Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    محمية خور المزاحمي

    MV Dara

    Best months: Apr–Jun

    Protected Area

    محمية خور المزاحمي

    Why dive here

    MV Dara is a wreck dive where divers can encounter dolphins, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 22-35°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeApr–Jun
    WetsuitA 3mm full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Whale Sharks
    Water22-35°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive

    The MV Dara is less a dive site and more a solemn piece of history sitting on the seabed. This passenger liner, sunk by an explosion in 1961, isn't about vibrant coral; it's about the sheer scale of a once-grand vessel and the quiet reverence it inspires. We love how the wreck, despite its tragic past, has found a new purpose as an artificial reef. Descending onto the Dara, you're immediately struck by its size. The bow still points towards the surface, a ghostly sentinel, while the stern lies broken, testament to the blast that sent her down. Penetrating the deeper sections is reserved for experienced wreck divers, but even exploring the upper decks and superstructure offers plenty to see. Look for the schools of yellowtail snappers that stream over the crumpled metal, and the occasional honeycomb moray eel peeking from a dark crevice. Our favourite spot is usually around the main deck, where light filters through the collapsed sections, illuminating the clouds of fusiliers. Visibility can vary here, so we always suggest checking local conditions before heading out; a clear day really amplifies the wreck's dramatic presence. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history, scale, and the quiet resilience of marine life adapting to a new home.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today06:1517:5611h 41m daylightGolden hour 17:25

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MV Dara

    MV Dara Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for MV Dara, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (25.03, 53.72) (18km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    33°C

    91°F · Range: 30.1–34.3°C

    Air Temperature

    30°C

    86°F

    Wind Speed

    6.23 m/s

    12.1 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.4 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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