The Islands, Dahab: dive site guide

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

Depth

5–20 m

Level

All levels

Entry

Shore (reef-top crack, high tide)

Area

South

The Islands dive guide: what to expect

The Islands Dahab is the site we take people to when they say they want to see beautiful coral. It lies south of the town centre in the Laguna area, a short drive from most hotels, and it is quieter than the famous northern sites. Instead of a straight reef wall, the bottom here is a wide reef plateau broken into coral 'islands', with sandy alleys and small pools weaving between them.

Diving The Islands Dahab starts with a little adventure. From the reef top you drop into a crack in the reef and swim through a short tunnel, about 5 m long and only around 2 m deep, into a chain of three small sandy pools. In the last pool you turn sharply into the coral area and the maze begins. For the next 20–30 minutes you wind through a labyrinth of hard corals, mostly shallower than about 7 m, past huge brain, cabbage and labyrinth coral colonies. Some of these are among the biggest in the Red Sea.

At the end of the coral field the dive goes a little deeper around two large coral islands that rise almost to the surface, with the deepest parts around 16–17 m. Small barracuda and Napoleon wrasse often hang between the islands, and you will see parrotfish, triggerfish, trevallies and blue-spotted stingrays along the sand. A light current from the turnaround point often helps carry you gently back, and the exit through a small, shallow tunnel is a favourite resting spot for lionfish.

The shallow depth means bright colours, plenty of sunlight and long bottom times, so it is a great dive for photographers and for anyone who simply loves reefs. The flip side is that it is a genuine maze. Every sandy alley looks like the last one, and it is very easy to get lost. That is exactly why the Islands is best dived with a guide who knows the turns. Because the entry is over the reef top, we also plan it around high tide and calm weather.

If you only do one southern dive during your stay in Dahab, make it this one.

The Islands dive map

The dive, step by step

1. Entry

   Cross the reef-top lagoon at high tide and drop into the crack in the reef, then swim through the short tunnel (about 2 m deep).

2. Three small pools

   Pass through three small sandy pools in a row at 2–5 m; in the third, make a sharp turn into the coral area.

3. Coral labyrinth

   Wind north through the hard-coral maze for 20–30 minutes at 4–7 m, sticking close to your guide.

4. The islands

   At the end of the coral field, drop a little deeper (12–16 m) to circle the two big coral islands and look for barracuda and Napoleon wrasse.

5. Return and exit

   Turn at the large coral formation and drift back along the outside of the islands with the light current, then make your safety stop and exit through the small shallow tunnel.

💬 Dive The Islands with me: send your dates

Conditions

Max depth

16–20 m (most of the dive is shallower than 10 m)

Dive time

50–70 min

Current

Usually light; a gentle drift on the return leg

Visibility

Usually 20–30 m

Best time

High tide and low wind for the reef-top entry; morning light is beautiful for photography.

Requirements

Open Water and up with good buoyancy for the narrow coral alleys and short tunnels; guided dive strongly recommended

What you'll see

• Giant brain and labyrinth corals
• Cabbage (lettuce) coral colonies
• Small barracuda schools
• Napoleon wrasse
• Parrotfish and triggerfish
• Trevallies
• Blue-spotted stingrays
• Lionfish in the tunnels
• Turtles (occasional)

Guide's tips

• Dive with a guide, because the maze is easy to get lost in
• Shallow, so you get long bottom times
• Perfect for photography in morning light

Snorkeling at The Islands

A maze of patch reefs with tops under 1 m, reached from shore and with great visibility, but it is isolated and unmonitored, and you should stay inside the easternmost reef.

Snorkeling guide →

Safety notes

• Navigation: the labyrinth is easy to get lost in. Stay with your guide and don't wander off down side alleys.
• Shallow coral everywhere: poor buoyancy breaks coral and cuts skin; keep fins up in the alleys and tunnels.
• The reef-top entry is only practical at high tide and in calm weather.
• Lionfish often rest in the exit tunnel; pass slowly and keep your hands in.

Questions about The Islands