Habili Dahara is a small, isolated reef situated in the Red Sea, a distance away from the main reef group near Wadi Gemal. While not as popular as other dive sites, it offers a unique experience for divers seeking a serene underwater adventure. Here’s what you can expect:
Location: Habili Dahara lies roughly 5.5 kilometers offshore from the Egyptian mainland and 4.6 kilometers south of Shaab Sharm. It’s a remote location, accessible only by boat.
Size and Conditions: This small reef is only around 70 meters long and offers minimal protection from the elements. Due to its exposed location, diving is only possible during calm seas. The good news is that when conditions are favorable, the site boasts clear visibility and gentle currents, making for a relaxing dive.
Depth: The average depth surrounding the Habili Dahara is approximately 18 meters. The sandy seabed can reach much deeper depths, though.
Marine Life: While the coral formations aren’t extensive, the surrounding reef walls and the top of the Habili itself are richly covered with corals and sponges. This attracts a variety of fish life, including:
Moray eels
Blue-spotted stingrays
Scorpionfish
Schools of butterflyfish or squirrelfish
You might also encounter interesting creatures like anthias inhabiting the top of the reef at shallower depths (around 3-5 meters).
Suitability: Habili Dahara is suitable for divers of various experience levels, especially when sea conditions are calm. However, due to its remote location and occasional currents, some diving experience is recommended.
Things to Consider:
Limited Protection: Being a small, exposed reef, Habili Dahara offers minimal shelter from wind and waves. Dives are only achievable during calm weather conditions.
Remote Location: The remoteness of the site means it’s typically only accessible via organized boat trips from nearby diving centers.
Simpler Dive: The underwater landscape is not as complex or diverse as some other Red Sea sites. However, it offers a chance for a relaxing dive with good visibility.
Overall, Habili Dahara provides a tranquil dive experience in the Red Sea, particularly suitable for divers seeking calm conditions and a chance to explore a lesser-known reef. If you’re looking for a more intricate coral reef structure, other dive sites in the area might be a better choice.