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 24.4°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.4m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
24.7883, 35.1785
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
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.
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 31.0°C (88°F) and the lowest average wave heights, approximately 0.46 meters (1.5 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.
Climate Historical Averages
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
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers visiting Shoab Sharm today can expect water conditions around 24°C (76°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (76°F).
Many divers choose 3mm wetsuit when diving in similar conditions.
Short-term weather patterns suggest stable conditions for divers visiting the area.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EGP
Nearest Airports
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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.
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Frequently 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.
Liveaboards Sailing to Shoab Sharm
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Resorts & Accommodation
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Around This Area
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