Sataya/Dolphin Reef
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Diving |
Snorkelling |
By Boat |
By swimming |
By Live-aboard |
All Divers |
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4 |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Location: |
The main reef of Fury Shoal, 28km (15 nautical miles) north-northwest of Ras Banas |
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Access: |
By live-aboard from any Red Sea port |
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Average Depth: |
18m (60ft) |
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Maximum Depth: |
50m+ (164ft+) |
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Average Visibility: |
20m (65ft) |
This horseshoe-shaped reef lies in open water to the northeast of Ras Banas. The eastern side of the reef has a steeply sloping wall profile, giving way to a sandy slope scattered with coral heads and pinnacles toward the reefs southeast corner. The lower reaches of the reef are rather poorly covered, with the best coral growth occurring in the top 10m (33ft). The southern pinnacles are especially rich, with a wide variety of coral types throughout. The varied hard coral composition of the heads and pinnacles acts as a base for some extremely nice soft coral growth, particularly dendronephthia.
Fish life here is excellent. Sch9ooling fish of all types are seen in large numbers, while reef-dwellers, such as angelfish and butterflies, provide flashes of color. Cuttlefish and shrimps put in an appearance for the invertebrates, and bluespotted and blackspotted stingrays are common. Sharks of several types can also frequently be spotted here, and there are regular reports of dolphins along the reef or inside the lagoon.
The good shelter provided by the reef makes this an excellent stop for live-aboards.
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Last Updated: May 30th, 2011