BALABAR
Protected Area
محمية خور المزاحمي
Why dive here
BALABAR is a wreck dive where divers can encounter blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles and whale sharks. Water ranges 23-34°C, warmest July, August, September.
Balabar is one of those Fujairah sites we always enjoy, even if it's not the deepest dive in the book. This isn't some massive freighter, it's a barge, about 33.5 metres long. She sits upright in just six metres of water, so it's a great spot for longer bottom times and really taking your time to explore. We love poking around the hold, which is wide open and easy to fin through. Light streams in, catching the schools of snapper and fusiliers that mill about inside, almost like they're sheltering from the sun. The deck is home to a surprising amount of soft coral, little bursts of colour on the rusted metal, and you often find moray eels peeking out from under plates. For newer divers, or anyone who just wants a relaxed, colourful dive without worrying about currents or depth, Balabar is a fantastic choice. Our top tip: go on a sunny day. The way the light plays on the wreck and through the schools of fish is just magic.
Typical BALABAR Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
BALABAR Wreck History
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
unknown
Resting in the shallow, warm waters off the coast of Fujairah, the wreck of the Balabar is an accessible and intriguing dive. Little is known about the history of this 33-meter barge or the circumstances of its sinking. Today, it lies at a mere 6 meters, making it a perfect site for novice wreck divers, photographers, and even snorkelers on a clear day. Despite its easy depth, the wreck is classified as 'dangerous,' likely due to sharp, deteriorating metal and potential entanglement hazards. Divers should exercise caution as they explore the structure, which has become an artificial reef teeming with the vibrant marine life of the Gulf of Oman.
Nearest Dive Centres to BALABAR
Dive shops near BALABAR
Majellan Sports Marine Center
Let’s Dive
Al Jazeera Diving & Swimming Centre
Paradise Blue Center
Bel Remaitha Club
Scubatec
Reviews for BALABAR
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BALABAR
BALABAR Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BALABAR, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (26.05, 56.06) (1km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
32°C
89°F · Range: 30.6–33.5°C
Air Temperature
29°C
85°F
Wind Speed
4.07 m/s
7.9 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1010.9 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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