Description

Dahab lies alongside the deepest section of the African rift, the giant crack in the earth’s crust that formed the Red Sea. The jagged mountains above, continue at much the same angle underwater, forming a dramatic seascape of valleys, canyons and caves.

Most of Dahab’s dive-spots are geologically unique. The Canyon and the Blue Hole, are worldwide known amongst divers. Sport divers are allowed to explore the two sites to a maximum depth of 30m. To dive the deeper section of these fascinating formations one has to be a TEC-diver, using special gas-mixtures. Several dive-operators in Dahab offer TEC-courses and diving.

The Blue Hole is the 3rd deepest hole in the planet’s sea floor and the most beautiful one, for it is located in The Red Sea, which means the visibility under water is sublime. In the shallow water of The Blue Hole, lives an abundance of small coloured fishes; if you look from afar it is the most dazzling sight to see the vibrant multi colours in front of a light blue background. There are Sea turtles, Stone fishes, Scorpion fishes, Trumpet fishes, and Octopuses, Clown fishes (Anemone fish) everywhere. You have a good chance of “Finding Nemo” here; for this is where he lives on the saddle of the Blue Hole. In the deeper water you can see the Hard Ray, Napoleon and Tuna fish.

Diving in Dahab is shore-diving. With a few exceptions you simply drive along the shore by jeep or pick-up truck, gear up at the beach and start your dive. When entering the water one has to be careful, especially with high waves and during low tide.

The most northern dive-site is “The Bell” and in the south “The Caves”. Ras Abu Galum and Gabr El Bint can only be reached by camel. Some dive-operators offer one- and two-day camel-divesafari.

Due to the slightly colder water, coral growth is quite different than in Sharm El Sheikh. The dominant species are Acropora, Brain- and Stonecoral, Leather- and Blackcoral. Only occasionally you will come across Softcorals. Fishlife is represented by the typical Red Sea Reefdwellers, Trigger- and Surgeonfish, all kind of Groupers, Emperor- and Parrotfish. With some luck you can observe Pelagius, such as Jackfish, Barracudas or even a Reefshark.

Regarding wrecks there is no dive to be done at less than 30mn boat drive. However the SS Thistlegorm is the most famous wreck in the Red Sea. It is located off the coast between Sharm el-Sheikh and Suez. With a fast boat you can be on the wreck site in just under two hours.

WDR.