This dive site, Shaab Nakari, is an offshore reef located approximately 5 kilometers from the coast of Marsa Alam, offering a diverse diving experience characteristic of the Red Sea. The northwest side of the reef is renowned for its beautiful wall diving, presenting a dramatic drop-off for exploration. The rest of the reef features typical Red Sea coral formations, with a sandy bottom on the west side gently sloping between 15 and 25 meters, providing a varied underwater landscape for divers to navigate.
The vibrant marine ecosystem at Shaab Nakari includes a wide array of fascinating creatures. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of single-spot snappers, graceful banner fish, and colourful butterfly fish. Other common inhabitants include goatfishes, various species of groupers, elusive moray eels, and distinctive sweetlips. The site is also home to representatives of the scorpionfish family, often camouflaged expertly among the corals and rocky crevices.
The best time to visit Shaab Nakari, consistent with much of the Red Sea, is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months when the weather is pleasant, and the water conditions offer excellent visibility and comfortable temperatures. These periods are ideal for both scuba divers and freedivers to fully appreciate the rich coral gardens and abundant fish life. Divers should be aware of potentially mild currents, which can enhance drift diving experiences along the wall.
