Diving atBlue Hole (Morocco)
Carrying a formidable reputation, the Blue Hole in the Red Sea is an iconic dive site on the Sinai Peninsula, known for its extreme depths and challenging features. Its allure, however, is tempered by a tragic history of numerous diver fatalities, making stringent adherence to safety protocols paramount. This site draws technical divers and freedivers seeking its profound verticality, alongside recreational divers navigating its upper reaches.
As evening covers Blue Hole, the local air temperature is measured at 17.9°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 1.04m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Coordinates
28.9186, -13.6707
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Historically, the Bedouin tribes of the Sinai Peninsula reportedly avoided the Blue Hole, attributing a mystical reverence to its depths. It gained international prominence as a dive site during the Israeli occupation from 1967-1979, with modern scuba exploration commencing in 1968.
Since then, it's become a busy, nearly daily dive destination, particularly well-regarded for the 'Bells to Blue Hole' route. Divers typically enter through a narrow chimney known as 'The Bells,' descending to approximately 26 m / 85 ft before transitioning into the main blue hole structure. This iconic sinkhole plunges over 100 m / 330 ft deep within its main basin, offering a shallow opening to the open sea via 'The Saddle.' A significant geological feature, 'The Arch,' a 26-meter-long tunnel, has its ceiling around 55 meters and drops below 100 meters on the seaward side, where the floor plunges precipitously to more than a thousand meters.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a dive at the Blue Hole is often best aligned with calmer sea conditions and pleasant air temperatures, typically favoring the months from April through November. During this period, wave heights average around 0.9 to 1.2 meters, contributing to generally good dive scores. Air temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging from 20.4°C / 68.7°F in April to peaking at 25.2°C / 77.4°F in August, with minimal rainfall. Although wind speeds can be higher during summer months, they often don't significantly impact conditions within the sheltered Blue Hole itself. Late spring and early autumn months like May-June and September-October frequently offer excellent visibility and stable weather for exploring the site.
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
The iconic Bells entry is a narrow, vertical chimney, often allowing only one diver at a time. This descent emerges at approximately 26 meters, leading into a dramatic wall dive along the Blue Hole's outer reef. From here, divers typically swim right, encountering majestic coral-covered overhangs before crossing 'The Saddle' into the main Blue Hole at about 7 meters. The main Blue Hole is characterized by its sheer vertical walls, plunging to depths exceeding 100 meters. Lack of current inside the hole is a notable condition, making it popular for freediving. Water temperatures are not consistently reported but generally vary with the Red Sea's seasonal patterns. Recreational divers generally stay within standard limits, typically around 30 meters.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Divers approaching the Blue Hole must be acutely aware of its challenging nature; it has a reputation for numerous fatalities, primarily among those attempting 'The Arch' or exceeding their training and gas limits. For recreational scuba, an Advanced Open Water (AOW) or CMAS** certification is recommended, typically limiting dives to about 30 meters. Crossing 'The Arch,' with its ceiling at roughly 55 meters, is strictly for highly experienced technical divers with specialized training and equipment, and is not suitable for recreational depths. Always dive with a reputable local center that understands the site's unique characteristics. Maintain strict buoyancy control, monitor gas consumption closely, and never dive alone or beyond your certified depth and experience levels.
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
5mm wetsuit is widely used for recreational dives in waters of this temperature. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Those diving at Blue Hole today will likely encounter water temperatures in the region of 19°C (67°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 18°C (64°F).
Forecasts suggest rising temperatures later this week. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Water temperatures can occasionally shift throughout the day depending on currents and depth layers.
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
MAD
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Blue Hole
Vibrant coral growth immediately captures attention along the Blue Hole's outer walls and within the shallower sections of The Saddle. These reefs provide habitat for an abundance of reef fish, creating a lively underwater spectacle. Look out for the cryptic Scorpionfish camouflaged against the reef, and you'll likely spot various wrasse species darting among the corals. Moray eels are also a common sight, often peeking out from crevices and small caves along the walls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Blue Hole?
The Blue Hole is found on the southeast Sinai Peninsula, a few kilometers north of Dahab, Egypt, on the Red Sea coast.
What is the maximum depth of the Blue Hole?
The Blue Hole itself plunges to just over 100 meters within its main basin. The seaward side, beyond 'The Arch,' drops to over a thousand meters.
Is the Blue Hole suitable for recreational divers?
Yes, recreational divers can explore the shallower sections and the 'Bells to Blue Hole' route, typically staying within 30 meters. Attempting 'The Arch' requires advanced technical diving qualifications.
What is 'The Bells' entry?
The Bells is a narrow, open chimney entry point near the shore, north of the Blue Hole. Divers descend through it, emerging at approximately 26 meters to begin their dive.
What marine life can I expect to see?
The site features abundant coral growth and diverse reef fish. Common sightings include various wrasse species, moray eels hiding in crevices, and scorpionfish blending into the reef structure.
Why is the Blue Hole considered dangerous?
Its extreme depths and the allure of 'The Arch' can lead divers to exceed their training and gas limits. Many fatalities have occurred when divers attempt to traverse 'The Arch' without appropriate technical diving experience.
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