Shaab Dahara is a long bank reef located about 6 kilometers off the Egyptian mainland, north of the island of Wadi Gemal in the Red Sea. Here’s what you can expect:
Location: 6 km offshore, north of Wadi Gemal Island, Red Sea
Size: This massive reef stretches 3500 meters in length.
Depth: The reef starts just below the water surface and the walls can reach depths of 10 meters before sloping down to the seabed, which can go much deeper.
Conditions: Shaab Dahara offers shelter from wind and waves, making it suitable for liveaboards that often moor here overnight. This means most dives happen at night, directly below the moorings.
Currents: Currents can be mild.
Skill Level: Due to the night dives and potential for currents, some experience is recommended for Shaab Dahara.
Marine Life: The reef teems with various creatures, including fire coral, a variety of fish, and unfortunately, some debris.
Shipwreck: The highlight for some divers is the wreck of the liveaboard vessel “Sheren A,” which ran aground on the reef in 2005. It lies on the eastern side of the reef wall near the second anchor buoy, surrounded by scattered debris.
Things to Consider:
Night Dives: Be prepared for night diving if you plan to explore Shaab Dahara.
Marine Life: While the area boasts various fish and coral, there’s also fire coral, so be cautious during your dive.
Debris: Unfortunately, the presence of some debris is reported around the moorings.
Liveaboards: Since most dives happen at night, Shaab Dahara is frequently visited by liveaboard diving trips.
Overall, Shaab Dahara offers a unique diving experience with a chance to explore a long reef wall, see a shipwreck, and encounter diverse marine life during a night dive. If you’re an experienced diver comfortable with night dives and some currents, Shaab Dahara could be a great choice for your Red Sea diving adventure