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MariaB
Joined Sep 2023
35 Reviews
8 Shops added
32 Sites added
69 Photos
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Ras Bob, Sharm El Sheikh
Formerly known as Labyrinth because of its shallow swim-through caves, this dive site in Sharm El Sheikh was renamed Bob Johnson after the renowned videographer who filmed an underwater advertisement for the UK bank Cheltenham and Gloucester. However, it's important to note that the iconic columns depicted in the advertisement were only temporary and cannot be found at the site today. As you descend to a depth of approximately 22 meters, you'll encounter a large eel garden that adds an enchanting element to the dive. Exploring this dive site is best done in shallow water, where you have the opportunity to spot octopus gracefully navigating their surroundings. Additionally, keep an eye out for groups of Sergeant majors hanging around in the shallows, adding a splash of color to the underwater landscape. Though the site no longer showcases the columns from the commercial, a dive at Bob Johnson still promises an underwater adventure filled with intriguing marine life. Don't miss the chance to discover the eel garden and observe the fascinating behaviors of octopus and Sergeant majors when diving at this captivating site in Sharm El Sheikh.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Shark's Bay, Sharm El Sheikh
Located in the stunning area of Sharm el Sheikh, Sharks Bay is a fantastic dive site that caters to divers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Sharks Bay offers a memorable diving experience and serves as an excellent training ground. As you begin your dive at Sharks Bay, you'll follow the reef on your left shoulder. Here, you'll discover a captivating coral plateau that starts at a depth of 5 meters and gradually drops off to around 20 meters. This plateau is home to a diverse range of marine life, and you can expect to encounter fascinating creatures such as Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, giant grouper, and octopus. These sightings alone make Sharks Bay a must-visit dive site for any diving enthusiast. One of the highlights of diving at Sharks Bay is the stunning glassfish pinnacles that can be found along the drop-off. These shimmering schools of glassfish create a mesmerizing sight, making for incredible underwater photography opportunities. The underwater scenery at Sharks Bay is truly breathtaking and will leave you in awe. For those seeking a bit more adventure, to the right of the diving area is a deep canyon. This canyon is a popular spot for technical diving enthusiasts, as it descends to depths of over 100 meters. If you're trained in tec diving, exploring this canyon can provide a thrilling and exhilarating experience. Overall, Sharks Bay is a dive site that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a leisurely dive to admire the stunning coral formations and marine life or an adrenaline-pumping technical dive, Sharks Bay has it all. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this remarkable dive site when visiting Sharm el Sheikh.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Middle Garden, Sharm El Sheikh
Middle Garden is a captivating dive site that can be found in a sheltered bay to the east of Na'ama Bay and Near Garden in Sharm El Sheikh. This site is perfect for divers of all levels, including beginners on their Discover scuba dives, thanks to its shallow depth of 15 meters/50 feet and absence of strong currents. One of the highlights of diving at Middle Garden is the incredible opportunity to encounter some majestic marine creatures. If fortune favors you, you may be treated to the magnificent sight of manta rays, whale sharks, and large turtles gracefully gliding through the water. This truly adds an extra layer of excitement and wonderment to your dive experience. However, even if you don't happen to spot these magnificent creatures, the underwater scenery at Middle Garden is more than enough to satisfy any diving enthusiast. The coral formations found here are truly awe-inspiring, creating a vibrant and colorful underwater landscape. The variety of fish life in the area is also abundant, providing plenty of opportunities for underwater photographers to capture stunning shots. With its sheltered location and calm conditions, Middle Garden is a fantastic dive site to explore when visiting Sharm El Sheikh. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, this site offers something special for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for any diving enthusiast.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Near Garden, Sharm El Sheikh
I recently had the pleasure of exploring "Near Garden," one of the fascinating bays located north of Naama Bay in Sharm el Sheikh. This dive site is part of a series of bays known as "The Gardens," each with its own unique features. As we descended into the water at Near Garden, we were met with a captivating reef wall that extended to a depth of 8-10 meters. From there, the seabed slowly sloped down to the drop-off at 18-20 meters. The topography of this site was truly remarkable, with pinnacles scattered throughout the dive. Starting at 18 meters and keeping the reef on our left side, we discovered a breathtaking red anemone that was truly a sight to behold. Just ahead, there was a pinnacle teeming with glassfish, making it a perfect spot for underwater photographers to capture stunning shots. As we explored further, we encountered a variety of marine life, including nudibranch, shrimps, blennies, Christmas tree worms, and banded pipefish, among many others. As we reached the corner of the dive site, the drop-off ridge extended into a flat bottom adorned with large fan corals at approximately 22 meters. We turned our dive and made our way back towards a row of pinnacles, marking the beginning of the bay and the boundary of Near Garden. Due to the typically strong currents in this area, the soft corals thrive, creating a colorful and vibrant underwater scene. Additionally, there is a section in the shallows known as the "dead area," a name that has been passed down since the early dive guide maps. Keep a keen eye out during your dive, as mantas are known to frequent this site during the summer months. Overall, exploring Near Garden was a truly incredible experience. The diverse marine life, stunning coral formations, and unique topography made it a dive site worth exploring. If you find yourself in Sharm el Sheikh, I highly recommend diving at Near Garden in "The Gardens" to witness the beauty of this underwater paradise.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Sadfa, Sharm El Sheikh
During my recent dive in Sharm, I had the chance to explore a unique site known as "Sodfa." Interestingly, this name was given by two of the original dive guides in the area. They had accidentally jumped into this site, thinking it was another, but were surprised to find that it looked remarkably similar. In Arabic, "Sodfa" means coincidence, perfectly capturing the unexpected discovery. As we descended into the water, we were greeted by a reef that gradually sloped down to approximately 12 meters. The sandy slope continued, leading us to a drop-off ridge ranging from 18 to 25 meters in depth. Along the ridge edge, we were delighted to find beautiful table corals and graceful fan corals. The vibrant colors and intricate formations of these corals added to the allure of the dive. What made Sodfa particularly fascinating was its similarity to another renowned dive site called "the tower." Divers who have explored both sites have noted the striking resemblance between the two. It was intriguing to witness this connection and to imagine the stories behind the naming of each site. Overall, diving at Sodfa was an experience filled with unexpected surprises. The unique naming of the site and its resemblance to the tower added an extra layer of intrigue to the dive. If you're looking for a dive that offers both natural beauty and an interesting twist of fate, I highly recommend exploring Sodfa in Sharm.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Tower, Sharm El Sheikh
I recently had the opportunity to explore the breathtaking dive site known as "Named after the large fossil coral tower." This dive site offers an incredible underwater experience from start to finish. To begin the dive, we descended to 12 meters where a stunning pinnacle hangs off a vertical wall. Underneath, we were greeted by a mesmerizing fan coral. As we followed the reef around, we were in awe of the astounding vertical canyon that stretched to depths of 120 meters. To get the best view of the canyon wall, we kept a depth of 18 meters. Along the way, small overhangs filled with glassfish and cave sweepers added to the beauty of the dive. As we continued, the reef transformed from a vertical wall to a sloping bottom with a drop-off at 22 meters. Along the ridge edge, we found pinnacles dotted throughout. Taking our time, we had the opportunity to search for nudibranch and small starfish among these pinnacles. It was a delight to discover the vibrant marine life hidden in these areas. Towards the end of the dive, we encountered a remarkable and monstrous pinnacle with an overhang. Beneath the overhang, we were captivated by the presence of red fire sponges, which were a favorite spot for pyjama nudibranches. The vivid colors and intricate details were truly enchanting. To conclude our dive, we ascended up and over the top of the large pinnacle, which was adorned with magnificent blue stag coral. During our safety stop, we were surrounded by schools of Sergeant majors, creating a picturesque scene. The lighting was simply atmospheric, making it perfect for those with a camera to capture this unforgettable moment.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Amphoras, Sharm El Sheikh
I recently had the opportunity to dive at the Amphoras dive site in the Sharm el Sheikh area, and it was a truly remarkable experience. This dive site is suitable for divers of all levels, offering a full drift dive with an intriguing historical twist. The site is named after a 17th-century Turkish cargo ship that met its unfortunate fate here, leaving behind remnants of its anchor and the valuable cargo it carried in amphora pots. As I explored the underwater world, I was mesmerized by the sandy plateau adorned with breathtaking hard and soft coral pinnacles. The vibrant colors and intricate formations were a sight to behold. But what really set this dive site apart was the diverse marine life I encountered. From graceful eagle rays gliding through the water to majestic turtles and even larger pelagic species swimming along the drop off, there was never a dull moment. The visibility was excellent, allowing me to fully immerse myself in this underwater paradise. The combination of historical artifacts and stunning marine life made the Amphoras dive site a truly captivating experience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an unforgettable diving adventure in the Sharm el Sheikh area.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Ras Um Sid, Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Um Sid, my favorite dive site, is a true gem located at the North Point of Sharm El Sheikh Harbor. This captivating coral shelf begins right at the shore, offering divers a convenient and picturesque entry point. As you descend into the depths, you'll be greeted by a sloping reef that extends down to a maximum depth of 80 feet, where a sandy bottom awaits. The steep sloping wall of this reef is a sight to behold, stretching from the point at Ras Umm Sid inward toward the bay to the west. Along this magnificent wall, you'll encounter intermittent patches of sand, coral heads, and remarkable pinnacles, each adding to the enchanting underwater landscape. Coral enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse attractions that Ras Um Sid has to offer. Gorgonians, acropora, fire corals, and dense patches of soft coral create a vibrant and visually stunning environment. The substantial coral formations found here are a testament to the thriving marine ecosystem. The coral heads that populate this area serve as home to a multitude of reef fish, providing an incredible opportunity to witness their intricate behaviors. Among the many residents, the majestic lionfish stands out as a fascinating creature to observe. As you explore the blue waters off the reef, you may also encounter a variety of open ocean fish, including rays, barracudas, and even sharks. The sandy bottom is home to the elusive crocodilefish, adding an element of excitement to the dive. Ras Um Sid offers a delightful depth range of 20 to 80 feet, making it accessible to divers of various skill levels. Whether you choose to embark on a shore dive or join a dive boat with the guidance of a local expert, this site promises an unforgettable underwater adventure. From snorkelers and novices to advanced divers, dive masters, and instructors, Ras Um Sid accommodates all levels of expertise. Prepare to be awe-struck by the abundance of marine life, including big and small jacks/trevally, emperor and regal angelfish, an array of parrotfish, triggerfish with their distinctive patterns, yellowspine and ringtail surgeons, the majestic Napoleon wrasse, and the graceful movement of moray eels. Ras Um Sid truly has it all – breathtaking corals, fascinating fish, and a diverse underwater landscape. It's no wonder it holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite dive site.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Ras Katy, Sharm El Sheikh
Located just a few hundred meters west of Temple, Ras Katy is a captivating dive site. As you explore the area, you will encounter several coral pinnacles that rise from the sandy plateau, ranging from depths of 5m to 18m before the drop-off begins. These pinnacles are adorned with stunning gorgonian fans patiently awaiting your arrival. You'll find these fans teeming with glassfish, creating a truly mesmerizing sight. The pinnacles themselves are a bustling hub of activity, with countless schools of anthias gracefully swimming about. Furthermore, you'll have the pleasure of encountering various species of butterflyfish, adding to the vibrant tapestry of marine life. Keep an eye out for little caves and crevices along the way, as they harbor glassfish and the captivating lionfish. Venturing into the sandy areas, you'll have the opportunity to observe an array of fascinating marine creatures. The elusive crocodilefish, bluespotted stingrays, intriguing scorpionfish, and the ever-energetic triggerfish are just a few examples of the diverse species that call this area home. Overall, Ras Katy is a rich and diverse dive site that promises an unforgettable underwater adventure. With its remarkable coral pinnacles, bustling schools of fish, and fascinating inhabitants, this is a destination that is not to be missed for any diving enthusiast.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023
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Ras Burg, Sharm El Sheikh
Located about 500 meters south of Ras Za’atar, Ras Burg is a dive site that is newly introduced in this guide. While it may not be as breathtaking as Ras Za’atar, it offers a similar wall configuration and the advantage of being less crowded and practically untouched. Your dive experience begins at a fossil coral pinnacle that emerges from the water like a tower, thus giving the site its name. Descending along the wall with the wall to your right, you will encounter Bluespine unicornfish and schools of fusiliers cruising at depths of up to 20 meters. As you continue, you will come across a wide chimney with an open summit, reminiscent of the one at Ras Za’atar. Inside the chimney, you will be mesmerized by the abundance of sparkling yellow gorgonians, red sponges, siphon sponges, butterflyfish, and anthias. The upper part of the chimney forms an arch with its roof ascending to 3.5 meters. After exploring the chimney, you can proceed along the wall, where numerous pinnacles in various shapes protrude. A second chimney, although less impressive than the previous one, awaits you as you gradually ascend to conclude your dive. Keep an eye out for hawksbill turtles, jackfish, and fusiliers, as they are common visitors to this site. Ras Burg is a perfect dive site for small groups of scuba divers. The first chimney, which is the main highlight, is relatively narrow and it is recommended that no more than 3 to 4 divers visit it at a time to avoid causing damage to the walls. Photographers will particularly enjoy this site, especially around midday when the sun is directly overhead. What sets Ras Burg apart is its low frequency of visitors, allowing the madrepores and soft corals to remain intact. The wall is beautiful and the chimney offers a rich variety of fauna and colors. Additionally, the site is generally sheltered from wind and waves, providing a comfortable diving experience.... Show More Oct. 16, 2023