MANAMA: A group of tourists out on a snorkelling trip off the Al Dar Islands yesterday found a large pearl, which they claim could be worth hundreds of dinars.

It was found by Island manager Mohammed Slaise on a pearl collecting trip run by Al Dar Islands.

"We have been going out with tourists for the last few years and have found some pearls," he told the GDN. "However, we have never found something so beautiful and big."

He said the six-carat pearl was of the 'tambool' variety.

"We have decided to present this find to our resort's owner, Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa," he said.

The group of six Bahrainis were snorkel diving to the north east of Al Dar island itself. The pearl which is of 'Dana' size is yet to be valued.

The grandfather of one of the members, who belongs to Thawadi family, is said to have found the biggest pearl ever in Bahrain.

Pearl collecting is one of the many activities on offer on the island.