Al Fahal South

The sheltered southern section of Al Fahal reef — the calmer face offering sandy slope transitions, macro diving, and the undisturbed character of the entire Al Fahal system in contrast to the more current-exposed eastern and northern sections.

Overview

Al Fahal South sits at approximately 22.22°N, 38.97°E at the southern end of the Al Fahal reef system in the southern Saudi Red Sea. The southern section typically provides a calmer, more sheltered alternative to the exposed northern and eastern faces — as on most elongated offshore reef systems, the southern face may be protected from the prevailing current in certain conditions. This section sees even fewer divers than the more prominent northern and eastern sections, making it effectively pristine territory. The sandy slope at the base of the southern reef face and the sheltered reef margin are the site’s primary habitat zones.

Site Information

• Location: Al Fahal reef, southern section, southern Saudi Red Sea (~22.22°N, 38.97°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Mild on the sheltered southern face
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

The sandy slope at the base of the southern reef carries blue-spotted stingrays and goby-shrimp pairs in the calmer sections. Cleaning stations on the southern reef face attract resident groupers and moray eels. The sheltered character of this section concentrates macro invertebrate diversity — nudibranchs and flatworms on the coral rubble. Hawksbill turtles rest on the reef platform. Less pelagic activity than the eastern and northern sections, but higher macro and resident reef species diversity.

Dive Profile

Descend to the sandy slope at 12–15 metres for macro exploration. Ascend to the reef face at 8–12 metres for cleaning station observation. Complete the dive on the shallow reef at 4–8 metres. Safety stop at 5 metres.

Entry and Exit

Specialist regional operator or liveaboard with Saudi clearance. Giant stride entry. Typically the final dive of an Al Fahal day after the eastern and northern sections. SMB before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• Plan Al Fahal South as the last dive of the day when a more relaxed, macro-focused pace is appropriate after the current-driven northern and eastern sections
• The sandy slope rewards patient macro searching in the well-lit southern aspect water
• Combine with Al Fahal North and East for a three-dive Al Fahal reef day

Safety Considerations

Milder conditions than the other Al Fahal sections. Research Saudi access requirements. SMB before ascending.

Photography

Sandy slope macro photography — goby-shrimp pairs, blue-spotted rays — in clear Saudi Red Sea water with excellent natural light. Cleaning station portraits at 8–12 metres reward patient positioning.

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