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The sleepy town of Dahab (meaning gold in Arabic) sits at the foot of the rose hued Sinai
mountains about 100km north of Sharm El Sheikh. Once a simple Bedouin encampment it now boasts modern facilities and some new hotels but still retains its ethnic charm. Dahab sits on the Gulf of Aqaba and some of the deepest waters in the Red Sea are in the area, dropping in places to over 1800mts. It is here you will get the opportunity to sight a busy reef life just a few meters beyond the fringing reef.
BlueHole-ElBells
One of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea situated 12 km north of Dahab. The Blue Hole has an almost circular shape 150 meters wide and 110 meters deep and connects with the sea through a tunnel 26 meters long at a depth of 52 meters (for technical divers only). The best way to enjoy this dive site is by doing a drift dive starting at El Bells (situated 250 meters north) and finishing the dive in the Blue Hole. El Bells is a half open chimney that reaches a depth of 30 meters and have an arch at 26 meters. The wall is there magnificent. It is vertical and in part overhanging with a rich growth of black corals and elephant ear sponges and sea fans. In the deep blue, chance is to spot Yellowfin Tunas, Orangespotted Trevallies, school of Red Sea Fusiliers, and the resident Napoleon Wrasses.
By getting shallower and closer to the lip of the Blue Hole the attraction is also lying on the rich sloping reef. The saddle which allows the entrance to the inside of the Blue Hole is 7 meters deep only. Here is a beautiful coral garden teeming of life. The end of the dive will enable you to skirt around the inner walls of the Blue Hole where you could observe Octopus, many Starfishes and Scorpionfishes.
Rick'sReef
Situated on the north of the Canyon dive site, this is a perfect place to make a drift dive from this location toward the lagoon of the Canyon when a mild current is present. This is a very relax dive, excellent for photography. Octopus, Scorpionfishes, Morays, school of Red Sea Goatfishes fish and Fusiliers are always around on the sandy plateau patches with coral heads. The sandy bottom often hosts Bluespotted Stingray and amazing Napoleon Wrasses can always surprised you from the blue. The sloping coral garden stretches form the entry of the dive site to the fishbowl of the Canyon of beyond. A perfect location for the snorkelers as well who can follow the divers bubbles.
TheCanyon
This site takes its name from a long, narrow and very beautiful canyon created by an ancient volcanic activity. The huge fissure now overgrown with hard and soft corals runs north to south from the shallow reef just off shore to a depth of around 54 meters on the reef slope further out (ideal for technical divers).
Access to the site is through a shallow and sandy lagoon laying a few steps form the shore line. It is inhabited by a rich fauna comprising Butterflyfishes, Bluespine Unicornfishes, Cornetfishes and even juvenile Barracudas. On the most western point there is a saddle serving as an entry (and exit) point to the open sea and a coral garden. Among the large range of reef fish here, some notable residents include the Pufferfish, Snappers, Lyretail and Coral Grouper, Basslets and Red Sea Anthias.
The entry to the Canyon is done through it largest point at 22 meters. The progression through the Canyon is easy and the light effect caused by the sun rays is surreal.
The exit of the Canyon is done through a huge hard coral block with a man-sized opening in this coral hummock. The numerous small cracks of this coral block allow the air bubbles emitted by scuba divers to escape giving a fantastic touch to the scenery.
RasAbuHelal
Ras Abu Helal which means "Cape of the growing moon" is situated 3 km south of the Canyon. This extensive site features an inshore reeftop dropping steeply to a sandy lagoon of 10 meters maximum depth with a semicircular shape. This dive site features also at a depth of more than 30 m a small narrow canyon (for which the site is named as well) which lies beyond the scope of recreational diving. The surrounding coral garden throughout the site is excellent and fish life is equally diverse. Among the hundreds of reef species, notable residents are Unicorns, big Groupers, Triggerfishes, starry Puffers and Wrasses. Hawksbill turtles are also common here.
EelGarden
This dive site is named after the huge population of Garden Eels. These small creatures swaying in the gentle current stretch for food particles passing by and disappear gently when divers are coming close by. After swimming over the reef platform the entry of the dive site is through a small channel that leads to the main reef. The sandy bottom is home for the garden eels that come out and wave with the water and friendly Batfishes. The reef slope has got an excellent selection of coral growth with both stony and soft species and this colorful and shallow reef boasts large numbers of Lionfishes, Damsels, Parrots, Groupers, Scorpionfishes and plenty of Sand Gobies. The whole area is great for photography.
TheLighthouse
Located just off shore at the lighthouse of Dahab bay it features an extending sloping reef with a good range of depths which can suit all level of divers. Look out for Seamoth (Pegasus) and Schrimpfishes on the sandy slope as you step in the water. Large pinnacles, huge cabbage coral and coral heads extend out of the point reaching depth of more than 25 meters with a diverse fish life with Surgeon and Unicornfishes, Wrasses, Triggerfishes, Breams and Morays. The sloping coral wall and the coral garden at the northern part of the reef is very healthy and boast both hard and soft species of coral and host a varied fish life like Cornetfish, Angelfish, Goatfish and school of Common Bigeyes feeding from the mild current. It is home as well to Spanish dancers very popular among the photographers.
The shallow wall of the fringing reef plate, the gentle sloping reef and the abundance of marine life make the Lighthouse an excellent site for night diving.
Masbat
This dive site located in the heart of Dahab city is the ideal place to spot numerous Thorny Seahorses and Pipefishes on the very shallow ridge covered of sea grass and funnel weed.
Among the inhabitants of this ridge are the Peppered, Snow-flake and Undulated Morays, juvenile Scorpionfishes and sea urchins.
The field of sea grass which covered a wide part of the dive site serves as nursery grounds for many species of crustaceans and fishes and colorful Ascidians. At the southern tip of this pasture of the marine plants the reef margin is starting.
Large coral pinnacles and rich soft coral growth with beautiful Acropora will be found along the wall. Among the huge coral formation, there is a small swim-through at around 30 meters. You could find Potatoes Groupers, Giant Morays and Unicornfishes and school of Red Sea fusiliers during your dive.
TheIslands
The Islands dive site is a remarkable site for the richness and development of its hard coral reef which creates a real labyrinth to dive through. The landscape offers the opportunity to observe a large variety of Porites and Brain corals within the Island and Acropora table corals over the sandy plateau. Box fish and Crododile fish are part of the common representatives of reef fauna that can be seen through the three pools and the sand road that lead to the small immerged hard coral island that gave the site its name. A resident school of juvenile Barracudas and blue fin Trevallies are frequently spotted.
GoldenBlocks
Golden Blocks is a pleasant dive site with a nice variety of landscape. It has a mix of sandy areas and coral gardens with plenty of different species of soft coral like Leather corals, smooth Alcyonarians, Brocoli soft coral and Feather coral. The name of this dive site is due to the two impressive coral towers covered of Anthias where the dive begins. After a patch of seagrass, among the coral garden, there are three sandy alleys. The first one starts at 10 meter and drops down to 40 meter. The second slope is like a small canyon with an interesting coral head. At the third one, you will se an imposing Gorgonian Sea Fan at 20 meters. Red sea Bannerfishes, splendid Nudibranchs, delicate Anemones and white spotted Puffers animate this interesting reef. This site is perfect for photography with a surprising wealth of life that could be captured on pictures.
MorayGardens
This dive site is situated in a protected bay 30 min south of Dahab just between Golden Blocks and 3 Pools. The bay is always sheltered from the wind. This gentle dive condition makes it an easy and relax dive that can suit both beginners and experienced divers.
The dive starts with a sandy slope followed first by a coral formation which is a good place to look for Scorpionfishes and Anemonefishes and then by an extensive patch of sea grass where Hawksbill Turtles have been seen. There are beautiful table coral and coral garden at a depth of 25m where it is common to see the Red Sea Nembrotha (nudibranch).
Heading north takes you to an interesting reef with sandy alleys streaming down and a coral slope with a black coral at 30 meters. It is very common to dive with a shoal of Fusiliers around, to meet some Bluefin Trevallies, and see many Groupers and thousands of Basslet and Anthias. On the shallower part of the reef, there is an amazing coral garden with numerous table corals and colorful pinnacles. Look out for the Bluespotted Shield Slug and Network Pipefish.
Heading south from the entry point, swim over a huge hard coral garden and find a surprising glassfish pinnacle at about 22 m. This section of the reef is perfect to spot octopus. Coming on shallower depth a sandy road will take you back to the entry/exit point enjoying this living aquarium with Sergeant fishes, Cornetfishes and juvenile yellowfin Barraducas.
By the end of the dive the sandy slope is perfect for the safety stop and allows you to often see Seamoths in buddy pair and on the last shallow coral block an amazing Ornate Ghost Pipefish.
ThreePools
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The name of this dive site comes from the three real natural pools formed in the reef. These pools have a sea grass and sandy bottom no deeper than 4 meters. Look out for hidden Moses Sole on the sandy bottom. After passing the third pool here is the open sea with hard coral slope and sandy alley on your left. Cabbage corals, Porites and Brain Corals are part of the incredible coral garden. Good chance to encounter Triggerfishes, numerous Butterfly fishes and Puffers. It is a place where the snorkelers could also enjoy the beautiful underwater . |
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UmmSid
This dive site is situated between The Three Pools and Caves dive sites.
The entry follows a narrow sandy slope and the reef plates start on both side of it. On the right side a huge coral block starts from 15 meters and reach 5 meters depth and is covered of a good variety of soft and hard corals, Sponges and Damselfishes and Anthias.
The dive is done toward the north section. Following the sandy slope there is a small garden of Eels and a patch of sea grass with double-ended Pipefish. Along the reef plate, look out for Scorpionfishes and coral Groupers. The Red Sea fusiliers and Unicorns are very common here as well. Swimming over the sandy plateau, you will be surprised by the quantity and quality and sizes of the Acroporas (table coral). Soft corals like Alcynarians and yellow Broccoli covered numerous colorful pinnacles. Giant morays can be spotted among the different coral blocks.
The short wall is full of life with Goatfishes, Bigeye Emperors, Snappers, Butterflyfishes, Chromis, Anemonefishes, Cornetfishes, Red tooth Trigger. A very colorful dive.
TheCaves
This site is the last of the series of sites on the southern coast of Dahab before the Gabr El Bint National Park. It centers on two shallow and large open front caverns, deeply undercutting the reef table close to shore. They are well worth a visit: there are covered with soft corals, sponges and black corals and inhabited by a resident huge Pufferfish and the shy Peppered Morays. The dive along of the reef sections on both sides of the caverns is as interesting as the caves. Inlets and surf tubes lead onto the sloping body of the main reef where a large cover of hard and soft coral and lively population of reef and schooling fishes are present.
One day Camel dive safari
Ras Abu Galum
Different and important ecosystems are present in the protected area of Ras Abu Galum such as well developed coral, beautiful coastline bordered by high mountains. Ras Abu Galum can be reached by camels. The one day camel dive safari is the most popular and the best way to enjoy this famous dive location where two or even three dives can be done in summer. After reaching the Blue Hole by jeep, and loading the camels with the diving equipment, the camel ride will take you on a path along the fascinating rocky coast for an hour and a half. The dives will give you the opportunity to see a fantastic underwater landscape. On the North part of the coast after entering in a pool with sandy bottom, swim over the small ridge of coral and at about 6 meters a huge Madrepore tower with plenty of glassfish will be in front of you. Then a hard coral plateau with massive pore coral, beautiful table coral, Broccoli coral start will where Breams and Parrots and Angelfishes make their home.
On the south part of the dive site, the plateau gives place to a fantastic drop off with beautiful tower of coral on the top. Huge pufferfishes, school of Trevallies, Emperorfishes and Snappers are living here.
One day Camel dive safari
Gabr El Bint
Gabr El Bint means the "Tomb of the girl" and it is the southern dive site of Dahab. Part of the attraction of this site is the novelty of the commute- by camel loaded down with high-tech diving gear along the inaccessible coastline between Dahab and Nabeq.
The first dive is done to the north of a hard coral buttress that you can see from the shore. The underwater landscape is fantastic with a wall running around the north point of a curving bay and descending to more than 50 meters depth decorated with table corals, black coral. Within the bay, the wall begins at around depth of 8 to 20 meters and give life to shelters and small caves, it is of outstanding beauty.
The second dive is done south of the hard coral buttress. In shore, a large sandy lagoon dotted with coral heads lies just next to a hard coral buttress. It is an excellent place to spot Rays and numerous Crocodile fishes. The upper reef slope widens with a true forest of soft corals. It is exceptional and teeming of life. Beautiful Gorgonians and impressive Cabbage corals lie down between 12 and 30 meters.
This is one of the most unusual sites along the Sinai coast and well worth the journey.
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Nuweiba is about 185 km north of Sharm El Sheikh and nestles between the deep blue of the Gulf of Aqaba and the high desert mountains of the Sinai. Nuweiba is a quiet getaway famous for its magnificent beaches and offers easy access to the cultural sites of St Catherine's Monastery and Petra in Jordan, also just 80 km away to the north is the busy seaside resort of Eilat, Israel. The diving in the area runs from Devils Head and in the north to Abu Gallum in the south and is mainly accessed from the shore by jeep or even camel due to the lack of jetty facilities or safe anchorages for boats.
AbouLouLouHouseReef
The house reef lies just to the left of the jetty, off the hotels private beach. The main reef lies between 5 and 20 metres of depth, ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike, because of the concentration and diversity of the fish life present. Puffers, Morays, Groupers, Surgeonfish, Shrimps and crabs just to mention a few. A more appropriate name would be "Lion Fish City" as you spot easily more than 20 Lion Fish on any given dive! As darkness descends on Abou Lou Lou it becomes a "must" dive site.
M.F.O.
M.F.O. is an abbreviation for Multi-National Force and Observers.
The dive starts along two desalination pipes that were put there by the Israeli Army in the late seventies. Both pipes start at 5 metres and stretch out horizontally, sloping gradually down to 12 metres and 20 metres respectively. The pipes are around 5 metres apart and over the years have become overgrown with soft corals and small table corals. This has attracted an abundance of fish to shelter around the pipes.
A short swim north from the pipes we find the reef at a depth between 14 and 20 metres with a collection of small pinnacles, coral heads and masses of soft corals blanketing the bottom. The fish life is abundant with Jackfish, Grouper, Parrotfish and sometimes Leopard rays.
Sinkers
During the seventies the Israeli Navy decided to place a large mooring buoy just off the beach, but unfortunately the water was deeper than expected and they dropped the 25 meter chain in 35 metres of water. The buoy disappeared under the surface and since then it hangs suspended at a depth of 8 - 12 metres. Slowly circling the big chains, you can admire the wonderful coloured soft corals that cover the whole length up to the buoy. Continuously schools of blue fusilier fishes shoot up and down full speed as they are chased by jackfish. As you reach the buoy itself it's hard to focus on one thing because of the profusion of fish life including Glass Fish, Damsels and Banded Boxer Shrimps.
OutsideHilton
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Only 5 minutes by jeep from the hotel you will find one of the most beautiful reefs around. 40 metres from the beach the reef starts at a depth of 4 metres and descends slowly down to a depth of 28 metres. This area is blessed with large table corals and abundant fish life including Big-Eye, Angel Fish and Jacks. If you are very lucky, at certain times of the year it is possible to sight Frogfish here. The last minutes of the dive are at a depth of 4 to 5 metres enjoying the beautiful coral pinnacles whilst doing your safety stop. |
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ElMazeriq
The site is about 7 km south of Nuweiba. After a gentle shore entry through a break in the coral plate one sees rolling coral "hills" bottoming out in sandy bottomed "valleys". Beautiful hard corals form the hills, which you will swim over and around exploring the valleys at between 20 - 25 metres. At the end of the dive is a spectacular five meter high brain coral, affectionately named Brian's Brain.
RasElShetan-DevilsHead
North of Nuweiba, about 30 minutes drive, is one of the best known dive sites. This is a Bedouin Camp and we usually come here for a 2 tank dive outing. The southern side of the reef starts at 12 metres where we hit the reef plateau covered by an incredible variety of hard corals and drops down sharply to a depth of 40 metres in the canyon; it is the home of octopus, puffer fish and moon groupers. This scenery leaves fantastic memories.
After the surface interval we start the second dive on the northern side of the reef which reveals a completely different structure. Swimming straight out from where we set up the equipment we descend over a patch of sea grass and a beautiful coral garden looms in front of us. It is a coral garden full with colourful and healthy coral blocks. The table corals are impressive ranging in size from a few centimetres to 3 metres in diameter. Along with various other hard and soft corals it has often been likened to a "Japanese garden", home to many fish including the very brightly coloured Lemon Goby and the Blue Green Puller.
TheValley
20 minutes by car, north of Nuweiba we reach THE VALLEY; it is outside a Bedouin camp with 2 dive sites. On the first dive we head to the right and at about 12 metres we will find a coral garden which drops into a big Canyon with a max. depth of 35-40 metres. After a one hour surface interval we head for the second dive this time turning left, here also we find another Canyon with beautiful hard and soft corals. On our way back, in shallow water we will find on both dive sites a beautiful reef plate with stunning fire corals and an abundance of coral fishes.
ElMagana
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25 minutes by car towards Taba is El Magana, a site next to a very basic beach camp with 2 dive sites. The reef starts just 20 metres from the beach at a depth of 5 metres. Our first dive takes us to the left side along a wall where the reef drops to 35 metres. A break in the coral plate forms a canyon which we fin through at a depth of around 20-25m from where we head back through a coral garden to the exit. After a surface interval we commence the second dive heading right this time along the coral reef plate. This is a very similar site to the first with some |
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large fish and plenty of healthy corals. Both reefs are mainly hard corals and with a little bit of luck you can spot Napoleons, Barracudas and Seahorses.
Eid's Place (Hebeck)
This site is also located in the Ras Mamlach National park and offers a variety of hard corals and clouds of reef fish.
Ras Mamlach
Situated in the Abu Galum National Park, this is the highlight of a week's diving. It's a 1 ½ hour drive along the desert road by Jeep to get there but it's a worthwhile trip. The reef starts at about 12 m, with a beautiful coral garden and on to a steep wall that bottoms out at 70 m plus. Beautiful fan and table corals covered with soft corals and the intensive blue of the Gulf of Aqaba create a fantastic picture. The variety of the underwater life opens a new world; Barracudas, Jackfish, Groupers and much, much more. Two dives are not enough to see everything!
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The diving in the Sharm El Sheikh area runs from Ras Mohammed at the tip of the Sinai peninsula and runs north up the east coast to the Tiran Reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba. This area benefits from the shelter of the land and conditions are usually calm to moderate, unlike the western coast of Sinai which can get rough, as the winds blow down the length of the Gulf of Suez. Most of the diving is in the Ras Mohammed national park so do not touch the coral or feed the fish otherwise you may find yourselves with a ticket from the rangers. Where ever you dive around the Sinai you are in for some excitement, fantastic coral and great diving.
Jackson Reef
Most northerly of the reefs of Tiran and the northern limit of day boats from Sharm El Sheikh. The wreck of the "Lara" lies at the northern end. There is superb wall diving along its entire perimeter, with numerous buttresses and gullies. Sightings of sharks, turtles and other big fish are not uncommon and you will find a huge diversity of different corals and sponges as well as clouds of trigger fish, masked puffers and banner fish. At the point you may be lucky and spot a Hammerhead in summer.
Thomas Reef
Between Gordon and Woodhouse reefs, smaller round reef with walls plunging deep and fully covered with soft coral, gorgonians and colourful fish life. It is almost possible to circumnavigate this reef in one dive. The east wall plunges dramatically to great depths with a mass of brightly coloured soft corals. The west wall is darker with overhangs and caves but is a great drift dive with sightings of Trevally and Tuna in the blue and schooling reef fish close to the reef.
RasNasrani(9kmnorthofNaamaBay)
This site can be accessed by four wheel drive vehicle as well as boats. The reef drops from the shallow bays to a wall down to 60m+ with many caves and overhangs. The best diving is among the big coral heads (or ergs) in the shallow areas. A good spot for Spanish dancers and coneshells in the sandy gullies.
WhiteKnight
The reef wall drops away to a sandy plateau at about 13m, at the center is a gully with swim throughs at 10m and 35m. There is an eel garden to the north. This sheltered site is home for trigger fish, groupers and the occasional manta.
TheGardens(justnorthofNaamaBay)
Really three "gardens" near, middle and far. The most seaward of the gardens (far), is a colourful fringing reef with a slope to 25m and dotted with small "ergs" At the top of the drop off there is a few pinnacles frequently visited by pelagics. Glass fish caves are in the reef wall at 12m. "Near" garden is just a few minutes from Naama Bay and is a great spot for a night dive with a sandy ledge sloping away to 25m. Look out for flashlight fish at night and napoleons, blue spotted stingrays and the odd grey reef shark in daylight hours.
Paradise
Northern side of Ras Umm Sidd wall, fully decorated ergs rise from a gentle slope, home to schools of glass fish against a colourful background of soft corals.
RasUmmSidd
The south side of the headland offers a superb gorgonian forest on the drop off. The plateau is bursting with life and swarms of reef fish. The possibility of spotting whale shark or manta exists at the corner.
Temple
At the center of the Ras Umm Sid bay a huge coral pillar extends skywards, the reef wall drops to 15m. There are lots of pinnacles which are well worth exploring, this is a good spot to see octopus. The rest of the site is featureless and it is easy to get lost so don't forget your compass. Look out for Spanish Dancers, free swimming Moray Eels and other incredible life on a night dive here.
RasGhazlani
At the Northern Tip of Marsa Bareika, Ras Ghazalani rates as one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Ras Mohamed area. Having been closed to divers for many years, this site has an extraordinary array of beautiful table corals, glass fish covered pinnacles and an overall stunning landscape. Keep your eyes open for the huge Blackspotted Pufferfish, Malabar Groupers and the occasional Eagle Ray. A very gentle drift dive, this site makes a perfect end to your diving day.
RasZa'atar
Most northern dive of Ras Mohammed National Park, it is the southern entrance to the bay of Marsa Bareika. This is where the steep wall of Ras Mohammed, with caves and overhangs, meets the gentle slope of the bay of Marsa Bareika, and is scattered with colorful coral heads. Head north along the wall amongst big overhangs and dark gullies, the wall is swathed in sea fans, gorgonians and the odd sprig of black coral. Just before the corner look out for the chimney at 15m, home to malabar grouper. Look closer and find the cleaning stations with the wrasse and shrimp in attendance. Don't forget to check out the blue for schools of barracuda and jacks or the odd eagle ray cruising by.
JackfishAlley
The white patch on the cliff is a good marker for this site, usually done as a drift dive there are some interesting caves at 5m usually full of glass fish. As you move south you find two ergs again covered with glass fish, this is a great spot for photographers. Further south is a coral garden and the sandy gulley, which gives this site its name. Stingrays can be found resting in the sand as well as white tip sharks. In late summer beware of Titan trigger fish guarding their nests.
Ras Mohammed
Really several dive sites, Ras Mohammed has earned itself a reputation as one of the top diving areas in the world, here at the tip of the Sinai where the vast bodies of water, the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba meet has created an ecosystem like no other and wall diving is at its very best.
Shark Observatory
The site is not aptly named as it is not noted for its shark sightings, however, it is a fantastic dive. Beneath the towering cliffs that continue below the surface to disappear into the deep abyss the wall is covered with soft coral and honeycombed with numerous gullies and canyons that are home to hoards of glass fish and hatchet fish herded by red mouth grouper. An overhang, fringed with sea fans at 10m, is a great place to watch the Trevallies, Jacks and Turtles passing in the blue. At the southern end Anemone city is worth a visit.
Shark & Yolanda Reefs
Situated right at the tip of the Sinai this site is world renowned, the two small ergs are joined by a vertical wall dropping into the abyss. Start your dive at Shark reef and use the prevailing current to explore the wall abounding in multihued soft corals. At 30m large schools of barracuda and snappers gather in often-strong currents just off the wall. Swim through the schools to the outside as silky sharks usually gather there, but be careful not to lose your orientation to the wall. As you proceed toward Yolanda you will reach a plateau at 15-25m scattered with small ergs and coral outcrops where stone fish and scorpion fish wait for a meal. Continuing round the reef you will come upon the scattered remains of the wreck of the 'Yolanda' complete with its cargo of toilets and baths. The whole of this area is big fish territory so keep an eye on the blue for the action with tuna, bluefish, and the occasional hammerhead. Ensure your dive guide gives you a thorough briefing as the currents here can be strong and complicated. |
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The area around Safaga has some great diving close to the mainland as well as offshore in the areas of Panorama Reef, Middle Reef and Abu Kafan. Some divers say these equal the great sites of Ras Mohammed and Careless Reef. The whole area is protected and the same rules apply as elsewhere so please follow them.
TheFirewall
Initial drop past a teeming reef wall to a sandy plateau at 10 meters then a gentle slope to 15 meters before falling away to 30 meters plus. The reef boasts a variety of coral growth and lots of schooling fish such as fusilier and goat fish as well as the ubiquitous lionfish. On the plateau are clusters of smaller coral heads that are home for anemones and clown fish, and the otherwise rare yellow mouth moray eel. Encounters with big stingrays such as feather tail rays and also eagle rays are common.
Sha'abChrista Outer reef with an amazing coral garden including large table and stag horn corals. Lion fish, blue spotted stingrays, Napoleon fish and moray eels are commonly encountered and schools of fusilier and banner fish add to the colourful scene. Turtles and the rare thorny sting ray can be found here, too.
ArukUmmLaila A group of large and many smaller coral blocks (ergs), surrounded by sea grass.
The hard corals are stunning and the smaller ergs adjacent to the main reef offer the blazing colour of soft corals. Plenty of goat fish surround the main reef and schools of fusilier sweep between the Ergs. Jewel grouper, sweet lips and all kinds of butterfly fish complete the scene.
TheForbiddenReef(Sha'abMamnouh)
Large reef accompanied by Ergs. Next to the reef the depth is 10 meters and further out the sea bed slopes to 30 meters and is covered with bizarrely shaped coral blocks. This site is very rich in fish life, particularly schools of fusiliers, large jacks and barracuda. A group of dolphins also frequently visits this dive site.
This dive can be done as a mooring or as a drift dive and is suitable for all levels.
Sha'abKarmi
This shallow dive site offers perfect light for the photographer. On the main reef Scorpion fish, octopus, Moray eels and Arabian angelfish are the residents. A beautiful coral garden leads to an isolated coral block that is covered with cave sweepers, sergeant majors and anthias galore.
Sha'abOlga The coral garden of this dive site brings to mind the Japanese gardens with their multitude of colours and shapes. Walls of hard coral with pristine stag horn and brain corals alter with small sandy valleys that are home for stingrays and giant puffer fish.
Ferrywreck"ElArishElTor"
The Norwegian ferry went down in 2002 and came to rest on her port side. The wreck starts at 15 meters and continues down to 38 meters.
Rich fish life and soft coral growth especially at the propellers and the remains of shaded seating areas on deck make his wreck equally rewarding for "wreckies" and photographers. The paraphernalia of the wreck, life jackets, fire hoses etc are still visible - none of them was needed as the ship sunk slowly at anchor - unmanned.
A big school of yellow tail barracuda is resident on this wreck and Indian mackerel often hunt around it and pipefish swarm over the deck.
Sha'abAttallah This reef is situated on a plateau with large areas of sea grass around it.
Watch out for the big colonies of Magnificent Sea Anemones with hundreds of clown fishes. Green turtle and schools of Bat fish are some of the highlights of this dive.
Sha'abSaiman Hard coral reef running parallel to the shore, separated by a narrow, sandy canyon, rises from 20-30m to 2m below the surface. Large schools of snapper, goatfish, fusiliers circle over the plateau and look out for the occasional white tip reef shark and turtle. Hard coral formations second to none in the Red Sea.
RasAbuSoma
Fringing reef sloping gently to the drop off offers numerous quality dive sites, including the ever popular Emperor Divers House Reef. Schooling reef fish, exhibitionist octopus and resident morays, stonefish and turtles are included in the reef's attractions. Sightings of eagle rays are not uncommon and easy access from the dive centre to the water via the purpose built jetty makes this one of our most popular sites!
TobiaArba'a
Also named the 'seven pillars' (although the Arabic name means 4!), these ergs rise from a sandy bottom and display a fascinating landscape of soft corals, glass fish and gorgonians. Giant puffer fish, blue spotted rays and octopus as well as the ubiquitous lionfish compete for attention with the local Napoleon wrasse.
TobiaKebir
Large oblong reef with a chain of ergs stretching southwards. Emerging from a shallow sandy bottom this site offers interesting diving with schooling fish, morays and groupers and many broomtail wrasse. A dive site for all levels and interests.
TobiaSoraya
South of Tobia Kebir, run a chain of pinnacles forming a Y shape. Stingrays, trigger fish and big shoals of banner fish with gorgonians and acroporas in the background are a good build up to the swim throughs and canyons between the ergs, which this site offers.
GamulSoraya
Very colourful dive with hovering sweetlip shoals, bannerfish and butterflyfish. Garden eels can be seen at 14m on the south side of the main reef and blue spotted sting rays and scorpion fish abound. The hard coral gardens in the shallows are stunning and the smaller ergs adjacent to the main reef offer the colour of soft corals and a good chance of seeing crocodile fish.
PanoramaReef
One of the highlights of the area. Huge coral formations with walls dropping to over 200m. Numerous grottos and overhangs, gorgonians and soft corals. Jacks, barracudas and reef sharks often visit the area. Panorama is also the home of Anemone City, ranging from 14m up to 5m over 40 Magnificent anemones offer homes to hundreds of feisty clownfish. A stunning spot for your safety stop! The north plateau is a stunning array of purple soft corals and a south bound current offers a thrilling drift!
MiddleReef
Northerly reef face slopes to 30m, then plummets vertically to much greater depths. Hard coral gardens on the east and west corners with acroporas, brain and salad coral. Fun dive on the south side through the shallow labyrinth of caves, tunnels and passages. Groupers, puffers and sweetlips.
UmmHalHal
Two small pinnacles covered in pristine hard and soft corals rising from 20 m depth. Often strong currents so a rare treat if conditions allow.
FellowRocks
Two coral mountains rising from 25m to 3m below the surface. Seldom dived due to exposure to bad weather conditions on the surface and the strong currents under the water.
AbuKafan
Possibly the best dive in Safaga, a 300m long, narrow barrier features a 'plateau' in both north and south extremes, teeming with anthias and soft corals. Superb wall diving dropping off to over 300m with overhangs covered in soft and black coral and giant gorgonians. Frequent sightings of jacks, tuna, barracuda, reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead.
Sha'abSheer/WreckofAlKhafein
A horse shoe shaped reef creates a shallow lagoon on its south side and hard coral gardens on both its east and west extremes. Porites, acroporas and fire coral in huge and splendid formations with schooling jack, snapper and tuna fish. Reef fish such as bannerfish and butterfly fish are plentiful and the occasional larger pelagic is sighted. Since November 2005 Sha'ab Sheer has become the resting place for the wreck of the Al Khafein which drifted into the north side of the reef after a fire in the engine room caused the crew to abandon ship.
WreckoftheSalemExpress
A Ferry carrying pilgrims returning from Mecca, sank in 1991 after hitting the reef at night. 300 victims perished in one of the greatest marine tragedies of all time. Divers are asked to dive the wreck considerately with respect for the great loss of life and penetration of the wreck is forbidden. The propellers make an impressive sight and the covering of hard corals now colonising the wreck show the power of the ocean to make new life out of this tragedy. Fish life is now abundant and the funnels of the wreck with large "S" and the name on the bow are clearly visible. The site is reasonably sheltered and is not exposed to strong current and can be dived at all levels from 12m to 30m.
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The offshore islands in this area have recently been reopened for diving after a long closure by the Egyptian Government and have been designated as a Marine Park. Now suitable moorings are installed for dive boats visiting this area. The Brothers are really the tops of two undersea mountains these islands rise from the depths, the coral clad walls do offer outstanding diving with plenty of big fish action due to there remote location some 80km offshore.
AbuDabab
A collection of 7 reefs. Offers sheltered diving in rough weather conditions. Popular overnight location due to close proximity to the famous Elphinstone reef with a very good chance to see Spanish dancers on the night dive. Many swim throughs and caves. Often sightings of reef sharks on the southern outer reefs.
ElphinstoneReef
The sheer walls of this great reef plunge steeply into the blue, richly decorated with soft corals, sponges, gorgonians and fans. Sharks often swim by the spot to feed on the abundant reef fish population. The northern plateau is home to schooling hammerheads with frequent sightings of oceanic white tip sharks.
ShabSamadai-DolphinHouse
A horseshoe shaped reef creates a shallow turquoise water lagoon where a large school of spinner dolphins can often be seen. Several dives are found on its outer walls. The western tip provides a large group of pinnacles rising to the surface from a carpet of seagrass, populated by schools of reef fish.
Daedalus Reef
A huge round reef with a lighthouse more than 40 miles away from the coast, features an excellent opportunity for spotting big pelagics including manta rays. All around its steep walls you will see an extreme variety of fish and coral. Good chance to see schooling hammerheads on the northern point. Strong currents possible.
Abu Galawa Soraya
The northern edge of the 'Fury Shoal' group, this reef has a fantastic hard coral garden, and a wreck of a private sailing boat on the western side which is packed with glassfish.
Shaab Claude
Famous for its large labyrinths of swim throughs. Huge porite corals and a resident napoleon. Often white tip reef sharks and a very nice anemone and clownfish settlement on a small pinnacle a little off the reef to the south.
Zabargad
Enormous mountain coming out of the water surrounded by a lagoon and circling reef. A couple of wrecks and some decent diving with a great variety of both corals and reef fish.
Rocky Island
Tiny rock emerging a few feet out of the water, it offers one of the most incredible underwater scenarios of the whole Red Sea. Steep walls falling into the deep blue, currents, soft corals and a great abundance of pelagics and all kinds of fish.
St Johns Reef
This incredibly beautiful reef lies Approx. 40km North of the Sudanese border and 20km south of Zabargad . The reef covers a huge area and many dives would be needed to explore the numerous coral heads and islands that make up this extensive area.
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The area either side of the Straits of Gubal is mainly the preserve of liveaboards. Flanked in the west by the islands of Gubal and Shedwan and in the east by the reef systems of Shab Ali and Shab Mahmoud, it is normally well beyond the day boat range of either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. However, some boats do make the day trip from Sharm to reach the world famous wreck of the Thistlegorm, taking approximately 12-14 hours in total. Crossing the straits can be rough and sometimes downright impossible in all but the largest ships. The areas around Shedwan Island are closed to diving as this is a military area.
ShabElErg
The most northerly site for day boats out of Hurghada. A huge horseshoe shaped reef offering many dive sites on all sides. The north point can be home to Mantas in season. The lagoon is dotted with ergs and is renowned for sightings of the resident dolphin community, divers have previously spent up to 30 minutes with dolphins here.
GotaShabElErg
Nearby is a little known site but well worth a visit. The whole area teems with life, unicorns, scorpion fish, groupers, morays, emperor angel fish, blue spotted rays and underneath the table corals look out for white tips resting in the sand. In the sandy channel between the main reef and the gota you will find cone shells, and flatfish.
ShabAbuNugar
This “T” shaped reef has a shallow plateau to the west with numerous small ergs and two small sub reefs Gota Abu Nigar and Shab Iris. Some parts of this reef system are positively dull while others are stunning. If you can dive the stem of the “T” on the north side you will find three small ergs and the diving there is almost virginal. You will find broom tail wrasse here as well as parrot fish and unicorn fish.
UmmGammar
This offshore Island is surrounded by good diving on all sides. The south end has a shallow plateau where the moorings are positioned, this location is the most used. For first timers at Umm Gamar the dive will take place from the plateau, moving eastwards to the drop off then north along the wall. After a short swim against the current you reach three pinnacles close together, chimneys reach through the pinnacles toward the surface. After exploring this area you take advantage of the light current to drift back to the corner of the plateau where three small ergs are found, covered in glass fish. Finish the dive on the plateau exploring the numerous coral heads and reef fish. The plateau is home to Napoleons, Emperor Angels and free swimming Morays. The east and west side have awesome drift dives and the northern tip or "halg" has a magnificent coral garden but is only accessible in very good weather. Big groupers and lots of sweepers live in the multiple caves found along the eastern and western walls and drop offs of this tiny island's fringing reef.
ShaabRuhrUmmGamar
Literally the reef of Umm Gamar, this reef lies 1km south of Umm Gamar and is the tip of an undersea mountain. The reef wall drops to around 15m on the west side, and is peppered with many caves and overhangs, home for sweepers and glass fish, here the sandy plateau slopes away gently to 30m with the drop off beyond. On the east side the slope is much steeper and drops quickly to the depths, the diving here is superb and can be most often done as a drift. This whole area offers superb wall diving with possibilities of encountering grey reef sharks and good-sized groupers as well as morays, big tuna, and blue spotted rays. On the south east slope lies the wreck of an Egyptian patrol boat which is well worth a visit.
CarelessReef
An offshore reef Careless has two large ergs rising from a shallow plateau surrounded by sheer walls rising from the deep. The area is unprotected and the reef can only be reached in good weather. The current at the surface is usually from the north but below it can come from any direction. To the north, the drop off is a forest of coral and to the south the plateau slopes gently away with small pinnacles of coral. The whole area swarms with fish of all types, there are numerous giant morays encountered here, white tip reef sharks and schooling reef fish as well as huge groupers and the occasional hammerhead in the early morning.
TorfaFanus(East)
This narrow reef creates a huge calm lagoon, a great place to stop for lunch and catch the sun before the second dive of the day. The lagoon itself and the enclosing reef wall is relatively uninteresting and naturally lifeless but on the seaward side the area bursts with all manner of sea creatures. Swim through the gap between the first erg and the reef wall and head across the coral garden to the second erg, home to hordes of glass fish and the very occasional frog fish. Continue with the reef wall on your left to see the gorgonians on the corner of the reef where it turns west, if you have enough air continue along the north face where the corals are pristine, if not return with the reef on your right and explore the first erg before returning to the boat. Dolphins are often encountered anywhere around this reef so keep an eye out.
FanusWest
The other end (west) of the Fanus reef has two main ergs and several smaller pinnacles off its western end. You can follow the reef wall round and explore the reef face and coral gardens which is full of marauding jacks. Or if you feel energetic you can swim the 50m to the furthest erg which is well worth a visit, explore the remaining erg and pinnacles on the way back. Again watch out for dolphins at anytime during the dive as they can be frequent visitors.
WreckoftheElMinya(HarbourWreck)
An Egyptian minesweeper sunk by Israeli fighters while lying at anchor in 1969, this wreck lies in 30m on a rock sea bed. The current here can be strong from the north and the visibility poor. There is a large debris field which contains a lot of 'LIVE" munitions, worth a look, but carefully. The wreck is only 70m long so there is plenty of time to explore everything including the blast hole on the starboard side, which can be penetrated. Penetration is not recommended elsewhere on this wreck. There is not much in the way of coral growth on the wreck but it does have its resident fish life. The blast hole gives shelter to shoals of glassfish and a lone anemone and resident clownfish are also in this area. Above the wreck are shoals of jacks and small barracuda.
UmmDom(StoneyBeach)
Here the steep cliff of the north east side of Giftun Kebira island plunges into the depths and continues into the abyss, the reef wall drops to about 12m and then there is a steep, tumbling slope to the top of the drop off at about 27m. Most of the life here is above 15m as the lower slope and top of the drop off are sometimes swept by strong currents coming through the straits, stunting the growth of the coral and giving a lunar appearance. Half way down the slope you will find a lettuce leaf coral, in the blue you will find fusiliers, and triggers along with maybe sharks and turtles. At the top of the slope you will find morays, scorpion fish, barracuda and clouds of antheas. Whale sharks have been spotted at this site on occasions.
ShabSabrina
The reef here pokes out from the eastern side of Giftun Kebira island and has a coral garden extending 300-400m north of it. The best way to dive this site is on the drift, dropping 300m out and using the gentle current to make your way back to the boat mooring. This area is known for its beautiful coral landscape rather than its fish life.
Small Giftun
With the current carrying you, this dive is a relaxing exploration along a magnificent wall, where you can 'fly over' extensive stretches of large fan corals and if you look out into the blue it's not uncommon to see large tunas and trevallies. The dive leads to a sandy plateau dotted with numerous coral formations. Here it is common to see turtles, moray eels, crocodilefish and spotted stingrays, as well as schooling fusiliers and goatfish. Often done as a drift dive but can also be done as a normal dive where the boat is moored up. An excellent site for technical diving and courses.
Abu Ramada Island
Really two small islands surrounded by a single reef. Good drift dive along the steep eastern wall, with big fan corals, overhangs and swim throughs. Big groupers.
Gota Abu Ramada
This area is commonly known as 'the Aquarium' due to the wealth of marine life. There is an abundance of hard and soft coral and schools of butterfly fish, banner fish, snappers and goatfish are found swimming around the mountains of coral gardens. You will find that dives at Gota will make you feel like you are swimming in a marvelous natural fish tank!
El Aruk Gigi
A cluster of a seven ergs laying in 10m - 15m of water. The whole area is home to sweetlips under the ledges, blue spotted sting rays in the sandy patches and glassfish and anthia fish swarm on the erg wall. One erg to note is the split erg, which has a grotto through it filled with glassfish, attendant red mouth grouper and numerous lionfish.
Ras Disha
The fringing reef, which surrounds this cape, offers a good shallow dive on the hard coral garden found north of the lighthouse with schooling barracuda, napoleon fish and groupers. Garden eels.
Abu Hashish
A shallow erg field lays on the south side of the island where lots of blue spotted stingrays, puffer fishes and morays are found swimming through a pinnacle landscape. A dramatic drift dive can be made along the eastern wall with the chance to see big fish out in the blue.
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| Egypt - El Queseir and Brothers |
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The offshore islands in this area have recently been reopened for diving after a long closure by the Egyptian Government and have been designated as a Marine Park. Now suitable moorings are installed for dive boats visiting this area. The Brothers are really the tops of two undersea mountains, these islands rise from the depths and the coral clad walls offer outstanding diving with plenty of big fish action due to their remote location some 80km offshore.
BigBrother
The northerly of the two islands and has a small lighthouse. It has two wrecks laying on its walls. At the northern most tip of the island lays a large freighter named the Namibia, the other is the Aida II, an Egyptian supply vessel that struck at night. There is excellent wall diving all along the southern side of the reef with strong currents promoting the growth of a spectacular forest of soft corals. Frequent sightings of big pelagics and an astonishing variety of marine life.
LittleBrother
This island is the smaller of the two as the name implies. At the northern end is a long tongue of reef that extends seaward and in good weather it is possible to drop in here and drift. The current runs from east to west and here sharks may be seen cruising. On the south east side is a superb fan coral forest but it is deep and starts at 35m, there are also plenty of caves, overhangs, black coral, and lots of pelagics including sharks, tuna, barracuda, turtles and schools of reef fish. As you round the southern corner the slope gives way to a vertical wall where you can catch a glimpse of a silver tip shark. In summer thresher sharks are seen here, in October grey reef sharks gather to mate and divers have also reported schooling hammerheads and groups of sailfish in this area. Before you know it your computer will tell you it time to head back to the boat having had the most spectacular diving.
QueiReefs
Four reefs and a number of pinnacles lying in close proximity. Unfortunately these reefs are quite badly damaged by the crown of thorns starfish in places, but still offer some interesting diving. Often sightings of reef sharks and sometimes a passing eagle ray.
QueseirElQadim
The bay where the Swiss hotel ‘Movenpick’ has been built is a natural harbour used previously in Roman times. Amphoras can still be seen between the hard corals at different depths. Large schools of fish, stingrays and turtle.
ErgEsel
Big blocks of mountain coral surrounding a small flat-topped reef can be circumnavigated in one dive. Clouds of goldfish engulf the reef and swimming through the sandy patches surrounding the reef white tip sharks may be found sleeping as well as turtles and barracuda’s.
MangroveBay
Mangrove Bay Hotel’ has been recently built next to this natural harbour, which offers a good dive on the northern corner of the fringing reef with a hard coral garden sloping gently to the deep. Large schools of unicorns, snappers, surgeons, fusiliers and barracudas.
Sharm El Quibli
Bay on the coast offers some decent diving on its northern corner, with a sloping reef covered in acroporas, fire coral and other hard corals. Lots of groupers.
Marsa Wizri
Another bay on the coast, the fringing houses large schools of yellow goat fish, unicorns, barracuda’s and other reef fish species on both north and south outer extremes.
Habili Sheik Malek
Less than one mile away from the Tomb-Mosque on the coast, a little reef formation creates a labyrinth of hard corals, fire and huge tables where lots of fish often concentrate. Napoleon, barracuda’s and eagle ray.
Ras Torombi
Shallow dive around the northern most tip of the cape’s fringing reef, a great deal of fire coral, giant table corals scattered over a sandy bottom. Snappers, butterflies, rays and guitar sharks.
Ras Shouna
Bay on the coast with good dives on the north and south side. Schools of bat fish, barracuda’s and goat fish around the coral heads with glass fish which come out from the slope.
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