Dahayla North

The northern section of the Dahayla reef near the Gulf of Aqaba entrance — a fringing reef in the far northern Sinai zone accessible from Aqaba or Nuweiba, with clear water and the fish diversity characteristic of the northern Red Sea reef corridor.

Overview

Dahayla North sits at approximately 28.61°N, 34.56°E on the northern Sinai Peninsula — in the coastal zone near the Gulf of Aqaba and accessible from Aqaba (Jordan), Eilat (Israel), or Nuweiba (Egypt). This section of the Sinai coast receives diver traffic from multiple national tourism systems due to the convergence of Israeli, Jordanian, and Egyptian territory in the northern Aqaba/Tiran area. The reef is a fringing type on the Sinai eastern coast, with the clear water characteristic of the Gulf of Aqaba system — often better visibility than the main Red Sea western coast. Dahayla North is the northern section of a reef that splits into north and south dive sites.

Site Information

• Location: Northern Sinai, near Gulf of Aqaba (~28.61°N, 34.56°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Generally mild in the Gulf of Aqaba zone
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May optimal

Marine Life

The northern Sinai/Gulf of Aqaba reef supports a diverse fish community: moray eels, groupers, and the dense anthias clouds characteristic of healthy Red Sea reefs. Hawksbill turtles are present. Schools of snapper and fusiliers. Cleaning stations established at 8–12 metres. The clear Gulf of Aqaba water allows appreciation of the reef’s full vertical structure from the surface.

Dive Profile

Descend on the outer reef face and work along at 10–15 metres. The reef face carries the most diverse coral and fish life. Ascend progressively to the upper reef at 5–8 metres. Safety stop at 5 metres.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Nuweiba, Aqaba, or Eilat depending on operational base. Giant stride entry. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• The Gulf of Aqaba’s typically excellent visibility makes this a good introduction to Red Sea reef diving
• Combine with Dahayla South for a two-section exploration of the reef complex
• The cleaner northern Gulf water produces excellent ambient photography conditions

Safety Considerations

Generally mild conditions in the Gulf of Aqaba. Current can develop in tidal transitions. Fire coral on the upper reef. SMB before ascending.

Photography

The excellent Gulf of Aqaba visibility suits ambient wide-angle reef photography throughout the dive. Reef fish portraits in natural light are consistently accessible.

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