Abu Hashish is situated near Makadi Bay, not far from Hurghada in Egypt. It’s an island surrounded by a beautiful reef system accessible by boat, with the ride typically lasting around 20 minutes from Makadi Bay [1, 2]. Suitability: This dive site caters to a range of divers, from beginners to those with more experience [1, 2, 3]. The sheltered lagoon area offers a calm environment for less experienced divers, while the drop-off can be exciting for more advanced divers due to potential currents and deeper depths [2, 3]. Depth variations range from 15 to 30 meters [1, 3]. Conditions: The lagoon area is well-protected and offers calm conditions, perfect for relaxed dives [2, 3]. Seas can be rougher at times, affecting access from Hurghada, but the dive site itself is generally well-sheltered [1]. Visibility is known to be excellent [3]. Highlights: Abu Hashish boasts a rich underwater world with interesting geological features [1, 2, 3]. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect: Island and Reef: The island is surrounded by an extensive reef system, offering a variety of dive experiences [1, 2]. Lagoon: The southern part of the reef forms a shallow lagoon with numerous ergs (underwater sand formations) and pinnacles, creating a sheltered area perfect for exploring marine life [2, 3]. Drop-off: The eastern side features a wall with a steep drop-off, ideal for drift dives and offering opportunities to spot pelagic fish [2, 3]. Visibility is often superb here, allowing divers to enjoy the vastness of the underwater world [3]. Some caves can be found at depths of around 30 meters along the drop-off [3]. Marine Life: The diverse reef formations provide habitat for a variety of marine creatures. In the lagoon, divers can expect to see colorful fish like cornetfish, octopus, and squid [1, 3]. The area is also known for sightings of blue spotted stingrays and pufferfish [3]. Along the drop-off and outer reef, keep an eye out for schools of barracuda, mackerels, whitetip sharks, and even hammerhead sharks [2, 3]. Eagle rays are also occasional visitors [3]. Dive Plan: Many dives start from the mooring in the lagoon, head through a channel in the reef, then continue along the outside wall before returning through the lagoon [2]. Another option is a drift dive from the north, with a quick descent to the drop-off followed by a multi-level ascent towards the safety stop before entering the lagoon [2]. Overall, Abu Hashish (Island Reef) seems like a versatile dive site with something for divers of most experience levels. The calm lagoon and interesting coral formations make it suitable for beginners, while the drop-off with its chance encounters with pelagic fish provides excitement for more advanced divers