Dahrat Qab - Port Sudan & Sanganeb

Dahrat Qab is a dive that sticks with you, a standalone island out in the Sudanese Deep South. The west coast offers a proper wall dive, dropping away into the big blue, easily 500m down. What we love about it are the soft corals, really vivid against the darker reef, especially when you get some light on them. Keep an eye out for manta rays cruising by, and we’ve often seen turtles making their way along the wall. If you like your dives with a bit of a remote feel and plenty of pelagic potential, this spot delivers.

Location
Port Sudan & Sanganeb, Sudan, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
18.916700, 37.800000

Marine Protected Area: Suakin Archipelago

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 Qab

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 is the typical depth range for diving at Dahrat Qab?
While the typical depth range for recreational diving at Dahrat Qab is not specified, the site features a dramatic wall on its west coast that plunges over 500m into the deep blue. This allows for exploration at various depths, catering to different certification levels. Divers should consult with their dive guide for the planned dive profile.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Dahrat Qab?
Dahrat Qab is renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations. Divers can expect common encounters with magnificent soft corals, along with exciting sightings of manta rays, turtles, and several species of shark. This rich biodiversity makes it a truly exceptional dive.
How challenging is diving at Dahrat Qab, particularly concerning currents?
Diving at Dahrat Qab is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While the specific current patterns are not detailed in the provided information, its intermediate rating suggests that divers should be prepared for potentially varying conditions. It's always wise for divers to be comfortable with drift diving techniques and consult their dive guide for real-time conditions.
What are the best months or seasons to dive at Dahrat Qab for optimal conditions and marine life encounters?
The provided information does not specify the best months or seasons for diving at Dahrat Qab. For optimal conditions and marine life encounters, we recommend checking the When to Dive section on DivePlnr or consulting local dive operators in Port Sudan & Sanganeb for up-to-date seasonal advice.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Dahrat Qab?
Given that Dahrat Qab is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive, it is recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. This ensures divers have the necessary skills and experience to safely navigate the site's conditions and explore its impressive depths. Always check with your dive operator for specific requirements.
Are there any specific current patterns or underwater conditions divers should be aware of at Dahrat Qab?
The provided data does not detail specific current patterns or unique underwater conditions for Dahrat Qab, beyond its classification as an intermediate dive. As with any intermediate site, divers should be prepared for potentially dynamic conditions and always follow their dive guide's instructions. For the most current information, it is best to consult with local dive operators in Port Sudan & Sanganeb.