ScubaDahab
What the diving is like
The offshore reefs near Safaga, such as Panorama Reef and Abu Kafan, are walls and plateaus with big gorgonians and regular sightings of turtles and reef sharks. Fewer boats come here than to Hurghada's reefs, and it shows in the coral.
The Salem Express, a passenger ferry that sank in 1991 with heavy loss of life, lies nearby. Many guides treat it as a memorial: you dive the outside of the hull and do not go inside.
Liveaboards near Safaga
Some wreck itineraries call at Safaga, and a few boats board here. Most liveaboards start in Hurghada, an hour north.
When to go
All year. The sites are a little more exposed than Hurghada's, so calm days in spring and autumn are ideal.
Top dive sites
- Panorama Reef: walls, gorgonians, sharks in season
- Abu Kafan: a dramatic offshore wall
- Salem Express: a ferry wreck and memorial
- Tobia Arbaa: the 'seven pillars', easy coral towers
