Sha ab Ghadir

Sha’ab Ghadir (also spelled Shaab Ghadeer Soghayr) is an offshore bank reef approximately 8 km off the mainland and 29 km south of Marsa Alam, in the Radir/Ghadir reef group.

Overview

The egg-shaped bank reef measures approximately 330 m in length and 220 m in width. The reef’s northern approach features a large coral garden with towering coral formations arranged in a natural labyrinth. Strong currents typically split at the northern end and flow along both sides of the reef toward the south, making this an excellent site for drift diving.

On the western side, coral gardens continue along the reef wall to a depth of approximately 15 m, where the reef meets a bright white sandy bottom dotted with small coral formations. A small erg (isolated pinnacle) rises to the south of the main reef, creating a channel with the main structure that funnels current — and on the northern face of this erg a colony of garden eels inhabits the sand, feeding on the plankton the current brings. The relatively low number of visiting liveaboards means the site is not crowded, and visibility is often excellent.

Dive Profile

• Average depth: ~15 m (western wall / sandy floor)
• Current: Often strong, flowing north-to-south along both sides
• Visibility: Often excellent (frequently over 30 m)
• Entry: Boat only (approximately 8 km offshore)
• Suitable for: Beginners and advanced divers

Marine Life

Garden eels on the sandy south erg. Reef fish typical of the southern Red Sea: snappers, grouper, parrotfish, angelfish. Coral gardens on the western wall feature varied hard coral formations.

Sources: Red Sea Diving — Shaab Ghadir, Wannadive — Sha’ab Ghadir Soraya. Last updated 2026-05-17.