The Farasan Islands archipelago was declared a marine reserve in 1996. It covers an area of approximately 3,310 square kilometers and includes 84 islands and 18 shallow waters. It is also filled with pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters and dense mangrove forests, and was created with the aim of protecting the biodiversity of the islands. It is home to a variety of rare birds and about 231 different species of fish, endangered hawksbill turtles, dugongs, lobsters, manta rays, three species of dolphins and whale sharks.