Shabha - El Gouna

The Wall, just off Sydney, delivers exactly what its name promises: a vertical face of rock that drops from 10m down to a maximum of 22m. We love it because it’s surprisingly dynamic for a metro dive, never quite the same trip twice. You’ll fin along, tracing the contours, often seeing schools of snapper hanging in the slight current. Our favourite moments here are spotting the collared carpetsharks tucked into crevices or a Kapala stingaree blending into the sandy bottom where the wall ends. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling over the encrusting growth. Visibility averages 11m, which is decent for Sydney, but we’d suggest timing your dive for an incoming tide for the clearest water. It’s a comfortable dive for anyone beyond their open water certification, offering plenty to see without pushing any depth limits. Expect a solid local dive, not a tropical showstopper, but always interesting.

Location
El Gouna, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.339400, 33.776000
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: شعاب البحر الأحمر

Best Time to Dive in El Gouna

The warmest water temperatures in El Gouna occur in August, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 20.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.3°C
  • February: 20.2°C
  • March: 20.8°C
  • April: 22.1°C
  • May: 24.5°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 27.0°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 26.1°C
  • November: 24.6°C
  • December: 22.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in El Gouna

Nearest Dive Centres to Shabha

Marine Life in El Gouna

Home to 64 recorded species including 46 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sea cucumbers, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Shabha

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Shabha dive site?
The Shabha dive site offers a shallow diving experience, with the reef top starting just under the water's surface. The reef extends down to a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 14 meters. This makes it an accessible and enjoyable dive for many experience levels.
What marine life and corals can I expect to see when diving at Shabha?
When diving at Shabha, you can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, making it feel like an aquarium. The reef is teeming with antias, glass fish, and various other reef fishes. Keep an eye out for fascinating creatures like stone fish, scorpion fish, and lion fish, which are frequently spotted throughout the site. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Shabha, and is it suitable for less experienced divers?
Diving at Shabha is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. While it's a shallow dive with a maximum depth of 14 meters, the "intermediate" rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level. Less experienced divers should consult with their dive guide to assess current conditions and their comfort level.
What is the best time of year to visit Shabha for diving?
Information regarding the best time of year to visit Shabha for diving is not provided in the current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might find our When to Dive section helpful.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Shabha?
The provided data does not specify any particular diving certifications required to dive at Shabha. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is a prerequisite for most guided dives. It is always recommended to check with your local dive operator for any specific requirements.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions at the Shabha dive site?
At the Shabha dive site, divers can typically enjoy excellent visibility, averaging around 23 meters. The provided data does not offer specific information regarding the usual current conditions at this site. Divers should always consult with their dive guide on the day of the dive for the most up-to-date information on currents.