Al Fahal North

The northern tip of Al Fahal reef in the southern Saudi Red Sea — a current convergence point where both eastern and western face currents meet, concentrating pelagics and creating the rich fish aggregations typical of exposed northern reef points.

Overview

Al Fahal North occupies the northern tip of the Al Fahal reef at approximately 22.31°N, 38.97°E in the southern Saudi Red Sea. As the northernmost point of the reef, it functions as a natural current trap — water sweeping around both the eastern and western faces converges here, creating the nutrient-rich, fish-concentrated conditions that make northern reef tips productive throughout the Red Sea. Al Fahal North is the most current-affected of the three Al Fahal dive sites and typically the one with the best shark and pelagic activity. Like all Al Fahal sites, it requires specialist access arrangements in the Saudi Red Sea.

Site Information

• Location: Al Fahal reef, northern tip, southern Saudi Red Sea (~22.31°N, 38.97°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–35 meters
• Current: Moderate to strong; converging at the reef tip
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

The northern tip current convergence drives the highest fish density on the entire Al Fahal system. Large schools of barracuda and jacks sweep around the reef point. Grey reef sharks and occasionally hammerhead sharks use the current at the northern tip. Humphead wrasse patrol the outer reef edge. The cleaning stations on the northern face are the most active on the reef system. Eagle rays are sighted on the open-water transition zones adjacent to the tip.

Dive Profile

Descend at the northern tip at 12–15 metres and station facing into the convergent current. Observe pelagics passing through for 10–15 minutes before working along the eastern or western face depending on current direction. The upper section of the reef at 5–10 metres is covered last for the safety stop.

Entry and Exit

Specialist regional operator or liveaboard with Saudi clearance. Giant stride entry. SMB before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• The northern tip is the first choice for pelagic encounters on Al Fahal — dive it when fresh and with maximum air
• Station at the tip and wait rather than moving continuously — sharks and rays follow predictable paths around the point
• Pair with Al Fahal East for maximum pelagic exposure on a two-dive day

Safety Considerations

Converging current at the tip requires careful positioning. Do not drift away from the reef tip into open water without the tender tracking. SMB mandatory. Research Saudi access requirements.

Photography

Hammerhead and grey reef shark shots at the northern tip require wide-angle positioning with the current carrying subjects past the camera. Dense school portraits in the convergent current zone produce compelling aggregation shots.

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