The Caves in Dahab, Egypt, might have a misleading name, but it’s still a popular shore dive site known for its unusual rock formations and rich marine life. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Location: The Caves is situated south of Dahab, Egypt. It’s the furthest south shore dive site accessible by car from the town.
What it actually is: While called “The Caves,” it’s more accurate to describe it as large overhangs. These overhangs were created by rocks eroding back underneath the shoreline, forming a cavernous area underwater.
Access and Conditions: Entry to The Caves is directly from the shore with a stride entry. However, there are some key things to consider:
Tides: The dive site is best accessed during high tide because jumping off the ledge can be challenging at low tide.
Waves: Calm conditions are essential for safe entry and exit. Waves crashing on the shore can make getting out of the water tricky.
The Dive:
Depth: The main cave starts at around 5 meters (16 feet) and goes down to 20 meters (66 feet). The surrounding reef areas have varying depths.
Visibility: Visibility is generally good.
What to see: The highlight is the unique rock formations with overhangs and swim-throughs. The surrounding reef teems with life, including soft and hard corals, groupers, scorpionfish, morays, and even the occasional turtle or guitarfish.
Tips for Diving The Caves:
Bring a torch: Exploring the overhangs and caves is much more rewarding with a torch to illuminate the interesting nooks and crannies.
Experienced divers recommended: While not necessarily a technical dive, The Caves can have currents and requires good buoyancy control to navigate effectively.
Buddy system: Always dive with a buddy, especially important for cave exploration.
Respect your limits: Don’t venture beyond your comfort zone or training level.
Overall, The Caves offers a scenic and interesting dive experience in Dahab, especially for divers who enjoy exploring unique rock formations and spotting a variety of marine life