"..an unforgettable
diving experience... you will treasure it for a lifetime"
Red Sea Magazine
"..this
is a diving experience without parallel anywhere on the globe"
Dive
International Magazine
THE BELLS / BLUE
HOLE
This
spectacularly beautiful drop-off is considered one of Dahab’s most
memorable sites. A drift dive begins north of the Blue Hole at the
‘Bells’, entering a crack in the reef and descending through the ‘bells’
out into the blue at 27 meters. Jack fish, tuna and napoleon wrasse cruise
the clear waters along the vertical wall which drops to breathtaking
depths below. A vast colony of black coral at 30 meters and prolific coral
growth in shallower water provides interest for both advanced and novice
divers. Approaching the Blue Hole, clouds of antheas dart among
multi-hued soft corals and the entry into the Blue Hole at 8 meters is an
amazing sensation. An occasional barracuda passes during the safety stop
time at the end of the dive. . . An unforgettable experience!
THE CANYON
The Canyon is
the essential dive for underwater cave fanatics! The entry (and exit) is
through a shallow lagoon emerging onto the reef leading to the canyon.
After crossing a splendid coral garden (which merits further discovery
later) a crevice resembling the opening of a giant oyster appears in the
reef. This Canyon, the result of a natural occurrence, plunges to the
depths from 16 meters. Entering at between 20 to30 meters depth, the
quality of light creates a mysterious atmosphere for exploration. One can
exit the canyon from a large opening along the top at 20 meters, or along
a narrow passage and through a dome known as the ‘Fish Bowl’, encrusted
with corals inhabited by anthias and lion fish. On the return, spend some
time spotting nudibranches, blue spotted ray and scorpion fish in the
prolific coral garden.
THE ISLANDS
The ‘Islands’
are in fact a spectacular labyrinth of coral formations, renowned for the
huge variety of multi-hued coral colonies and the richness of marine life
found there. Weave among the coral palaces, swim with barracuda schools,
frolic with turtles and the host of other marine species to be found in
this divers’ heaven! The maximum depth is 16 meters, the light and
encounters are fabulous. This site is one of the most relaxing in South
Sinai.
THE LIGHTHOUSE
Located at the
north of Dahab Bay, the Lighthouse is the ideal spot for introduction to
diving and training, with sandy slopes and a variety of possible dives
depending on the route chosen. To the north, along a rocky wall, the sandy
sea bed is scattered with large coral encrusted blocks. The wall and
colorful coral gardens, teeming with an abundance of marine life, provide
interesting diving at various depths for all levels of ability. Aquatic
species range in size from crocodile fish to nudibranches, torpedo rays,
schools of unicorn fish, double bar bream, and fusilier to jack fish. The
lighthouse is perfect for night diving with an abundance of nocturnal life
– Spanish Dancer nudibranches, Red Sea lobsters, crabs, shrimps, hermit
crabs and sleeping parrot fish. Ideal for photographers!
EEL GARDENS
The Eel Garden
is a gently sloping reef suitable for divers with all levels of
experience. A shallow lagoon, home to lion and sweeper fish, provides easy
entry and from 3 meters depth, the downward sandy slope is dotted with
undulating garden eels (heterocongres), and puffer fish, thornback box
fish, rays and turtles are commonly seen. You then enter a superb garden
rich in colorful hard and soft corals, sheltering an interesting variety
of marine fauna, and home to moray eels. Follow the shallow reef back
toward the lagoon, through a shimmering kaleidoscope of coral and darting
fish. If you have good air consumption, a drift dive from Eel Garden to
the Lighthouse offers a relaxing and diversified underwater experience.
RICK'S
REEF
Located some
100m north of the Canyon, Rick’s Reef is a pleasant drift dive following
the meanders of a drop-off covered by an extensive variety of corals. The
entry down a shallow slope of sand leads to a rich coral garden,
stretching from 3 meters to more than 30 meters depth. Rick’s Reef also
provides the opportunity of seeing the Canyon from above before exiting
through the lagoon.
RAS ABU
HELLAL
Translating from
Arabic as ‘Headland of the Crescent’ this site is named after the
crescent-shaped reef surrounding a lagoon at around 12meters depth. It is
located 500 meters south of the Canyon. At the southern end is a gentle
drop-off rich in hard corals while to the north, one of the most
spectacularly beautiful coral gardens in the Dahab area provides the major
interest of this dive. A visit to the ‘Huts’ to the north can be combined
with Ras Abu Hilal, drifting south from the Huts and choosing the exit
point depending on air consumption.
The above named
dive sites are only some of the many Dahab sites scattered along the 20 km
shore north and south of Nesima
RAS ABU
GALLUM
Ras Abu Galoum,
15 km North of Dahab, is a nature reserve for both marine and wild life,
offering easy access to virgin reefs for divers of all levels of
experience. Savour Bedouin hospitality and a night under a star-spangled
desert sky in a region of outstanding beauty. Safaris of one or two days
with camels or 4X4 transportation are organized from Nesima Dive Center.
This excursion offers you the opportunity to discover protected marine
life, the desert, mountains of Sinai and Bedouin hospitality.
GABR EL
BENT
Located in the
Nabq nature reserve 30 km south of Dahab, this spectacular dive site can
be reached only by camel or boat. Moving along the shore in the shadow of
the majestic mountains of Sinai, you will visit virgin reefs during a
safari of one or two days. Gabr El Bint is incredibly rich in diverse
marine life and offers varied dives along a wall covered with gorgonian
fans, vividly multi-hued coral gardens and soft sandy slopes. This diving
experience can also provide an insight into Bedouin culture, their way of
life and caring for their camels.