Ras Disha, also sometimes called Torfa Ras Disha or Disha Malagk, is a well-regarded dive site situated in the Makadi Bay area of the Red Sea. Here’s a compilation of information for you:
Location: Ras Disha is conveniently located north of Makadi Bay, near the popular resort town of Hurghada in Egypt. A boat ride of around 25 minutes from Makadi Bay will get you there.
Suitability: This dive site caters to a wide range of divers, from beginners to experienced ones [1, 2, 3]. The sheltered bay offers protection from strong currents, making it suitable for less experienced divers. However, some areas can experience occasional currents, so it’s always wise to go with a reputable guide [4]. Depth variations from 9 to 18 meters [2, 5] provide options for divers of varying comfort levels.
Conditions: Ras Disha is known for its generally calm water conditions thanks to its sheltered location within the bay [2, 5]. Visibility tends to be good [1].
Highlights: Ras Disha offers a beautiful underwater scene with a variety of marine life [1, 2, 3, 4]. Here are some specific aspects to look forward to:
Shallow plateau and sandy bottom: The dive site features a shallow plateau with a sandy bottom, accented by interesting pinnacles and an oval-shaped underwater sand dune (erg) in the southern part [3, 4].
Drop-off: The northwest side of the plateau transforms into a narrow ledge that leads to a captivating steep wall, adding an exciting dimension to your dive [4].
Marine life: The area boasts a vibrant array of marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of colorful fish like bannerfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and parrotfish [3, 4, 5]. The sandy bottom also attracts interesting bottom dwellers like moses sole, blue spotted rays, and torpedo rays hunting for crustaceans and other invertebrates [3]. Look out for gobies and shrimps peeking out from their burrows, and the cracks and caverns in the pinnacles might hold glassfish along with predators like scorpionfish, stonefish, trevally, lionfish, and groupers [3].
Dive plan: Many divers recommend starting your drift dive along the wall to the north using the beacon on the main reef as a reference point. The dive often concludes around the picturesque pinnacles on the plateau [4].
Overall, Ras Disha seems like a great choice for a relaxing and enjoyable dive in the Red Sea, offering something for divers of most experience levels