Diving atShoab Sharm (Egypt)
Shaab Sharm draws divers with its reputation for dynamic marine life encounters, particularly large pelagics. This offshore reef provides exceptional opportunities to observe schools of barracudas, trevallies, and tuna moving through the blue. Encounters with reef sharks, eagle rays, and even hammerheads are possible, especially along its dramatic drop-offs, making it a compelling destination for those seeking vibrant underwater action.
Tonight's objective overview for Shoab Sharm shows an air temperature of 28.5°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.7 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
Approaching Shaab Sharm, divers find an exposed reef stretching 700 meters at its longest, located roughly 12 km (7.5 miles) off the Egyptian coast southeast of Marsa Alam. This site is distinguished by its dramatic, steep walls that descend in steps to depths exceeding 200 meters (656 feet), with recreational dives typically focusing on the 10-40 m (33-131 ft) range.
These vertical faces are vibrantly covered in soft corals, gorgonians, and black corals, creating a rich habitat. Strong currents frequently sweep the reef, making it an excellent location for exhilarating drift dives. A prominent feature is a plateau situated at approximately 20-25 m (65-82 ft), where divers can explore numerous coral bommies that actively host diverse smaller reef creatures.
Due to the prevailing conditions, particularly the currents, Shaab Sharm is not recommended for beginners and night dives are not conducted here.
Shoab Sharm
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Shoab Sharm show 28° air, 28° sea temperature, 0.8 m waves, and 37 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Shaab Sharm generally offers good diving conditions year-round, though the summer months often present the calmest surface conditions. July typically stands out as an excellent month for diving, with average air temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and the lowest average wave heights, approximately 0.5 meters (1.6 feet), along with milder winds averaging 24.4 km/h (15 mph). Other favorable periods include March, April, November, and December, all scoring 'Good' for diving. During these months, air temperatures are cooler, ranging from 22-26°C (72-79°F), while wave heights and wind speeds remain manageable. Rainfall is consistently minimal across all seasons, ensuring clear skies. While specific water temperatures are not consistently reported, the Red Sea generally maintains comfortably warm conditions for diving.
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
Entry at Shaab Sharm is exclusively by boat, typically delivering divers directly to the reef's active areas. Upon descent, divers will quickly encounter the site's characteristic strong currents. These conditions make it an excellent location for exhilarating drift diving, allowing divers to effortlessly glide along the extensive reef walls. The steep drop-offs are adorned with diverse coral formations. Navigating the reef's structures requires good buoyancy control, especially around the plateau feature at 20-25 m (65-82 ft), where numerous coral bommies offer shelter to smaller marine life. Given these dynamic conditions, some prior diving experience is definitely a prerequisite for this site.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Diving at Shaab Sharm requires careful planning due to its frequently strong and unpredictable currents. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and maintain excellent buoyancy control to navigate the site safely. This location is not suitable for entry-level divers; some prior experience is essential for managing the conditions effectively. Certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and PADI Drift Diver are highly recommended. Furthermore, night dives are explicitly not possible here due to the challenging environment. Always dive within your training limits and remain vigilant, staying with your buddy and following your dive guide's instructions.
Recommended Equipment
Technical depth range. Advanced planning, gas management, and appropriate certification required.
Current and surface separation risk. Local briefing strongly recommended.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Reel / Spool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Shoab Sharm, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers who spend more time observing marine life often prefer slightly warmer gear.
The water around Shoab Sharm is currently holding at approximately 28°C (82°F), setting the tone for today's dives. Surface air temperatures are resting at 28°C (83°F). Water temperatures in this range are often well suited to diving with 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit.
Forecast models indicate that diving conditions should remain largely unchanged.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to shoab sharm.
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.
Marine Life at Shoab Sharm
Shaab Sharm's vibrant underwater landscape directly contributes to its abundant marine life. Along the impressive vertical walls, abundant soft corals, gorgonians, and black corals create an ideal habitat, attracting substantial pelagic activity. Divers frequently encounter large schools of barracudas, trevallies, and tuna patrolling the blue. Also, regular sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays are common. Occasionally, fortunate divers may even spot hammerheads along the deeper drop-offs. Coral bommies on the plateau, found at recreational depth, actively support a variety of smaller reef inhabitants.
Dive Centers Near Shoab Sharm
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 is the typical depth range for diving at Shaab Sharm?
Recreational dives at Shaab Sharm typically explore the reef's vibrant walls and plateau, staying within the standard recreational depth range. The walls themselves descend much deeper, beyond typical recreational limits.
Are there strong currents at Shaab Sharm?
Yes, strong currents are a defining characteristic of Shaab Sharm. These currents make it an excellent site for drift diving but require divers to have appropriate experience and control.
Is Shaab Sharm suitable for beginner divers?
No, Shaab Sharm is not recommended for beginner divers. The prevalent strong currents and exposed nature of the reef necessitate a certain level of experience and skill.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see here?
You can expect to encounter large schools of barracudas, trevallies, and tunas. Reef sharks, eagle rays, and occasionally hammerheads are also sighted, especially along the deeper sections of the walls.
Can night dives be conducted at Shaab Sharm?
No, due to the challenging conditions and strong currents, night dives are not possible at Shaab Sharm.
What is the primary reef structure of Shaab Sharm?
Shaab Sharm is characterized by steep drop-offs, impressive vertical walls adorned with soft, gorgonian, and black corals, and a notable plateau around 20-25 meters featuring numerous coral bommies.
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Shoab Sharm
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Shoab Sharm show 28° air, 28° sea temperature, 0.8 m waves, and 37 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.