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The sea had little
commercial importance in European nations until the Suez Canal
was completed, creating a shorter sea route between Europe and
Asia. The Red Sea's connection to the Suez Canal makes it one
of the world's busiest waterways. Navigation is made difficult
along the Red Sea by the coral reefs - bad news for mariners,
good news for divers. Today the Red Sea is known amongst
divers and underwater enthusiasts for it's stunning coral reefs
and  exquisitely unique aquatic life.
High cliffs rise behind narrow coastal
plains along both banks of the Red Sea. It owes much of it's
character to the surrounding terrain of mostly desert regions.
Among the saltiest waters in the world, generally 40 - 42%,
while typical ocean salinity is in the range of 35 - 36%, the
Red Sea's high salinity is the result of extreme temperatures,
high rates of evaporation and very little rainfall.
It has been said that Saudi Arabia is one
of diving's last frontiers, and it is a fact that very few
westerners have ever been able to dive here. The appeal of
diving almost untouched, barely explored reefs is undeniable.
With an incredible variety of marine life and some of the most
flourishing coral reefs to be found anywhere in the  world - it is no wonder that so many
famous explorers have dived here.
During
his first exploration of the Red Sea the legendary underwater
explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau classified four main diving
zones - the north, middle and southern Red Sea regions and the
Gulf of Aqaba. He observed that the northern and southern Red
Sea had generally poor diving conditions with hazy water,
sparse fish and dwarfed corals while in the center - along the
shorelines of Saudi Arabia and Sudan - he wrote "Life abounds in
bank after bank of exuberant coral structures, second only to
those of the Great Barrier Reef in extent and
exceeding it perhaps in splendor. Here there is deep clarity,
blazing color, and active fauna living under the most arid and
least populated of coasts".
Below you will find a
brief description of 41 of our dive sites. All sites are as
good to dive as the day allows. On all of these sites the
normal reef fishes abound, the larger predator fish are
pelagic (moving from area to area) and as such may or may not
be seen. Visibility can vary and is hard to predict. The reefs
furthest from the shore are usually clear with up  to 30 m. visibility, but are
only diveable on calm days - about 70% of the time. The nearer
reefs can have visibility of around 10 m. but are still
excellent dive sites to explore.
Eagle Reef - CENTRAL REEF
Max. Depth:
15m/50ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight
to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
A shallow
reef dive offering a large variety of reef fish supported by
small coral growths and spectacular surrounding pinnacles.
.Chicken Wreck - CENTRAL REEF
Max.
Depth: 18m/60ft
Type: Wreck Dive
Possible Current:
None to Slight
Dive Grade: All levels
This
complete wreck lies on it's port side with the starboard side
starting at 10m/33ft and the bow resting on the reef.
Colourful hard corals adorn the mast and deck area,
contrasting with the strange cargo still evident in the holds.
Coupled with the coral garden and the pinnacles in the channel,
this dive will offer something for everyone. Click here to see a map drawing of this dive
site!
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Coral Gardens East And Coral Gardens West -
CENTRAL REEF
Max. Depth: 15m/50ft
Type: Fringing
Reef
Possible Current: None to Slight
Dive Grade: All
levels
These two close reefs offer divers a shallow
relaxing dive supporting a spectacular variety of colourful
coral and marine life. Blue spotted rays, sea cucumbers,
morays, squid and the occasional lobster are to name but a
few.
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Swiss Air - OPEN SEA
Max. Depth:
20m/66ft
Type: Deepwater Reef
Possible Current: Slight
to Strong
Dive Grade: All levels
Sorry no jumbo
jet to be found here..! but this open water site contains a
reef that is carpeted with the most colourful hard corals you
will ever see. Reef fish galore as well as pelagics and a
variety of grouper to be found in the deeper channels.
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Marble Wreck - CENTRAL REEF
Max.
Depth: 20m/66ft
Type: Wreck Dive
Possible Current:
Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
Carrying a cargo of marble and terrazzo tiles this
wreck now lies between two reefs with the wheelhouse clearly
visible from the surface. A variety of soft and hard corals to
be found here together with a large number of fish in the Mid
section. With a keen eye small white-tip sharks to be
found nestling in the reef. Click here to see a map drawing of this dive
site!
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Marble Gardens - CENTRAL REEF
Max.
Depth: 20m/66ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current:
Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
This
sheltered site, a short distance away from Marble Wreck offers
both excellent coral and fish life in the shallows as well as
the opportunity to explore one of the few areas where you will
find expansive growths of fire coral. Either discover the sand
bottom gullies and swim throughs beyond 20m, or, in the right
conditions, enjoy a slight drift along the entire length of the
reef.
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Cable Wreck/ Soft
Coral Gardens - ABU TARE
Max. Depth: 30m/100ft
Type: Wreck/Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight
to Hello Sudan
Dive Grade: Intermediate - Advanced
An excellent dive site offering the opportunity of
enjoying the spectacular growth of soft corals, together with
the exploration of the wreck, it's cargo of industrial cable,
the surrounding reef cuts and the large spare propeller. A
deepwater tranch lies seaward from the wreck where large
Napoleon Wrasse can be frequently seen. Click here to see a map drawing of this dive
site!
An An Wreck - ABU
FARAMISH
Max. Depth: 32m/106ft
Type: Wreck Dive
Possible Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: All
levels
The most requested wreck in these waters, this
85,000 tonne cargo ship rests majestically on it's starboard
side with the propeller at 30m/100ft and the bow meeting the
reef at 8m. The diversity and splendour of this site offers
divers of all levels a memorable dive with the new reef on the
wreck. Nearly every type of reef fish to be seen here, pelagic
sightings and the chance to be greeted by the An An's most
famous inhabitant - George.
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Boiler Wreck - ABU MADAFI
Max. Depth: 20m/66ft
Type: Wreck Dive
Possible
Current: Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
 The boiler of this wreck sits on the reef
at 10m/33ft where the magnificence of this old wreck can be
fully appreciated as it gently falls away to the propeller at
19m/62ft. The wreck and surrounding reef support substantial
hard coral growth, with giant moray and grouper easily found
in the innards of the wreck itself. In the right conditions a
maze of swim throughs can be navigated to find yourself in a
small sandy pool positioned in the centre of the reef. One to
keep your eyes open on as turtles are often seen swimming off
the stern. Click here to see a map drawing of this dive
site!
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Old Coaster - ABU MADAFI
Max. Depth: 20m/66ft
Type: Wreck Dive
Possible
Current: Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
This Extremely old wreck lies battered and broken a
short distance north of Boiler wreck. The ribs and stern
section are clearly visible in an area offering the same
delight as Boiler Wreck. In the right conditions both wrecks
can be viewed in one dive.
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Pipe Wreck - ABU MADAFI
Max. Depth: 25m/82ft
Type: Wreck/ Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: All
levels
Carrying a cargo of oil pipes when it struck
the reef, the hull lies at 12m/40ft with wreckage strewn all
around the surrounding areas. A dive offering excellent
exploration of the area supporting wreckage and pristine coral
gardens. A deepwater channel runs past to the north and
pelagic life is often seen here. Experienced divers also have
the opportunity to be guided across the channel, finishing the
dive on White-tip Point.
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White Tip Point - ABU
MADAFI
Max. Depth: 18m/60ft
Type: Fringing
Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Strong
Dive
Grade: All levels
This reef is situated on the other
side of the channel from Pipe Wreck. There is often a current
flowing here which allows a drift from the wreck, across
the channel in order to finish on this stunning reef with it's
startling coral growth. Shark and other pelagic life are often
seen here in the channel and for those who stay on the reef,
the varied types of life on display will take your breath
away.
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South Tower Reef - ABU TARE
Max.
Depth: 20m/66ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current:
None to Slight
Dive Grade: All levels
Comprising
of two reefs. The first reef is joined to a pinnacle visible
from the surface at 8m/26ft. Good reef life to be seen
here as well as the submerged reef and sand alleys found
heading eastward from the reef allowing never the same thing
twice. The second reef in slightly deeper water rises with two
pinnacles on either side. Some excellent swim-throughs are to
be found here, together with all manner of life ranging from
barracuda, rays and an abundance of nudibrancs.
Craggley Towers - ABU
FARAMISH
Max. Depth: 18m/60ft
Type: Fringing
Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grades:
All levels
This reef has it all .!!!!! The towers
themselves rise from only 8m/30ft but support amazingly
colourful coral, the café, the eel garden, turtle rock rock,
lagoons, swim-throughs, caves, the huge giant clam, more fish
than you care to remember, pelagics, rays - Need we say more…? Click here to see a map drawing of this dive
site!
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Champagne - OPEN SEA
Max. Depth:
40m/132ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current:
Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: Intermediate to Advanced
Only accessible in gentle seas this site is home to
many coral canyons that have to be explored. Explore the eel
garden on the deepwater side and observe the numerous pelagics
here. This side will appeal equally to explorers and
photographers. A must for any logbook.
Click here to see a map drawing of this dive
site!
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Aquarium - OPEN SEA
Max.
Depth: 20m/66ft
Type: Deepwater Reef
Possible Current:
Intermediate to Strong
Dive Grade: Intermediate to
Advanced
This submerged reef ranges from 8m/25ft to
20m/66ft and it's ever-present current will almost certainly
greet you. As soon as you get into the water though you won't
believe your eyes. The coral is untouched and is home to fish,
fish and more fish. The name says it all!
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Sand Island
- NORTH REEF
Max. Depth: 18m/60ft
Type: Fringing
Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Intermediate
Dive
Grade: All levels
Identified by a large mound of sand
breaking the surface and lying alongside a deepwater channel,
this site provides both snorkelers and divers alike with a
plethora of colour and splendour.
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Sand Island
2 - CENTRAL REEF
Max. Depth: 25m/82ft
Type:
Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
A small mound of sand here
with a shallow sand lagoon that falls away to a wonderland of
sandpits and swim-throughs. As you rise back to the shallows
you will discover why this site provides some of the best
diving the Red Sea has to offer.
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Teardrop
Reef - NORTH REEF
Max. Depth: 19m/62ft
Type:
Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
This site will appeal to
both snorkelers and divers alike. Whether you choose the
pinnacles on the east side or the soft corals on the west side this
one will be in your memories for a long time.
 Emerald Reef - NORTH
REEF
Max. Depth: 26m/86ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight to Intermediate
Dive Grade:
All levels
This really is a jewel of the sea. The
shallows provide both divers and snorkelers with colour and
life that never disappoints. In the depths a submerged reef is to
be found with sea fans, Napoleon wrasse, occasional sharks and
a large resident Titan triggerfish. A must for any underwater
enthusiast.
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Lollipop Reef - CENTRAL
REEF
Max. Depth: 25m/80ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All
levels
This reef is small and sweet, hence the name. A
truly pristine reef hardly ever dived with swim-throughs and
alleyways on the north side, turtles often seen here and
an abundance of reef fish, so bring your camera on this one. Truly
an experience that never disappoints.
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Plateau -
ABU MADAFI
Max. Depth: 30m/100ft
Type: Submerged
Reef
Possible Current: Intermediate to Strong
Dive
Grade: Advanced
This open water site supports a large
underwater plateau ranging between 15m/50ft to 22m/72ft
and surrounded by deep water on all sides. Explore the sand
bottom valleys (current permitting), surrounded by walls of
coral and be amazed by the life that exists here. giant
morays, pelagic, reef fish, rays. It's got the lot..!s
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Snapper Alley - NORTH REEF
Max. Depth:
25m/82ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight
to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
The alley
lies between a large pinnacle and its supporting main reef.
The bottom of the alley lies at 12m/40 ft and a variety of
snapper to be found resting in the slight drift. Swim around
the west side and will find some superb soft coral growth, but
keep your eyes open, the deep and all it's inhabitants are just
to your left!
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Elbow - ABU TARE
Max. Depth: 15m/50 Ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to Slight
Dive Grade: All levels
This open water site
provides excellent shelter and provides divers of all levels
the opportunity to explore it's maze of colourful alleyways and
lagoons. After that then onto the reef bed to the west and
finish off on the pinnacles by the boat, a true wonder.
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Anna's Reef - ABU TARE
Max. Depth:
18m/60ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to
Slight
Dive Grade: All levels
An excellent site
with billowing corals and diverse fish life. Octopus to be
found here, occasionally shark can be found resting in the
reef, great barracuda hunting in the shadows and for the more
observant of you, stumble across the city of nudibranch found
here.
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Crazy 8 - ABU TARE
Max. Depth:
20m/66ft
Type: Fringing Reefs
Possible Current: Slight
to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
Three separate
reefs lie close to each other in a straight line offering a
chance to explore the reefs in a figure 8. Turtles are
sometimes seen here with pelagics cruising in from the
deep water. Excellent coral growths engorge the surroundings
and all manner of reef fish found here. Definitely one to
remember.
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Lottie's Reef - ABU TARE
Max. Depth:
20m/66ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight
to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
So-named after one of our illustrious colleagues, this site is
small enough for you to explore it's full glory and so
beautiful that you never want to leave just under the boat.
There is nothing that cannot be seen here, so rich is it's
diversity.
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Para 1 And Para 2 - ABU TARE
Max.
Depth: 30m/100ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current:
Slight to Mask Wobble.
Dive Grade: Advanced and above
These two sites are found on the seaward side of the
reef where the bottom just keeps on going away from you.
Extremely dependant on the weather conditions you can really
enjoy the magnificence of the reef and observe what passes you
by. Sharks, dolphins, pilot whales, manta - they have all been
sighted here.
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Rita's Reef - OPEN SEA
Max. Depth:
30m/100ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: Slight
to hold onto your socks
Dive Grade: Advanced and above
This solitary reef, the most westerly of Abu Tare and
lying next to the extremely deep water is only available on
the calmest of days. Once there you will be rewarded by it's
true magnificence. A dazzling display of coral growth and fish
life on what is a most pristine reef.
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Nodel's Cut
- CENTRAL REEF
Max. Depth: 22m/73ft
Type:
Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to Slight
Dive
Grade: All levels
The reef forms a large circular
lagoon with an alleyway to the seaward side. A superb display
of Red Sea reef life is to be encountered here. A lone pinnacle
in the lagoon forms the focal point of a relaxing dive or the
ideal way to start a more adventurous one.
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Whisky Reef
- CENTRAL REEF
Max. Depth: 20m/66ft
Type:
Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
So-named after a ship hit
the reef and deposited it's cargo in the surrounding areas. Not
only does the reef provide a wonderful display of beauty, but
also the opportunity still exists to find a momento of
Scotland's finest.
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Yemeni Reef - Central Reef
Max. Depth: 22m/73ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible
Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: All levels
There are two reefs here with a small channel that
leads to the seaward side and Yemeni Wreck (‘Toilet Wreck’).
Stunning displays of expansive fire corals here coupled with
coral heads that steeped with richness and glory. Don't forget
your camera on this one.
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Yemeni Wreck (‘Toilet Wreck’) -
CENTRAL REEF
Max. Depth: 25m/80ft
Type: Wreck
Dive
Possible Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grade:
All levels
This Yemeni ship hit the reef in the early
seventies carrying it's ornate cargo. The wooden hull has been
ravaged with time but the skeleton of the steel frame can
still be seen and the rather amusing cargo makes for a dive of
different dimensions!
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Guy's Wreck - OPEN SEA
Max. Depth: 30m/100ft
Type: Wreck Dive
Possible
Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: All levels
This is the oldest known wreck in these waters. This
wreck lies at an angle on the reef that allows divers of all
levels to enjoy the wreck. Rich coral growths have established
themselves on the wreck, which also provides a home to a large
grouper and other reef fish. The ship's wheel lies on the deck
area, the bough shape can be clearly seen imprinted on the
side of the reef and Dolphin and Rays are often seen off the
stern. A remarkable dive.
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Rob's Reef - NORTH REEF
Max. Depth: 25m/82ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible
Current: None to Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
Billowing corals adorn the deeper waters whilst in the
shallows the sunlight highlights the colourful coral heads and
plentiful fish life. With several deep water channels
surrounding the reefs in this area, there is always a good
chance of seeing sharks.
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Rachel's Or
Hammer Reef - NORTH REEF
Max. Depth: 30m/100ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to
Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
So called due
to it's shape and the nine-year-old girl who spent her birthday
on the boat (hello Rachel), this reef provides something for
everyone. Excellent displays exist in the shelter of this
expansive reef, with pelagic found on the outer edges. A deep
water channel lying behind the reef and a satellite reef
rising up a short distance away - make a note of this one.
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Durrah Reef - NORTH REEF
Max. Depth:
25m/82ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current: None to
Intermediate
Dive Grade: All levels
This reef, with
Durrat Al Arus clearly seen on the horizon, provides shelter
and a relaxing dive on any day. Swim your way through the sand
valleys or relax in the extraordinary brilliance of the
shallows. Certainly a great dive in all conditions.
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Three Sisters -
ABU MADAFI
Max. Depth: 35m/116ft
Type: Three
Fringing Reefs
Possible Current: Slight to Strong
Dive
Grade: Intermediate to Advanced
Three small reefs lie
a short distance away from the main reef. Either stay on the
largest of the three, or start on one and make your way across
all three. Large barracuda can be seen on top of the reef,
sharks and rays are often seen here, dolphin, turtle, pelagic...
What more can we say..?!
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Devil's Reef - ABU MADAFI
Max. Depth: 35m/116ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible
Current: Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: Intermediate to
Advanced
As with all reefs in this system there isn't
one dive that will disappoint you. The reef has two points
(devils horns) that harbour an area of great beauty. Expansive
growths of soft corals can be found here and the reef gently
slopes away to a deep sandy area where shark are often seen.
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Bermuda Triangle - ABU MADAFI
Max.
Depth: 35m/116ft
Type: Fringing Reef
Possible Current:
Slight to Strong
Dive Grade: Intermediate to
Advanced
Found at the most northerly point of
Abu Madafi. Off the boat at the main anchor point to the large
pinnacle just to the right and then back to the main reef. A
large triangular area that holds not only fish life big and
small, and vibrantly coloured soft corals, but also your compass
will seem to have a mind of it's own - does this area have an
undiscovered wreck? - Watch this Space..!
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The Red Sea lies in
the Great Rift Valley, an area of depression and faulting. The
sea formed when the Arabian Peninsula was torn from Africa 20
million years ago, and hydrothermal vents on the seafloor are
signs of ongoing tectonic activity. 
