Abu Kifan is a long and narrow reef located offshore in the Red Sea, southeast of Safaga Island, Egypt . Due to its open water location, it’s typically accessed by boat from dive centers in Safaga.
The depth at Abu Kifan varies considerably:
Shallow areas: The reef has plateaus at its north and south ends with depths ranging from 3 meters (10 feet) to 30 meters (100 feet), suitable for divers of all levels.
Wall diving: The main attraction of Abu Kifan is the dramatic wall that drops off to over 300 meters (1000 feet) on both the northern and southern sides. This area is ideal for experienced divers due to depth and currents.
Currents: Currents can be moderate to strong at Abu Kifan, especially around the deeper wall sections. Be aware of current conditions before diving and choose a dive suited to your experience level.
Type: Primarily a wall dive, with some shallow reef exploration on the plateaus.
Marine life: Abu Kifan is known for its diverse marine life population:
Vibrant coral formations, including soft corals and black corals.
Large schools of fish like barracuda, tuna, and fusiliers.
Pelagic fish like oceanic sharks (for experienced divers in deeper areas with currents).
Interesting creatures like giant gorgonians, sea fans, and crustaceans.
Additional Considerations:
Due to the varying depths and currents, Abu Kifan caters to experienced divers, especially for the deep wall sections. Beginners can explore the shallower plateaus with proper guidance.
Guided dives are highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors to the reef.
Many dive centers in Safaga offer diving trips to Abu Kifan. These trips often include other dive sites in the area.
Visibility is generally good due to the offshore location.
Nitrox may be beneficial for deeper dives on the wall.
Overall, Abu Kifan is a world-renowned wall dive site in the Red Sea, often compared to the famous Elphinstone reef. It offers a thrilling experience for experienced divers with its dramatic wall, diverse marine life, and potential encounters with larger pelagic fish