Dahrat Abid - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Dahrat Abid marks the southernmost reach of Sudan's Red Sea. This elongated island, mostly home to seabirds, is easy to spot thanks to the three wrecks resting on its northwest side. We usually start a dive at the Southwest Plateau, dropping into clear blue water and following the reef's impressive wall. You'll often find whitetip and silvertip sharks cruising the edges, and if you're lucky, a passing hammerhead. It's a solid choice for divers who appreciate remote, wild reefs and aren't afraid of a bit of an adventure to get there.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
18.800000, 37.850000

Marine Protected Area: Suakin-Gulf of Agig

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 Dahrat Abid

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 Dahrat Abid, and are there any particularly deep areas?
While specific typical diving depths for Dahrat Abid are not provided, divers can expect to encounter dizzying drop-offs. These dramatic underwater features suggest the presence of particularly deep areas, offering opportunities for advanced exploration. For more information on diving in Port Sudan & Sanganeb, explore our regional guides.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Dahrat Abid?
Dahrat Abid is renowned for its sizzling marine life, offering divers the chance to encounter impressive species such as whitetip, silvertip, and hammerhead sharks. As a prominent reef system, you can expect diverse coral formations, though specific types are not detailed in the provided information. This vibrant ecosystem makes it a prime location for marine observation in the Sudanese Red Sea.
How challenging is diving at Dahrat Abid, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Dahrat Abid is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that while it offers exciting experiences, it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers who are still developing their foundational skills. Divers should have some experience and comfort in varied conditions before exploring this site.
What is the best time of year to dive Dahrat Abid for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Dahrat Abid for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Dahrat Abid?
Given the intermediate difficulty rating for Dahrat Abid, divers are generally recommended to hold at least an Open Water certification with some experience. For exploring the dizzying drop-offs and potentially deeper areas, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent would be highly beneficial. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Dahrat Abid dive site?
Divers at Dahrat Abid can expect excellent visibility, characterized by clear, blue water. The provided data does not, however, specify the typical current conditions at the dive site. It's always advisable to check local conditions with your dive guide before entering the water at Dahrat Abid.