33°04′19″N35°05′40″E / 33.07194°N 35.09444°E / 33.07194; 35.09444
The Rosh HaNikra Islands (Hebrew: איי ראש הנקרה, Iye Rosh Hanikra) are a group of three Israeliislands in the Mediterranean Sea, named Shahaf, Nahalieli and T'chelet. The islands are located approximately 800 meters offshore, near Rosh HaNikra. These islands are a single geological unit with the Achziv Islands, that are further south.
The depth of the sea water around them is approximately between 7 and 9 meters. The Rosh HaNikra Islands are characterized by many natural pools that provide a natural habitat for various life forms.
The Rosh HaNikra Islands are a part of a natural reserve, and visiting the islands is prohibited. These islands are the only place in Israel where certain rare birds nest: the white wagtail, the European herring gull, and the common tern. The waters surrounding the islands contain a rich variety of marine life.
In ancient days, the islands had a certain economic and commercial significance as they were a natural habitat for the sea snail from which Tyrian purple dye was produced.[citation needed]
