Shaab Hamdallah - Safaga

The Village, off Babi Island, is one of those drift dives we always look forward to. Drop in, and you’re immediately carried along a steep slope, often with a nice push. We’ve had dives here where reef sharks cruise past us from start to finish, a constant presence in the blue. It’s not just the sharks, though; we often see turtles gliding by and big schools of trevally flashing past. The real joy of The Village, for us, is the split personality. While the drift keeps you moving over the corals, the shallow end is a macro playground. We’re always picking out tiny blennies tucked into crevices and spotting Hoeven’s wrasse darting between the branches. We’d suggest you save some air and take your time finning around the coral rocks at the end of the dive. That’s where the Black-banded Gobies and Ambon Pullers hide out. It’s a great site for divers who love the thrill of a drift but also appreciate slowing down for the small stuff. Maximum depth here is a comfortable 16 meters, so there’s plenty of bottom time to enjoy it all.

Location
Safaga, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
26.630500, 34.068800
Type
drift

Best Time to Dive in Safaga

The warmest water temperatures in Safaga occur in August, averaging 29.2°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 22.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 23.1°C
  • February: 22.3°C
  • March: 22.1°C
  • April: 22.8°C
  • May: 25.0°C
  • June: 26.5°C
  • July: 27.7°C
  • August: 29.2°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 27.4°C
  • November: 26.7°C
  • December: 24.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Safaga

Nearest Dive Centres to Shaab Hamdallah

Marine Life in Safaga

Home to 32 recorded species including 22 reef fish, 5 whales & dolphins, 2 seagrass & algae, 1 sharks & rays, 1 sea cucumbers, 1 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Shaab Hamdallah

Based on average water temperature of 25.5°C, currents 16 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°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 diving depth range at Shaab Hamdallah?
Divers exploring Shaab Hamdallah can expect a maximum diving depth of 20 meters. This depth makes it accessible for a range of certified divers, allowing for thorough exploration of the site.
What marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Shaab Hamdallah?
At Shaab Hamdallah, divers can anticipate encountering a vibrant array of marine life. You'll often see large schools of fish, numerous scorpionfish, and regular sightings of impressive pelagics like big tunas, barracudas, and mackerels passing by. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Shaab Hamdallah, particularly concerning its difficulty level?
Diving at Shaab Hamdallah is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. It is primarily a drift dive and can only be approached in calm weather conditions, as there is no protective reef to stop on. This combination makes it suitable for divers with some experience.
What are the recommended diving certifications for Shaab Hamdallah?
As Shaab Hamdallah is classified as an intermediate difficulty drift dive with a maximum depth of 20 meters, it is recommended for certified divers who are comfortable with these conditions. Divers should possess the experience and training suitable for intermediate-level drift dives.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at Shaab Hamdallah?
At Shaab Hamdallah, divers can typically enjoy excellent visibility, averaging around 21 meters. As a drift dive, currents are a characteristic feature of this site. However, it is only dived in calm weather conditions, ensuring a more predictable and enjoyable experience.
When is the best time of year to dive Shaab Hamdallah for optimal conditions?
The data provided does not specify a particular best time of year to dive Shaab Hamdallah. However, it is crucial to note that this site can only be approached in calm weather due to the lack of a protective reef. Therefore, the best time to dive would be during periods known for calm sea conditions in the Safaga region. For general information on diving seasons, please consult our When to Dive guide.