Diving atTobia Hamra (Egypt)
Divers approaching Tobia Hamra will generally find protected conditions, though vigilance is always prudent with any open water dive site. Situated off the coast of Safaga within Soma Bay, this reef benefits from mild currents, yet understanding the site's topography, which includes depths reaching 35 m / 115 ft, remains essential for a safe experience. Its accessibility makes it a popular choice, minimizing significant logistical hazards for boat-accessed dives.
As evening covers Tobia Hamra, the local air temperature is measured at 33°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 0.7 m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
What distinguishes Tobia Hamra is its breathtaking 'Red Pinnacle,' a prominent feature earning the site its name due to the magnificent blanket of red and purple soft corals. This vibrant display creates a spectacle of color that captivates divers upon descent.
The site's underwater topography features an intricate labyrinth of sandy canyons, ridges, and ledges, offering a visually stunning backdrop for exploration. Many divers describe it as a natural 'Coral Garden,' where the soft corals are often open and feeding in the gentle currents, producing a scene of continuous, vibrant movement.
Often explored as part of a multi-level circumnavigation of the main pinnacle, this dive encourages a slow pace to fully absorb the reef's detailed beauty. Tobia Hamra stands out within the 'Tobia' family of reefs for its exceptional color saturation and light, making it a favored location for underwater photography and divers across various skill levels.
Tobia Hamra
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Tobia Hamra show 33° air, 26° sea temperature, 0.7 m waves, and 31 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
For a comfortable and rewarding dive experience, Tobia Hamra offers favorable conditions throughout much of the year. Air temperatures tend to be very warm, ranging from 25.5°C / 78°F in April to peaking at 34.5°C / 94°F in August, ensuring pleasant surface intervals. The months from July through January generally receive high dive scores, indicating consistently good conditions. Rainfall is minimal year-round, with most months reporting no precipitation, which ensures clarity is rarely compromised by runoff. While wind speeds fluctuate, generally mild wave heights contribute to calm seas, making boat access consistently smooth. Divers can expect enjoyable conditions whether visiting during the hotter summer or the milder winter months.
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
The typical depth profile at Tobia Hamra accommodates a wide range of certifications, spanning from 4 m / 13 ft in shallower areas to a maximum reported depth of 35 m / 115 ft on the main pinnacle. Many dives are conducted in the mid-depth range, making it accessible for open water divers while still offering deeper sections for those with advanced training. Visibility here is consistently good, often ranging from 10 to 25 meters, providing clear views of the vibrant reef structure. Currents are generally mild, attributed to the site's protected location within Soma Bay, which allows for relaxed drift dives or easy circumnavigation of the pinnacle. This combination of manageable conditions makes Tobia Hamra an excellent environment for both new divers learning skills and experienced photographers seeking stable platforms.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
While Tobia Hamra is generally considered an accessible dive site with mild currents, adherence to standard safe diving practices remains paramount. The site's diverse depth range, including its deeper sections, means divers should respect their certification limits; exploring these areas requires appropriate advanced training. Protected by Soma Bay, the site usually offers calm water, reducing environmental stressors. However, always conduct thorough pre-dive checks and plan your dive, especially when navigating the intricate maze of canyons and ledges. Consulting with local dive professionals familiar with current conditions is advised to ensure an optimal and safe experience.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Tobia Hamra, Egypt. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
In these water temperatures, 2-3mm shorty or light wetsuit is a common choice for recreational diving. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Longer dive profiles can make thermal protection more important than short exploratory dives.
The waters surrounding Tobia Hamra are currently maintaining temperatures close to 26°C (79°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 33°C (91°F).
Temperatures look set to gradually increase over the next several days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, live updates are temporarily delayed. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Tobia Hamra.
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 Tobia Hamra
The vibrant underwater landscape of Tobia Hamra primarily showcases magnificent red and purple soft corals blanketing its main pinnacle. This dense coral growth creates a spectacular, living backdrop for a variety of reef inhabitants. Clouds of anthias often swarm the pinnacle, their bright colors complementing the corals. Divers might also spot moray eels tucked into crevices or discover camouflaged scorpionfish expertly blending with the coral formations.
Dive Sites Near Tobia Hamra
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Dive Centers Near Tobia Hamra
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 18:00
Dive Top Diving Center
Master Diving Center
Idive Diving Center
Extra Fun Divers
Aquarius Diving Club
Scuba World Divers Makadi Bay
Dive Red Sea Makadi Bay
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 Tobia Hamra?
Tobia Hamra offers a varied depth profile, suitable for different skill levels. Divers can explore from shallow reef tops to deeper sections extending over 30 meters, with many popular areas comfortably within typical recreational dive limits, allowing for extensive exploration of the coral gardens.
Are there strong currents at Tobia Hamra?
No, currents at Tobia Hamra are generally mild. The site is protected by Soma Bay, which contributes to calm conditions, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels, including students.
What marine life can I expect to see at Tobia Hamra?
You can expect to encounter vibrant red and purple soft corals, which are a highlight of the site. The reef is home to numerous fish, including clouds of anthias, moray eels, and well-camouflaged scorpionfish.
Is Tobia Hamra suitable for new divers?
Yes, Tobia Hamra is considered suitable for new divers, including those undertaking their PADI Open Water Diver course. Its mild currents, good visibility, and accessible shallow areas make it an excellent learning environment.
What is the visibility like at Tobia Hamra?
Visibility at Tobia Hamra is typically very good, generally ranging from 10 to 25 meters. This clarity provides excellent viewing conditions for the site's intricate coral structures and diverse marine inhabitants.
What makes Tobia Hamra a good site for underwater photography?
The site's 'Red Pinnacle' is covered in exceptionally vibrant red and purple soft corals, providing incredible color saturation under good natural light. The gentle currents also allow for stable photo opportunities, making it a favorite for photographers.
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Tobia Hamra
Conditions are Good
Best Dive Window
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Tobia Hamra show 33° air, 26° sea temperature, 0.7 m waves, and 31 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.