The Islands is a dense concentration of coral pinnacles and patch reefs in a sheltered location along the Dahab shore - a labyrinthine range of peaks, valleys, corridors, sand patches, bowls, amphitheaters, deep wells and coral peaks.

This intricate seascape is densely covered with absolutely pristine coral; the reef practically glows with a jewel-like quality. The range, condition and density are awesome - probably the most diverse and well-preserved selection of coral in the Sinai area. Every conceivable hard coral is present, with a diversity of soft coral to match.

Stunning as the coral is, it is rivaled by the fish life - huge schools of barracuda, snapper, surgeon and unicornfish vie with scintillatingly colored reef species. Sea bream, emperors, big triggerfish, rabbitfish, birdnose wrasse and a hundred and one other species round out the picture, with the occasional turtle thrown in for good measure. One particular highlight is a large, sand-bottomed amphitheater halfway along the reef, where giant schools of immature barracuda congregate, circling like a flashing silver tornado.