Abu Talha, Dahab: dive site guide

Updated October 2026 · by Mohamed Fathy, PADI & SSI dive instructor in Dahab

Depth

5–20 m

Level

Open Water and up (calm days)

Entry

Shore (over the reef top, high tide)

Area

North

Abu Talha dive guide: what to expect

Abu Talha Dahab is a quiet reef on the north coast, a short drive out of town toward the Blue Hole and just north of Abu Helal. It is one of the lesser-known shore sites: some dive centres list it on its own, others treat Abu Talha and Abu Helal as two ends of the same stretch of reef. Either way, not many groups dive here, which is part of the appeal.

The catch is the entry. Like Abu Helal, you cross the reef top to get in, so it is only dived at high tide and when there is little wind. On a windy day the waves on the reef edge make entry and exit unpleasant and unsafe, and we simply pick another site. When the sea is flat and the tide is up, though, the reef top is easy to cross and the dive itself is relaxed.

Diving Abu Talha Dahab is mostly about a gentle reef slope with good coral cover. Dive-centre descriptions mention coral gardens with large brain corals and fire corals, and clusters of soft corals further down the slope. It is a good site for slow, macro-minded divers: look for blue-spotted stingrays in the sand, moray eels in the reef and pipefish hiding between the coral branches. It also works as a night dive on calm evenings.

Abu Talha is also the usual starting point for a longer drift. The current on this coast normally runs north to south, so you can enter at Abu Talha and let it carry you along the reef to Abu Helal. Further out off Abu Helal the reef drops into a deep canyon system that is technical-diving territory; on a recreational dive we stay on the slope and gardens and keep to around 20 m.

Published information about Abu Talha is limited, and the levels quoted by different centres range from beginner to advanced, mainly because of the entry and the current. Treat it as an easy dive on a calm, high-tide day, and ask us on the morning whether conditions are right.

Abu Talha dive map

The dive, step by step

1. Check conditions

   Dive only at high tide with little wind; the guide checks the reef top before kitting up.

2. Entry

   Cross the reef top carefully at the entry point and descend at the reef edge.

3. Reef slope

   Follow the gentle slope over the coral gardens, brain corals and fire corals, staying within 20 m.

4. Option: drift south

   If the usual north-to-south current is running and it was planned, drift along the reef toward Abu Helal.

5. Safety stop and exit

   Make your safety stop at 5 m on the reef edge and exit over the reef top at the agreed point.

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Conditions

Max depth

20 m (recreational plan)

Dive time

45–60 min

Current

Often mild; usually north to south, can be stronger

Visibility

Reported 18–30 m

Best time

High tide on calm, low-wind days; also possible as a calm night dive

Requirements

Open Water and up in calm conditions; drift experience if continuing to Abu Helal

What you'll see

• Brain corals
• Fire corals
• Soft corals
• Blue-spotted stingrays
• Moray eels
• Pipefish

Guide's tips

• Check the tide table, as it only works at high tide
• Pick a calm, low-wind day
• Ask about the drift on to Abu Helal

Snorkeling at Abu Talha

Shallow reef edge, but access is over the reef top and only works at high tide in calm weather.

Snorkeling guide →

Safety notes

• Entry and exit cross the reef top: high tide and calm sea only, and never stand on coral.
• Waves on the reef edge on windy days make the site unsafe; choose another site.
• If drifting to Abu Helal, plan the exit point and transport in advance.
• Fire coral on the slope; keep your hands and fins off the reef.

Questions about Abu Talha