Diving in Dahlak Archipelago

Best Time to Dive in Dahlak Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Dahlak Archipelago occur in January, averaging 27.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

• January: 27.7°C (air: 26.2°C)
• February: 27.7°C (air: 26.3°C)
• March: 27.7°C (air: 28.0°C)
• April: 27.7°C (air: 30.1°C)
• May: 27.7°C (air: 31.9°C)
• June: 27.7°C (air: 33.4°C)
• July: 27.7°C (air: 34.6°C)
• August: 27.7°C (air: 33.9°C)
• September: 27.7°C (air: 33.5°C)
• October: 27.7°C (air: 32.1°C)
• November: 27.7°C (air: 29.5°C)
• December: 27.7°C (air: 27.5°C)

Marine Life in Dahlak Archipelago

Home to 83 recorded species including 59 reef fish, 6 seagrass & algae, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 other.

Dive Site Difficulty in Dahlak Archipelago

Dahlak Archipelago has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Dahlak Archipelago

Based on average water temperature of 27.7°C.

• Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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

Marine Protected Areas in Dahlak Archipelago

• Dahlak Island PA - Marine national park (IUCN Category II)
• Buri-Irrori Hawakil - Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources (IUCN Category VI)
• Marsa Ibrahim - Protected seascape (IUCN Category V)

Getting to Dahlak Archipelago - Nearest Airports

• Massawa International Airport (MSW), Massawa - 79 km away, approx 101 min travel time
• Asmara International Airport (ASM), Asmara - 130 km away, approx 157 min travel time
• Abha International Airport (AHB), Abha - 406 km away, approx 457 min travel time