Dahayla South

The southern section of the Dahayla reef complex in the northern Sinai — a fringing reef with a sandy slope and sheltered bay character, complementing the more exposed northern section with calmer conditions and productive macro diving.

Overview

Dahayla South sits at approximately 28.61°N, 34.55°E — immediately south of Dahayla North on the Sinai coastal reef complex near the Gulf of Aqaba. The southern section typically has a different character from the northern tip: more sheltered, with a sandy slope at the base of the fringing reef and a bay-type geometry that reduces current exposure. The combination of Dahayla North and South provides two distinct dive experiences on the same reef system — a common approach for day-boat diving in this northern Sinai area.

Site Information

• Location: Northern Sinai, Gulf of Aqaba zone (~28.61°N, 34.55°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Mild; sheltered southern section
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May optimal

Marine Life

The sandy slope at the base of the southern section holds blue-spotted stingrays and goby-shrimp pairs in the calmer water. The fringing reef carries cleaning stations and resident moray eels. Hawksbill turtles rest on the reef platform. The sheltered character concentrates macro invertebrate diversity — nudibranchs and flatworms are found on the coral rubble sections.

Dive Profile

Descend to the sandy slope at 12–15 metres and search for macro subjects and stingrays. Ascend to the fringing reef face at 8–12 metres for cleaning station observation. Safety stop at 5 metres over the upper reef.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Nuweiba, Aqaba, or Eilat. Typically the second dive after Dahayla North. Giant stride entry. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• The sandy slope at the base of the southern section is the macro zone — goby-shrimp pairs and flatfish reward patient searching
• Pair with Dahayla North for a comprehensive reef exploration on the same day

Safety Considerations

Mild conditions typical. Fire coral on the reef. SMB before ascending.

Photography

Sandy slope macro subjects — goby-shrimp pairs, stingrays, nudibranchs — in the Gulf of Aqaba’s clear water. Natural light conditions are excellent for ambient macro photography throughout.

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