Abington Reef - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Abington Reef, way up north in Sudan, is one of those true Red Sea pinnacles that just screams "action." We usually drop in on the northern side, heading a bit deeper first, looking for the grey reefs and the occasional hammerhead cruising in the blue. As you slowly work your way shallower, the schools start to thicken – we're talking walls of jacks and fusiliers so dense you can barely see past them. The gorgonian fans on the wall are impressive, swaying in the currents, and it’s generally a good spot for pelagics, though the currents can be quite strong here. Definitely one for experienced divers who appreciate big fish action and don't mind a bit of a drift.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
20.983300, 37.350000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: Parc national marin de Sanganeb et parc national marin de la baie de Dungonab - île de Mukkawar

Best Time to Dive in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

The warmest water temperatures in Port Sudan & Sanganeb occur in August, averaging 32.0°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 25.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 26.1°C
  • February: 25.4°C
  • March: 25.5°C
  • April: 26.7°C
  • May: 29.0°C
  • June: 30.1°C
  • July: 31.0°C
  • August: 32.0°C
  • September: 31.7°C
  • October: 30.9°C
  • November: 29.5°C
  • December: 28.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Marine Life in Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Home to 55 recorded species including 41 reef fish, 14 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Abington Reef

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 9 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 are the typical diving depths at Abington Reef, and how deep does it go?
The typical diving depths at Abington Reef range from 5 to 20 meters. Most diving is concentrated on its northern wall, where you can explore this depth range and encounter diverse marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Abington Reef?
Divers at Abington Reef can expect to encounter impressive marine life, including schools of hammerhead and grey reef sharks at depth. As you ascend along the wall, you'll likely be engulfed by huge schools of jacks and fusiliers. The reef's wall also features beautiful coral formations, notably large anemones and impressive gorgonian fans that thrive in the strong currents.
How challenging is diving at Abington Reef, particularly regarding currents and overall conditions?
Diving at Abington Reef is considered intermediate in difficulty. The site is known for its strong currents, which provide sustenance for the gorgonian fans but also add to the challenge. Divers should be comfortable with current diving to fully enjoy the experience at this coral pinnacle.
What is the best time of year to dive Abington Reef for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Abington Reef for optimal conditions or marine encounters. For more information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Abington Reef, especially for deeper sections?
The provided data does not specify any recommended or required scuba diving certifications for Abington Reef, especially for its deeper sections. However, given its intermediate difficulty and typical depths of 5-20 meters, divers should ensure they are adequately trained for such conditions.
Are there strong currents at Abington Reef, and how do they affect diving experiences?
Yes, Abington Reef is known for its strong currents. These currents are vital for the ecosystem, providing sustenance for impressive gorgonian fans found on the wall. While they contribute to the site's intermediate difficulty, they also attract large schools of marine life like jacks and fusiliers, enhancing the diving experience.