Ascend
MariaB
Joined Sep 2023
84 Reviews
8 Shops added
42 Sites added
127 Photos
2 Liveaboards
8 Helpful votes
Badges Earned
MariaB's Contributions
Rating
Helpful Votes
Scuba Points
Sodfa, Sharm El Sheikh
Sodfa is an intriguing dive site with a unique backstory. Named by two original dive guides who realized they weren’t at the intended site after jumping in, the name "Sodfa," meaning "coincidence" in Arabic, perfectly captures the charm of this location. The reef at Sodfa descends to approximately 12 meters, featuring a gentle sandy slope that leads down to a stunning drop-off ridge at depths of 18 to 25 meters. The vibrant underwater landscape is adorned with beautiful table corals and fan corals along the ridge edge, creating a picturesque environment for divers. What I found particularly enjoyable about Sodfa is its similarity to the more popular Tower dive site, but with a more tranquil and less crowded atmosphere. This makes it a fantastic choice for divers seeking a serene experience while still enjoying rich marine life.... Show More Sep. 18, 2024
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The Alternatives, Sharm El Sheikh
Diving at The Alternatives is a truly captivating experience. This unique dive site features several pinnacles arranged over a dramatic drop-off, providing a stunning underwater landscape. One of the highlights is the first pinnacle, aptly named “Stingray Station.” This dive is suitable for divers of all experience levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned divers, as well as snorkelers. At Stingray Station, you’ll find a remarkable cleaning station frequented by various species of stingrays, offering an up-close and personal encounter with these graceful creatures. As you explore the other pinnacles, you'll be treated to a vibrant marine ecosystem. Keep an eye out for moray eels peeking from their crevices, colorful shrimp, and an abundance of reef fish darting about. Large groupers can also be spotted, adding an extra thrill to the dive.... Show More Sep. 18, 2024
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Gabr el Bint, Dahab
Diving at Gabr el Bint was an extraordinary experience that truly lived up to its reputation as one of Dahab's most attractive dive sites. Located about 20 km south of Dahab, this site is less frequented than others, which only adds to its charm and allure. Accessing it by boat or camel made the adventure feel even more special. The dive site offers two distinct experiences, each with its own unique features. The South dive, often referred to as the "dark side," showcases a dramatic wall that plunges down to 60 meters, interspersed with fascinating chasms and caves. As a cave diver, I was thrilled to explore the entrance around 22 meters deep. The steep drop-off, adorned with exquisite table corals, was stunning, and I was fortunate enough to spot reef sharks and milkfish gliding in the blue. On the other hand, the North dive was a vibrant feast for the eyes, starting on a wall decorated with a beautiful forest of gorgonians. Here, I encountered an array of marine life including trevallies, turtles, big wrasses, and even dolphins! The highlight was definitely the chance to see whale sharks, which added an element of excitement to the dive. As we crossed over to return to the boat, we entered a large sandy lagoon that runs parallel to the shore, filled with gorgeous coral heads that attract a multitude of reef species. I loved observing swarms of anthias, scorpionfish, parrotfish, crocodilefish, surgeonfish, triggerfish, trumpetfish, and stingrays. A delightful surprise was finding a turtle, which added to the magic of the dive. Near the end of the ledge, I spotted a shoal of black and white snappers hanging between 5 and 10 meters, creating a picture-perfect scene. ... Show More Sep. 18, 2024
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The Caves, Dahab
Diving at The Caves was an unforgettable experience that showcased the beauty of the underwater world in a unique way. The entry is quite exhilarating, requiring a giant stride off the ledge into the deep blue water. It’s important to note that this dive is best enjoyed in calm conditions; the waves can create a tricky entrance, but once you’re in, it’s absolutely worth it. As you descend, the cave reveals itself directly below, and you’re immediately greeted by the stunning shallow reefs on either side. The vibrant underwater landscape is a feast for the eyes, with both soft and hard corals flourishing around the cave. The marine life is just as impressive; I encountered large groupers, scorpionfish, and moray eels, and even had the thrill of spotting a tiger shark lurking in the distance! Entering the cave itself is magical. Swimming to the back and turning around, you’re treated to a breathtaking view of light streaming through, illuminating the swarms of anthias and bannerfish swimming gracefully on the ceiling. It’s an ideal spot for a safety stop, allowing you to soak in the beauty of your surroundings while catching your breath. ... Show More Sep. 17, 2024
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Three Pools, Dahab
The Three Pools Dive Site is a stunning underwater destination known for its vibrant marine life and beautiful coral formations. Comprising three distinct pools, this site offers a remarkable diving experience for all skill levels. 1. Rich Marine Biodiversity: Dive among a variety of species, including colorful reef fish, graceful rays, and even occasional sharks, making every dive an exhilarating adventure. 2. Beautiful Coral Reefs: The site features breathtaking coral reefs that provide a vibrant backdrop for underwater photography and support a diverse ecosystem. 3. Ideal Diving Conditions: With clear waters and gentle currents, the Three Pools are accessible year-round, attracting both novice and experienced divers. For an unforgettable underwater adventure, the Three Pools Dive Site is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts.... Show More Sep. 17, 2024
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Moray Garden, Dahab
I recently had the pleasure of diving at a beautiful beach dive site just a short ten-minute drive from Dahab, and it was an incredible experience! The accessibility of this site made it perfect for a relaxed dive day. Entering the water from the beach was straightforward, and after crossing a sandy area and a seagrass bed, we were greeted by a stunning line of corals that stretched from the shore and descended into the sea. The vibrant colors and abundance of corals truly made this dive site a feast for the eyes. There was an impressive variety of marine life, from playful fish darting in and out of the corals to larger species gliding gracefully through the water. It felt like swimming in a living aquarium! \n\nOne of the highlights of the dive was our return through a shallow coral garden. This area was particularly enchanting, as we regularly encountered geometric moray eels peeking out from their hiding spots. Their fascinating patterns and curious nature added an extra thrill to the experience. The dive was well-suited for divers of all levels, and our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, providing insights about the marine ecosystem and ensuring our safety throughout the dive. ... Show More Sep. 17, 2024
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The Islands, Dahab
Diving at the Islands in Dahab was an absolutely spectacular experience! This site, a favorite among both guides and divers, truly showcases the beauty of the Red Sea's coral reefs. As soon as we descended, I was captivated by the intricate maze of coral formations surrounding us. The three giant pinnacles that have grown together over time created a stunning underwater playground, filled with valleys and lagoons teeming with life. One of the highlights of the dive was the lagoon home to thousands of juvenile barracuda. Watching them swim in unison was mesmerizing! The presence of trevally and large snapper added to the excitement, as they patrolled the area, guarding their larder and creating a dynamic atmosphere. It felt like we were witnessing nature in action, and every moment was filled with wonder. The dive site is also quite unique due to the changes brought about by an earthquake ten years ago, which created fascinating holes and cracks in the reef. These areas are rapidly filling with renewed coral growth, showcasing the resilience of marine life. It’s a beautiful reminder of nature's ability to heal and adapt. As one of the shallower dives in the region, the Coral Maze is accessible to divers of all certification levels, making it an ideal site for both beginners and experienced divers. The visibility was fantastic, and our guide was knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring we made the most of our dive while emphasizing safety. ... Show More Sep. 17, 2024
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Lighthouse, Dahab
My recent night dive at the Lighthouse in Dahab was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience! As someone who had never dived at night before, I was both excited and a bit nervous, but the dive turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. The atmosphere at the Lighthouse as the sun set was magical. Our dive guide provided a thorough briefing, ensuring everyone felt comfortable with the plan and equipment. Once we submerged, the underwater world transformed into a vibrant spectacle of colors and life that is simply not visible during the day. With our flashlights illuminating the reef, we were greeted by a dazzling array of nocturnal marine life. The corals seemed to glow, and we encountered an abundance of creatures, including lionfish, octopus, and sleeping parrotfish tucked away in the coral. The majestic sight of bioluminescent plankton swirling around us added an enchanting touch to the dive. The visibility was surprisingly good, and the calm waters made for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Diving in a small group allowed us to explore at our own pace while our guide pointed out fascinating marine life and shared insights about the ecosystem. ... Show More Sep. 17, 2024
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Eel Garden, Dahab
My recent dive at Eel Gardens in Dahab was nothing short of magical! Known for its stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant marine life, this dive site did not disappoint. As we descended, the sandy bottom was dotted with countless garden eels swaying gracefully in the current, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The sight of these eels popping in and out of their burrows was truly enchanting and unique to this location. The coral formations surrounding the gardens were equally impressive, with a rich variety of colorful corals and marine species. We encountered schools of fish, including butterflyfish and parrotfish, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The visibility was excellent, allowing us to fully appreciate the beauty of the underwater world. The gentle currents made this dive suitable for divers of all skill levels, and our guide was knowledgeable and focused on safety, ensuring we made the most of our experience. ... Show More Sep. 17, 2024
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Ras Abu Helal, Dahab
I recently had the pleasure of diving at Ras Abu Helal, located just 7 km north of Dahab, and it was an incredible experience! The dive begins with a descent into a beautiful semicircular sandy lagoon at a depth of 7-12 meters, setting the stage for an unforgettable underwater adventure. As we kept the vibrant reef on our left, we were immediately captivated by the stunning coral gardens, which truly are the highlight of this dive. The colors and diversity of marine life were breathtaking! The reef wall drops dramatically into the blue, and while I was tempted by the allure of the small canyon at 30 meters, our guide wisely advised us to avoid it, focusing instead on enjoying the surrounding coral gardens. Heading north, we encountered a sandy seabed, which provided an easy exit option if needed, or we could circle back to the shallow lagoon. Throughout the dive, we spotted an array of marine life, including lionfish, groupers, and unicorn fish, with the occasional turtle making a delightful appearance. Overall, diving at Ras Abu Helal was a fantastic experience, combining stunning underwater landscapes with rich marine biodiversity. I highly recommend this dive site to anyone visiting Dahab—it's a true gem that should not be missed!... Show More Sep. 17, 2024