Shib Deraz Beach (Shibderaz): Hawksbill Turtle Nesting
Shib Deraz (Shibderaz) is a village on the south of Qeshm Island, and its beach is one of the places where hawksbill turtles return to nest. It is both a natural site and a good example of local conservation, so the visit calls for care and respect. Seeing a turtle is never guaranteed, and if you do, watch from a distance without disturbing it.
Type: Nature and geology · Area: South of the island
Where Shib Deraz is
Shib Deraz lies on the south of Qeshm by the sea. Public sources describe it as the island's closest point to Hengam, which is why many travellers board Hengam boats from this area.
The nesting beach is listed as a geosite of the Qeshm Geopark (Turtles Nesting Beach), and a 60-hectare area is registered as a national natural landmark.
The hawksbill turtle
The species here is the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), named for its narrow, hooked beak. Globally it is classed as critically endangered, which is why every nest matters.
Females come ashore at night, dig a pit in the sand and, according to published sources, lay roughly 40 to 150 eggs per nesting. They cover the pit and return to the sea.
Nesting season and hatchlings
The nesting season is usually given as late February to late May (late Esfand to the end of Ordibehesht in the Persian calendar), and some news reports extend it to June. Hatchlings emerge after several weeks, with reports of emergence from early June to mid-July.
These dates are approximate and depend on temperature and the year. Ask your tour, local host or the regional environment office about the current situation before going. A sighting cannot be promised.
Local protection
According to Persian Wikipedia, the Qeshm Free Zone Organization has run an egg-protection programme since 2002 with local young people called the Natouran Khamis (turtle guardians). The group protects nests from threats such as predators and heavy foot traffic.
The programme shows that conservation depends on the community. If you visit, cooperate with officials and local guides and do not make their work harder.
How to visit responsibly
During nesting avoid torchlight and flash, keep quiet and stay away from females and pits. Touching or lifting hatchlings is not allowed, even for a photo.
If you do not see a turtle the trip is still worthwhile: the beach, the sea, the village and learning about the conservation work are part of the experience.
It is best to go to the beach with an authorised guide. For tours and boat bookings to Hengam from this area, see Qeshm Off.
How to get there
Shib Deraz is on the south of the island and reachable from Qeshm City by car or transfer. Ask your host or transfer for the current route and time, as these vary.
If you are heading to Hengam, boats can be arranged from this area; book on Qeshm Off.
Do not wander the beach without a guide or arrangement; it is part of protected habitat.
Best time to visit
For nesting, think of roughly late February to May, possibly into June.
For hatchlings, reports mention early June to mid-July; the window is approximate.
Turtle activity is mainly at night, so plan clothing and a safe way back.
Ask about the current year before you go; a sighting is never guaranteed.
Visiting tips
- Avoid white light and flash; if you need a light, keep it dim and pointed at the ground.
- Do not touch nests or hatchlings and keep out of their path to the sea.
- Take all rubbish, especially plastic, away with you.
- Follow local guides and beach officials.
- Arrange Hengam boats in advance and check sea conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Shib Deraz and why is it known?
A village on southern Qeshm whose beach is a hawksbill turtle nesting site, listed as a Qeshm Geopark geosite and partly registered as a national natural landmark.
When is the nesting season?
Roughly late February to the end of May according to sources, with some reports to June. Hatchlings have been reported from early June to mid-July. These are approximate.
Is seeing a turtle guaranteed?
No. This is wildlife, not a show; you may see nothing even in season.
Can I hold a hatchling?
No. Handling harms them and goes against conservation rules. Watch from a distance and follow local guidance.
Do boats to Hengam leave from Shib Deraz?
The village is described as the island's closest point to Hengam and boats from this area are common. Book and coordinate on Qeshm Off.