Lighthouse

This is a fine dive, with a good range of features and depths to suit all levels of diver. Located just offshore at the lighthouse in Dehab bay, it features a sloping reef extending north around an outthrust point of land. This section, while excellent in profile and layout, is looking a bit tired and worn. Large pinnacles extend out from the point, reaching depths of more than 25m (80ft) before tailing off to a series of smaller coral heads reaching off into the depths. The reef then gives way to a wide, featureless sand slope before reaching a second sloping coral wall to the north.

This second reef slope is very interesting, with a flat reeftop at around 4m (13ft) and a lower limit of around 20m (65ft), beyond which there is bare sand and a few coral patches. A shallow lagoon cuts the reeftop at this reef's southern edge, hosting a varied fish life; the reef here is healthier overall than the southern section.

Both sections of the reef show a lot of secondary growth, with live coral patches over a visible base of skeletal corals. Both hard and soft species are well represented, particularly in the richer northern section. Fish life is diverse, if somewhat sparse, with big trumpetfish, wrasse, rock cod, surgeons and unicorns, lionfish and parrots all prevalent. Turtles and rays are frequently spotted here.

Divers and snorkellers please take note: due to the site's popularity as a windsurfing venue, extra care should be taken when surfacing and while at the surface.

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Last Updated: May 29th, 2011