Quick Facts:
| Location: |
West: South West of the Quay |
| Depth: |
Max: 35m (120ft) |
| Access: |
Boat |
| Level: |
SNORKELER, BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE |
As the name suggests, this extensive chain of reefs is used as an alternative when strong currents and storms render it impossible to dive at the other sites in the area. The reason for this is because of its relatively sheltered position which is tucked away between a barrier of submerged islands at the eastern edges of Sha'ab Mahmoud. The location itself is a series of those submerged islands forming a ring around a lagoon which increase considerably in depth towards the western edges of the site. It is towards this lagoon that local boats head to weather out the storm. The base of the lagoon is made up of several reef patches with a few coral heads separated by sandy areas. The outward sides of the islands are made up of small walls and coral heads.
Concentrated numbers of reef and pelagic fish, as well as open sea fish can be found here. These include Butterfly fish, Napoleon fish (humphead wrasses) Emperor angelfish, Leopard, White tip, and Grey tip reef sharks. This is however ray territory with many different kinds found in abundance. Sting ray Station forms part of the site and is located at the southwestern end of the site.
The corals here are quite magnificent and support a large variety of fish and other marine creatures including spiny and slipper lobsters, and decorator hermit crabs with their anemones. You should not miss the range of soft corals, especially the lovely Spanish Dancer Nudibranch, which provide a beautiful scope of color.
Visibility is quite good and averages at 20m (65ft) throughout the site. A favorite for night dives.
