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Dive Site

Abu Dabab

  • Current: N in the morning, N at midday, N in the afternoon
  • Visibility: J, F, M, A: 25–35m; M, J, J, A: 30–50m; S, O, N, D: 30–50m
  • Temperatures: J, F, M: 24°C; A, M, J: 26°C; J, A, S: 28°C; O, N, D: 27°C
  • Depth: 30 m
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Dive Site

Overview

20 minutes west of Elphinstone Reef, we come across Abu Dabab III – a diving spot well-known because of the 'Heaven One' wreck and not least because of the dolphins which also like to frequently spend their time here. On top of this, there are small caves, wonderful coral gardens, remnants of amphorae and the possibility to experience an amazing night dive.

Description

One single block stands in the southern area of Abu Dabab III. Here we can see bright red lionfish and during a night dive even gorgonians or gorgonocephalidae which feature beguiling branched arms. Whoever wants to see dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles or sharks is well placed in this part of the reef.

The famous 'Heaven One' – a safari boat which sunk on 27 April 2003 after a fire in the engine room – lies in the north. Not far from here, we can find a colony of sea anemones and a cave system.

The west side has some blocks and coral formations as well as sleeping reef sharks that like retreating here to get a little rest. Maybe they aren't even sleeping, but rather meditating – there are supposedly even some vegetarians among the sharks. We can then look along the edge of the reef for the remnants of amphorae.

Hotspots

  • The wreck "Heaven one"
  • Blocks: On the blocks of Abu Dabab III, we won't only find fascinating coral formations, but there are also reef sharks which can frequently be spotted taking a power nap here.

map Dive Plans

The sharks in the southwest

From the boat we go west. At the end of the reef, a reef nose extends south. There are individual coral hills next to it. Young reef sharks are often found in this area, but nurse sharks have also been seen there, as well as moray eels and napoleons. On the way back you should dive along the reef and keep your eyes open: In the first large indentation you can find splinters from historical drinking vessels made of clay.

Wreck and caves at midday

With the Zodiac you can reach the wreck of the "Heaven one" in 5 minutes. The ship burned down completely above the waterline. Accordingly, little is left. But you can still clearly see the keel and the engine as well as some parts outside. From the wreck we continue south, over a coral hill. Then the entrance to the cave appears - the play of lights there is unparalleled! Then to the right into the two lagoons with anemone colonies and across the coral banks to the southeast to the ship.

The southeast at midday

From the ship, it's only a few metres until we reach the block in the middle. More often than not we will find moray eels and lionfish there. The dive continues further east to the next block ou only have to swim a few meters from the ship until you reach the block in the middle. There you will often find a large moray eel and lots of lionfish. Further east to the next blocks with glass fish and pipefish. Turtles also like to come here. Back towards the reef you will meet scorpionfish and blues.

Night diving

he block in the middle in the southern area offers everything you need for a night dive - from feather stars to gorgon heads and Spanish dancers, squids, crabs, shrimps and, on the bottom, mussel tombs (bear crabs) with a size of 20-30cm. You shouldn't use too much light - it's worth it!