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Diving >>Daily Diving
>> Dahab Dive Sites
Dahab lies near 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. Two dive-sites, 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. |
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Blue Hole
One of the most magnificent dive sites of The Red Sea (Dahab) and even of the world is called The Blue Hole. 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, and the marine life varied and bountiful. Its splendour is really twofold; for the recreational diver there is the enchantingly beautiful garden of corals on top of the saddle of the Blue Hole to enjoy, and for the deep technical divers there is the arch to explore.
Almost directly under the saddle in the deep water at 52 meters one will find the arch, and the view from there is simply mesmerising. Here one can watch the deep ink blue water and feel oneself in quite another world. The easy entry of The Blue Hole is inviting to snorklers, divers and deep technical divers alike. There is no current inside the Blue Hole, but the one outside is often from the North to the South. Depending on the current, you can make another unforgettable dive, from The Bells to The Blue Hole drifting along with the current.
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. Prepare yourself to be amazed by the most strikingly beautiful scenes at sunrise or sunset, when you will find dolphins playing in front of the entrance of The Blue Hole! |
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The Canyon
It is a fantastic dive for all levels. From a shore entry you can level off at about 30m along the gradual drop-off which continues for hundreds of meters. The canyon is a natural tunnel in the seabed which can be penetrated at several points along the rift. Once in the canyon, you can ascend up through and come out in the fish bowl, a natural cave teaming with glassfish. There is about space for six divers to rest on the sandy bed, whilst the glassfish swirl around you and cleaner wrasse will inspect masks and regs. Watch out for lionfish which guard the entrance and exit from the fish bowl. Also great place for the night dives.
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The Caves
The Caves, located south of Dahab, is a slightly misleading name, as the 'cave' is in fact more of a large overhang. This is still, however, a good dive site for the unusual rock formations and variety of sea life. The dive starts by following the gentle sloping drop-off following the shore where the sandy bed provides a home for garden eels, pipefish and wrasse, which dive into the sand as you approach. The pinnacles provide an interesting site with sea life including turtles, morays, lionfish and Napoleon wrasse. The dive finishes up in the caves, which provide shelter for several dozing puffers.
The entrance to this site is from the shore, with a stride entry into the caves area. Entry and exit can be quite tricky due the waves crashing into the shore so be prepared to be an excellent buddy, and save some energy for getting out after! |
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