Dive Sites

Depth: 10-40 M

Cave,Deep dive,Offshore Reef

Canyon is one of the most popular dive sites in Dahab and an essential dive for all fanatics of caves and cavern diving. The Canyon is itself quite a phenomenon. Up to 10 meters high and virtually closed over at the top, it snakes its way up from the depths, to emerge in a large glassfish filled coral dome. After the shore entry, you cross a sandy lagoon that opens onto a gently sloping reef marked with coral heads. The amazing canyon soon comes into view. It has three main openings. At about 12m is the fishbowl This leads out to beautiful coral gardens inhabited by Butterflyfishes, Unicornfishes, Octopus, Pufferfish and of course Red Sea Anthias,
Deepest of all is a narrow exit at 52-54m. In between these openings the walls have grown together to virtually close over the top of the canyon, forming a tunnel. From the top it has the appearance of the fluted mouth of a clam shell. Technical Divers can follow the Canyon all the way through to the exit where it spits you out at 54m, then continue dropping down to 'Neptune's Chair' - looks like a giant throne made of rock at 73m.

Depth: 10-40 M

Deep dive,Reef wall,Offshore Reef

The entry point “Bells” is a small crack in the reef-table that continues under water like a chimney down to 28 m and can be exited at any depth. turn to the right dive along a fantastic wall with loads of coral overhangs surrounded by the full variety of Red Sea fish, for Technical Divers The Blue Hole itself is literally a hole in the reef that is around 56 meters wide and its max depth is from 90 to 120 meters. The most important feature of the Blue Hole is the archway, which is located at 56 meters and exits into the bottomless open sea

Depth: 17 - 27 M

Deep dive,Reef garden,Reef,Drop off ,dolphins

This is a huge horseshoe shaped reef located north of Hurghada, with the open end of the horseshoe facing due south. Can be a challenging dive when the weather conditions are up. There is a sandy bottom at 12 metres that gently drops down to a coral garden. Imagine this amazing sight. You are diving at Shaab El Erg and suddenly a group of dolphins, in perfect formation, is heading your way and the dolphins are passing by a few times, curious as they are. Wouldn’t this be a lifetime experience? This is a favorite meeting point for dolphin of the area and it is common to have a school joining the dive.

Depth: 10 - 25 M

Drift dive,Reef,Island,dolphins,Corals Pinnacles,Platform

A long-isolated reef formed by an underwater mountain near the island having the same name. With plateau on the south, at a depth of 14 to 24 meters a beautiful coral garden where regularly spot a turtle, batfish, moray eel and also Napoleon fish. On the way to the drop-off encountering amazing coral towers, full of aquamarine life,

Depth: 20 - 40 M

Big fish,Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef wall,Drop off ,Platform

Underwater mountain, submerging at the surface surrounded by good diving on all sides. Plateau with lots of coral patches. The north side provides very nice drift dives, it’s best to begin at the plateau, moving eastwards to the drop off then north along the wall. After a short swim against the current reach three pinnacles close together, chimneys reach through the pinnacles toward the surface.

Depth: 9 -18 M

Drift dive,Shallow,Reef,dolphins

Lighthouse in the Arabic language.
Fanous west pass through canal before reaching a sandy lagoon with several small coral pinnacles where unexpected small inhabitants can be spotted. Reaching the northern edge of the lagoon, toward an erg covered with hard corals a place where dolphins stop regularly
Fanous East, there is a large lagoon surrounded by a small strip of the reef. On the east end, the reef is split from the mainland by a wide channel where discover a beautiful coral garden with 3 colorful pinnacles.

Depth: 12 - 40 M

Drift dive,Reef

Considered to be the longest reef, suitable for all levels of divers. Stretching in almost a straight line towards the north. At this dive site 2 dives can be made: one at Fanadir South and the other one at Fanadir North.
Fanadir North consists of a reef wall of 10 meters. Along the reef is a sandy plateau of 15 meters width and leading to a drop off that can reach 40 meters deep.
Fanadir South consists of a reef wall going from 10 to 15 meters deep. A sandy plateau of 30 meters width is leading to another steep wall reaching 40 meters deep. Nice plateau with small coral formations filled with glassfish, frogfish and shrimps.

Depth: 9 - 14 M

Drift dive,Reef garden,Shallow,Reef,dolphins,coral garden

Starts at the mooring point where 2 coral towers arise from the sandy bottom with coral heads covered with soft corals, hard corals, and beautiful table corals are scattered around as in a garden.
Often spot large schools of Fusiliers in the open water. The depth here at the dive site is between 10 and 14 meters. Reach the west end of the reef. The south side of the reef is almost a straight wall while the north is divided by a crack. Lots of small caves and overhangs,

Depth: 20 - 32 M

Deep dive,Wreck

Sank 30 years stories telling of its demise are wide and varied. There are articles claiming it was sunk as early as 1969 through to 1972,
This Russian built T-430 mine sweeper had a length of 58metres weighing in at 580 tons. While at anchor in the Abou Minkar channel in Hurghada it was attacked by a squadron of Israeli fighters on 6 Feb 1970. The Egyptian crew fought the fighters who returned several times after refueling. After many attempts to provide the minesweeper with ammunition its guns became silent. It was struck by a bomb and sank below the surface but resurfaced as the fighter jets were turning back home. The fighters attacked again and this time the minesweeper sank for good.
She lies on her starboard on the sea bed at 30m with her port side at only 18m; she is intact except for a hole in her portside.

Depth: 10-40 M

Deep dive,Reef garden,Reef,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles

Searching for hammerheads or tiger sharks on the outside of Jackson Reef in the blue. Dusk is a good time to go. This is the northern most visited reef in Tiran and is well known for the Cypriot merchant ship “The Lara” which sank here in 1985, some remains of the wreckage can still be seen on the top of the reef plate.
Diving here is usually on the southern side which is sheltered from the wind and waves. The reef wall descends steeply to the sandy floor at approx 50 metres. Going westwards you will see a splendid red anemone at a depth of 28 meters followed by spectacular gorgonian fan corals. Ascending up to 15 meters on the southwest corner of Jackson you will pass over the most spectacular, colorful coral garden. It is common to see turtles feeding on this spectacular coral.

Depth: 20-40 M

Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef garden,Reef wall,Reef

Between Gordon and Woodhouse reefs, lays the smallest reef in the straits of Tiran. A spectacular drift dive drifting rich wall in multicolored coral descending to a sandy plateau at 25 meters it is almost possible to circumnavigate this reef in one dive. The east wall plunges dramatically to great depths with Impressive gorgonian fan corals home to the long nosed hawk fish and colonies of black coral. This dive site is famous amongst the technical divers for the striking canyon which opens out at a depth of 35 meters and runs parallel to the reef plate.
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.

Depth: 10-40 M

Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef wall,Reef

Located between Thomas and Jackson reef, Woodhouse reef is the narrowest and longest reef in Tiran. A sheer wall dropping down to a sandy ledge at 30 meters and dropping away into the abyss. The most interesting point of this dive site is the famous canyon that opens out at a depth of 30 meters and runs parallel to the main axis of the reef. A great dive for spotting black coral and lots of pelagic fish cruising past in the blue.

Depth: 5-25 M

Lagoon,Reef garden,Wreck,Reef,coral garden

Identified by the Panamanian most famous wreck of the “Lovilla which ran aground on the northern end of the reef in 1981. This dive can be done as either a drift or a mooring dive, reef starts with sandy plateau which you follow out to the drop off which begins at 20 meters. Descending down the drop off into turquoise blue water enjoy the various species of coral, small nudibranches, White Tip Reef Sharks and Eagle rays. By the middle of the reef you will see some metal drums that homes Octopus and different types of eel such as Moray, Peppered and Gold edged morays

Depth: 5-30 M

Deep dive,Wreck,Offshore Reef

This wreck is rarely dived due to its proximity to the shore line. Million Hope is the largest wreck in the area of Nabq, where it hit the reef in 1996. Some of the ship is still visible above the surface but the majority is below to a max depth of 30m. There is a crack which is the result of an impact which we used to swim through into the empty hold with Fantastic shots of the propeller so take a camera and do a full 360 of the ship which very few get to dive.

Depth: 5-15 M

Reef garden,Shallow,Wreck,Drop off ,coral garden

In 1976 the Kormoran was sold and renamed Adamastos, which is Greek for “Untamed” or “Untameable”. In 1980 renamed Zingara. On 21 August 1984, the Zingara departed the port of Aqaba, Jordan, sailing southwest with a cargo of phosphate rock. Sometime during the next day, on 22nd August, the ship ran hard aground on the north side of Laguna Reef in the Straits of Tiran in approximately 10-12 meters (33-40 feet) of water. The wreck is completely broken; it can only be reached in very good weather conditions. It is well known for its pretty coral reef with hard and soft corals.

Depth: 10 - 30 M

Big fish,Deep dive,Reef garden,Reef wall,Shallow,Sharks,Reef,dolphins,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles,Platform

The south side of the headland.The lighthouse marks this fantastic local dive, usually done as a drift with reef to the left shoulder. This dive site is famous for its amazing superb gorgonian forest on the drop off at 15 meters leading to a sandy plateau bursting with life and swarms with reef and fishes the corner packed with soft coral, home to many species of fish. The currents at the corner trap great quantities of plankton which attracts a lot of pelagic fish, good chance to see Napoleons, Eagle Rays, Manta and Shark.

Depth: 12-40 M

Reef garden,Shallow,Reef,dolphins,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles

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 pelagic. Glass fish caves are in the reef wall at 12m. “Near” garden 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.

Depth: 10-30 M

Drift dive,Reef garden,Shallow,Reef,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles,Platform

This reef fascinates all divers, beginners and experts, for its abundance of marine life. There are schools of yellowfin goatfish, baracudas, feathertail and honeycomb rays, as well as the ever present house turtle to be observed at every dive. Some mantas can be seen, especially during the summer months, whale shark. Due to the water current condition of the Tiran Strait very spectacular hard coral formations have evolved. The reef falls off gradually from shallow water 15 meters sandy bottom (ideal for beginners) to a maximum depth of 30 - 40 meters.

Depth: 12-40 M

Big fish,Deep dive,Drift dive,Shallow,Wreck,Reef,Drop off ,Corals Pinnacles,Platform

named after 15th century shipwreck of a Turkish vessel with cargo of amphoras containing mercury. Amphoras lies southwest of the Tower. With sandy slope that begins at a depth of about 12 m and has some coral pinnacles covered with beautiful coral of various species giving huge schools of glassfish shelter. At a depth of 25 m, lays the stock of the original anchor of the ship with inscriptions as well as fragments of the amphoras from the wreck, which has decayed completely. Diving south towards the drop-off you will find some beautiful large gorgonian fans.

Depth: 14-40 M

Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef garden,Drop off ,Corals Pinnacles

Definitely one of the most impressive dive sites along the east coast. It is one of the top places between the Tower and Ras Umm Sid. Diving Paradise means literately drifting through a magical, fairytail like uw scenery. Gliding between coral blocks, pinnacles and coral needles that rise on the slope between the reef ledge and the drop off. These coral sculptures are overgrown with colourful soft corals and gorgonian fans. Distinguishing for this site are the large colonies of table corals and the variety of fish species inhabiting the area. trevallies and tuna, turtle and manta ray. Moreover, in the shallow areas many caves and overhangs, with an overwhelming population of glassfish.

Depth: 6 -14 M

Drift dive,Lagoon,Reef garden,Shallow,Island,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles

Reef Sabina is located on the southern part of Giftun Island in a channel between 2 islands – Big and Small Giftun – belonging to the Giftun National Park. The Red Sea here is perfectly calm on the surface but beware of occasional strong currents. And being a shallow dive site, it is suitable for all levels of divers, from beginners to professionals’. The depth of a dive at Shaab Sabina can range from 5 to 14 meters. Shaab Sabina is also suitable for drift dives.
Shaab Sabina is consisting of the main reef, a protected sandy lagoon and an erg standing alone on the north.

Depth: 15-40 M

Big fish,Drift dive,Reef garden,Reef,Island

Located near Giftun Island in the open sea, depending on favorable weather conditions apply where dive start
At El Aruk Giftun, there are 7 ergs you can explore while diving. All the ergs can be found on a sandy plateau at about 12 meters depth until they touch the surface of the sea.
One of the ergs has a cave that is filled with glassfish and scorpionfish. Suitable for Experienced diver levels due to difficulties concerning navigation.

Depth: 10 - 16 M

Reef garden,Shallow,Reef,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles

The main reef is surrounded by a 9-15 meters sandy area, where a coral garden extends in all directions. Surrounded with various coral pinnacles. Named the Aquarium, due to the diversity and a large number of fish species. Calm and suitable place to all dives levels.

Depth: 4-28 M

Big fish,Wreck,Reef

Hit the northwest corner of Shaab Abu Nuhas at full speed with its cargo of timber in April 1983 and lies next the coral reef.
The entire wreck can be seen from the surface because of the good visibility.

Depth: 18-35 M

Big fish,Deep dive,Wreck

Discovered in 1956 by Jacques Cousteau the best wreck site in the world, certainly in the top 10. The Thistlegorm, a merchant ship requisitioned to assist the allied war effort, was on route from Glasgow to Egypt fully loaded with military supplies. Having had to go round Africa, as the Mediterranean was in the control of Germany, she lay at anchor in Sha’ab Ali waiting for the entrance to the Suez Canal to be cleared of the wreck of the Tynefield that had been attacked earlier.

Journey time to the wreck is usually around 4 hours for a 2 comfortable dives, one dive to explore the wreck from the outside and to get a first impression and the other dive allows for penetration of the holds and investigating the military cargo it was carrying. The stern section of the wreck lies almost horizontal to the sea bed; the remainder of the wreck is nearly upright. Inside the wreckage, tyres, tanks, motorbikes, Bedford trucks, waders and wellington boots can be seen.

Depth: 6-32 M

Cave,Deep dive,Wreck

Drove hard onto the northeast cost corner of Shaab Abu Nuhas reef in 1978 with about 4, 5 tones of lentils on board.

Depth: 18-27 M

Wreck

A British P&O steamer which struck the reef of Abu Nuhas in September 1869 and sank the next day as the weather worsened.
Penetration into the holds is easy for any level of diver.

Depth: 20-40 M

Big fish,Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef wall,Sharks,Reef,Corals Pinnacles

The site is not aptly named as it is not noted for its shark sightings; the dive really defines the term ‘blue water’. Beneath the surface the towering cliffs continue at much the same angle to eventually fade into the deep blue, it is a fantastic dive. 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.
In the shallow water are numerous caves which are home to sweeping glassfish and the rays of sunlight breaking through the cave roof is a fantastic site. There are some very impressive overhangs on this reef wall and huge gorgonian fan corals, a great place to watch the Trevallies, Jacks and Turtles passing in the blue. At the southern end Anemone city is worth a visit.

Depth: 5-40 M

Big fish,Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef wall,Sharks,Wreck,Reef,Drop off ,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles,Platform

Two emerging reefs which rise from a sandy seabed some 20-30 meters deep are the most distinctive features of this world famous dive site. Starting your dive on shark reef vertical wall with a drop off down to 300 meters which is covered in multi colored soft corals, shoals of barracuda hang out in the strong currents at 30 meters silky sharks can be found in the middle of the barracuda. Following the wall you will pass hundreds of grey snapper big pelagic fish that swim by on a regular basis. The dive changes from a deep wall to a sandy plateau with lots of sightings of moray eels, stonefish, scorpion fish, napoleon wrasse as well as a stunning coral garden.

The mast of the wreckage of the Yolanda marks the corner of Yolanda reef and as you move around the corner onto the sandy plateau you are greeted with the site of hundreds of British Standard toilets and bath tubs, the cargo of the wreck of Yolanda and probably the most photographed toilets in the world.

Depth: 18-30 M

Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef garden,Wreck

The Dunraven was a British steamer merchant ship on route from Bombay to Newcastle, England with a cargo of timber and cotton when she struck the reef at Beacon Rock on the 22 April 1876. The ship was holed in three places, fire broke out and she overturned and sank. A conflicting version of events suggests that she lay impaled on the reef for several days before fire engulfed her and she sank.


She lies upside down with her stern at 29 metres and bow section at 18 metres. The large brass propeller lies to the north end of the wreck and the reef to the west. The engine can be found in the northern section of the wreck. The sealife is interesting here and a swim along the reef makes a good end to the dive. The best of this dive is by penetrating the hull from either the stern, the broken midship or bow. The interior of the ship is home to innumerable fish and corals including groupers, lionfish, scorpionfish and swarms of glassfish.

Depth: 12-30 M

Big fish,Cave,Drift dive,Reef garden,Platform

A gentle but stunning drift dive. Drop down onto a gentle sloping plateau dropping off at around 18 meters spectacular gorgonian fan corals in huge overhangs and colonies of black coral. Lots of caves and gullies, home to resting sharks. The headland is by far the best bit of the dive, home to a spectacular Red Anemone at about 20 meters. Some very impressive table corals awash with orange clouds of anthias, jacks and barracuda hunt here amongst the schools of blue fusiliers. Home to many sea turtles and occasional manta rays, glassfish, lionfish and some large Malabar groupers.

Depth: 10 -30 M

Deep dive,Drift dive,Reef garden,Shallow,Reef,coral garden,Corals Pinnacles

Used to be called Fisherman's Bank but since fishing has been banned in the Marine Park its name changed to Jackfish Alley due to the large amounts of jacks that used to be there. Traditional dive starts off with a cave at 5 metres which is actually a swim through coming out at a depth of 9 metres. The northern end of the site features a downward sloping wall with lots of interesting things to see as the wall houses many life forms. There are also a number of caves with different entrance and exit points.

Towards the south, lies a sandy coral-covered plateau moving with life and one of Ras Mohammed’s most photographed coral pinnacles swirling with glassfish, every photographers dream. Further south, the plateau forming satellite reef with mixed coral. Reef narrows into an "alley" where white tip sharks barracuda, tuna can often be found late afternoon snoozing on the sandy plateau.