Shaab Samadai West

Shaab Samadai West is the diving and deep-reef zone on the western arm of Sha’ab Samadai (Dolphin House), the famous spinner dolphin sanctuary 11 km southeast of Marsa Alam marina.

Overview

Sha’ab Samadai is a large crescent-shaped offshore reef approximately 1.4 km long and 1 km wide, forming a natural lagoon that shelters a resident pod of spinner dolphins. The reef is divided into three regulated zones: Zone A (inner lagoon sanctuary — no-entry), Zone B (snorkelling zone), and Zone C (mooring, diving, and other activities).

The western arm — Shaab Samadai West — is situated in Zone C and is the primary scuba diving zone of the site. Here the reef wall descends from shallow corals to approximately 40 m, with significant topographic variety: drop-offs, swim-throughs, cavern systems (reserved for experienced divers), and pinnacle formations. The western face receives the prevailing current from the open ocean and consequently supports denser coral growth and richer fish life than the calmer eastern lagoon side.

Dive Profile

• Maximum depth: 40 m
• Current: Low to medium
• Entry: Boat only (approximately 1–1.5 hours from Marsa Alam)
• Difficulty: All levels on shallow sections; experienced divers for caverns and deeper wall

Marine Life

Resident spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) rest in the inner lagoon during the day; snorkellers in Zone B may encounter them. Scuba divers in Zone C commonly see clownfish, batfish, Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), parrotfish, grouper, and moray eels on the reef wall. Hard and soft corals are well-preserved. Napoleon wrasse are frequently spotted in the deeper sections.

Regulations

Dolphin interaction is strictly regulated. Zone A (inner lagoon) is completely off-limits. Snorkellers in Zone B must wear life jackets and are prohibited from touching, feeding, or chasing dolphins.

Sources: SeaHorse Diving Club — Shaab Samadai, PADI — Shaab Samadai Dolphin House, Marsaalam.com — Samadai and Sataya Reefs. Last updated 2026-05-17.