Shaab Hamdallah, also spelled Sha’ab Hamdallah, is a stunning reef located near Shaab Sheer south of Safaga in the Red Sea, Egypt. Considered by some to be the most beautiful reef around Safaga, it’s known for its incredible coral gardens, abundant marine life, and exposure to the open water.
However, this exposure also brings challenges. Shaab Hamdallah is known for strong currents and can only be dived safely in calm weather conditions. If you’re fortunate enough to experience Shaab Hamdallah, here’s what you can expect:
Depth: 15 – 65 meters (49 – 213 feet)
Access: Boat dive
Skill Level: Experienced divers only, due to currents and depth
Currents: Strong, making drift dives the norm
Underwater Paradise:
Shaab Hamdallah boasts a thriving coral reef ecosystem with a variety of hard and soft corals, creating a colorful underwater wonderland. Coral towers and blocks rise from the seabed, teeming with fish life.
Marine Life: Shaab Hamdallah’s vibrant coral formations provide a habitat for a variety of fish species. Expect to see schools of colorful fish like anthias, butterflyfish, damselfish, angelfish, and clownfish. Divers might also encounter larger creatures like moray eels, stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, and even reef sharks or dolphins.
Considerations:
Due to strong currents, only experienced divers with proper drift diving training should attempt Shaab Hamdallah.
Nitrox is highly recommended for deeper dives to extend bottom time and ensure safety during decompression.
Visibility is generally excellent, offering breathtaking underwater views.