby coasts is from Aban to Farvardin (roughly November to April), when the heat eases. Since Mathaf is considered one of the most dangerous areas for navigation in the Persian Gulf, visitors should avoid approaching it on their own by boat, swimming, or entering the shallow, sandy areas. Heeding marine warnings, using authorized routes and paying attention to tidal conditions are essential for safety.