Abu Sawatir

Abu Sawatir is a dive site in Red Sea, Middle East.

Overview

Abu Sawatir (also spelled Abu Sawatyr or Abu Sauatir) is a pristine reef dive site approximately 15 km north of El Quseir, accessible from a small camp on the beach with an easy launch from the sand. The site is described as one of the most rewarding but relatively under-visited reefs along the El Quseir coastline, featuring a coral garden enclosed by a sandy plateau sloping to around 25 m, with towering coral pinnacles, steep drop-offs, and hard-coral plateaus. El Quseir’s proximity to the reef means concentrated diving without the crowds common at Hurghada. On the reef top, Abu Sawatir is notable for the largest anemone garden in the El Quseir area, a dense field of carpet anemones with their resident clownfish. The site suits intermediate to advanced divers due to occasional moderate currents, though calm periods allow easier exploration.

Marine Life

Schools of fusiliers, snappers, and barracuda are regular features. Napoleon wrasse and large trevally are frequently encountered. Grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks appear, particularly near the drop-off. Nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, and pipefish are found on the coral structure. Hard coral coverage includes Acropora (table and branching), Porites, and brain corals, as well as soft coral blooms on the drop-off walls. Moray eels inhabit crevices throughout. The anemone garden on the shallow plateau is a key attraction for photography.

Dive Profile

Boat or beach launch from the small camp north of El Quseir. The coral garden sits at 5–25 m; steep drop-offs and walls begin at 25 m and descend beyond recreational limits. Drift diving is possible when current is running. Visibility frequently exceeds 25 m. Water temperature 26–30°C April–November.

Entry and Exit

Shore launch by boat or direct beach entry from the camp site north of El Quseir (15 km). Most El Quseir dive operators (e.g., Pharaoh Dive Club / Roots Red Sea) include this site in their programme. Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience recommended due to occasional currents.

Tips and Recommendations

Spend time on the shallow plateau exploring the anemone garden before descending to the pinnacles and drop-offs. April through November offers the best conditions. The site is uncrowded — even at peak season, dive groups are small. Drift dive possibilities make the site especially rewarding on days when current is running.

Safety Considerations

Occasional moderate currents require situational awareness — plan the dive with the current, not against it. The drop-off descends quickly beyond recreational limits; monitor depth carefully. Deploy an SMB on ascent if current is running. Fire coral is present on reef surfaces.

Site Information

• Location: ~15 km north of El Quseir, southern Red Sea coast
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 25+ m

Sources: Deep South Divers — Abu Sawatyr, Sportif Dive — Abu Sauatir. Last updated 2026-05-17.