Abu Dabbab Thalata

Abu Dabbab Thalata (Arabic for “Abu Dabbab Three”) is a boat-access coral reef dive site in the Abu Dabbab area, north of Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt.

Overview

Abu Dabbab Thalata forms part of a cluster of closely related reef structures in the Abu Dabbab bay complex. Situated slightly offshore from the seagrass habitat of the famous bay, it delivers a more open-water reef experience with good coral cover and regular sightings of mid-water pelagics. The reef here features a characteristic Red Sea combination of tabletop corals on the shallow terrace transitioning to branching and massive coral heads on the deeper slopes, all supporting a healthy mix of reef and schooling fish. Day-trip boats from Marsa Alam regularly include this site on multi-dive itineraries.

Site Information

• Location: Abu Dabbab area, north of Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Moderate; variable
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

A typical but healthy Red Sea reef assemblage populates this site. Grouper and snapper patrol the deeper sections; anthias and glassfish congregate in dense clouds around coral outcrops. Moray eels, lionfish, and scorpionfish occupy the nooks of the reef wall. Turtles are commonly sighted, benefiting from the proximity to the seagrass habitat. Reef sharks occasionally pass through, particularly on morning dives.

Dive Profile

Begin on the shallow coral plateau at 6–10 m and navigate to the reef edge. Descend the outer slope to 15–20 m, working along the wall to explore coral structures and overhangs. Ascend the reef in a zigzag pattern to cover more ground and complete the safety stop on the shallow plateau.

Entry and Exit

By dive boat from Marsa Alam or the Abu Dabbab resort area. Typical mooring or drift entry. Giant stride or back roll from the boat. Surface with an SMB after the safety stop for boat pickup.

Tips and Recommendations

• This site works well as the second or third dive of a day trip, after a morning shore dive at Abu Dabbab Bay
• Look for lionfish hovering beneath coral table overhangs — they are common here
• The reef plateau at 6–10 m is worth spending time on before dropping deeper
• Buoyancy control is important to avoid contact with the tabletop corals on the shallow section
• A dive light helps reveal the colour of the soft corals and illuminates crevice life

Safety Considerations

Maintain awareness of current direction during the dive. Always conduct a safety stop and deploy an SMB for boat pickup. Avoid contact with fire coral, which is present on several sections of the reef edge. Lionfish and scorpionfish are well camouflaged — watch where you put your hands.

Photography

Good conditions for both wide-angle reef shots and macro work. Lionfish portraits and moray eel compositions are popular subjects. Schools of glassfish lit by sunbeams make striking wide-angle images. Water clarity in the Abu Dabbab area is generally excellent.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.