Diving atRick´s Reef (Egypt)
Drifting south from Rick's Reef leads divers along a vibrant wall, transitioning directly into the Canyon. A shallow shore dive, it begins through a subtle reef table opening, unveiling a beautiful slope blanketed in salad corals. Farther along, the reef wall presents numerous pinnacles, guiding toward the Canyon's 'Fish Bowl'. Seamlessly connecting two distinct Dahab underwater landscapes, it's a memorable journey.
Tonight's objective overview for Rick´s Reef shows an air temperature of 28°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.4 m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Rick's Reef serves as a key northern Dahab dive site, approximately 300 meters north of the Canyon. It sits nestled between that prominent location and the Blue Hole.
Diver groups often treat it as a launch point for a drift into the Canyon, though the reef itself rewards extended exploration. Expect a straightforward drift dive, averaging around 25 m (82 ft) deep; however, most reef wall investigations remain within 18 m (60 ft). Entry typically involves navigating a small opening in the reef table, followed by a gentle descent onto abundant coral structures.
Consistent beauty along its coral-rich slopes contributes to the site's appeal, making it suitable for novice divers. Visibility frequently extends from 30 to 50 m (100 to 165 ft), offering broad views of the underwater landscape and intricate details.
During the dive, a colorful reef wall, interspersed with coral gardens and distinctive pinnacles, shapes the underwater journey, presenting continuous points of interest.
Rick´s Reef
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Rick´s Reef show 28° air, 25° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 37 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
A welcoming dive experience awaits year-round at Rick's Reef, accommodating diverse preferences for warmth and conditions. Divers prioritizing warmer surface temperatures will find July and August ideal, with average air temperatures typically around 35.5-36°C (96-97°F), alongside lower wave heights averaging 0.5-0.7 meters. Water temperatures consistently maintain a comfortable range of 22 to 28°C (71 to 82°F) across all seasons, ensuring pleasant underwater conditions regardless of the calendar month. Precipitation is largely negligible throughout the year; many months report zero rainfall. For slightly cooler ambient conditions, winter months see air temperatures hover around 19-20°C (66-68°F), still providing excellent dive scores. Consistent conditions enable flexible planning, allowing choices based on personal comfort over strict seasonal windows.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Entering Rick's Reef typically involves navigating a small opening within the reef table, initiating a gentle descent. From there, the dive unfolds along a beautiful slope, often blanketed with "salad corals," creating an immediate visual impact. Following a reef wall that varies in depth from 3 to 18 meters (10 to 60 ft), divers will encounter numerous pinnacles, particularly around the 18-meter mark, offering intricate structures to explore. Though explicitly a drift dive, currents are generally light, making it suitable for novice divers. A relaxed progression south towards the Canyon takes about 30-35 minutes, eventually bringing the 'Fish Bowl' into view. Visibility at the site is consistently good, often extending to 30-50 meters (100-165 ft), providing clear views of vibrant coral gardens and transitions in topography. Divers often conclude by passing through the Canyon's coral garden and exiting into a sandy lagoon.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
For a safe and enjoyable dive at Rick's Reef, consider current conditions and your dive plan carefully. While rated suitable for novice divers, understanding drift dive dynamics is crucial. Divers can experience the site as a standalone reef exploration or as a drift connecting to the Canyon, which demands clear communication within your dive group regarding the intended route and exit strategy. No specific hazards are consistently reported, so focus on standard dive safety practices. Maintaining depth awareness remains important, particularly when exploring pinnacles at roughly 18 meters. Pay attention to air consumption, especially if planning a longer drift into the Canyon, which can extend dive time to 30-35 minutes. Always dive with a buddy and respect marine environment.
Recommended Equipment
Current and surface separation risk. Local briefing strongly recommended.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Reel / Spool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Rick´s Reef, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Even in warm destinations, extended dives can gradually draw heat away from the body.
Exposure protection such as 3mm wetsuit is commonly used when diving in waters of this temperature. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Divers preparing to enter the water at Rick´s Reef will likely find temperatures around 25°C (77°F) today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 28°C (83°F).
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Rick´s Reef.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine Institute at Yoseftal Medical Center, Yoseftal Medical Center
24/7 ListedICU CapableEilat, Israel•Approx. 118 km straight-line
Hyperbaric & Diving Medicine Institute at Yoseftal Medical Center, Yoseftal Medical Center
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Rick´s Reef
Vibrant coral structures at Rick's Reef support a diverse array of marine life, making it a visually engaging dive. Along the reef wall and amidst pinnacles, divers frequently encounter schools of anthias, whose flashes of color are a constant presence. Look for various coral groupers, often lurking among rock formations, and keep an eye out for distinctive shapes of pufferfish and parrotfish. Moray eels are commonly seen within crevices. Occasional sightings include larger pelagics such as turtles and napoleon wrasse. Closer to sandy patches, stingrays and garden eels can be observed, adding to Rick's Reef's rich biodiversity.
Dive Sites Near Rick´s Reef
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Dive Centers Near Rick´s Reef
Working Hours
Today: 09:00 - 18:00
Slydive Dahab
Octopus World Dahab Dive Center
Aqua Divers
Sea Dancer Dive Center
Scuba Seekers
Fantasea Divers Dahab
Dahab Divers Lodge
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What type of dive is Rick's Reef?
Primarily a drift dive, it guides divers along a reef wall and coral gardens. It's also possible to explore as a static reef dive, focusing on pinnacles and coral formations without drifting into the Canyon.
What is the maximum depth at Rick's Reef?
Maximum reported depth is around 25 meters. Much of the dive, especially along the main reef wall and coral gardens, remains shallower, typically not exceeding 18 meters.
Is Rick's Reef suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Rick's Reef is suitable for novice divers. Site offers an easy, shallow dive experience, with generally light currents making drift manageable.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Expect to see a variety of reef fish like anthias, coral groupers, pufferfish, and parrotfish. Moray eels are common, with chances to spot larger creatures like turtles and napoleon wrasse.
How clear is the water at Rick's Reef?
Visibility at Rick's Reef is consistently good, often ranging from 30 to 50 m (100 to 165 ft). Clear views of extensive coral structures and marine inhabitants are common.
Can I combine this dive with another site?
Yes, Rick's Reef is frequently done as a drift dive concluding at the Canyon. Divers can experience both sites in a single extended dive, passing through the Canyon's 'Fish Bowl'.
What are the typical water temperatures?
Water temperatures at Rick's Reef are comfortable year-round, ranging from 22 to 28°C (71 to 82°F). Consistent warmth allows for flexible dive planning any month.
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Rick´s Reef
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Rick´s Reef show 28° air, 25° sea temperature, 0.6 m waves, and 37 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.