Ras El Arab

Overview

Ras El Arab is an exciting drift dive that rewards explorers and experienced divers. Located at the northern tip of Makadi Bay, this "headland" is exposed to the open sea, which brings in currents, nutrients, and the chance for larger marine life encounters. Unlike a perfectly straight wall, the reef here is full of interesting topography, including small overhangs, ledges, and deep crevices that invite curiosity and exploration.

The Dive Plan and Experience
This is a classic one-way drift dive for confident divers. The boat will position you at the up-current side of the reef, and your journey begins with a descent onto the sloping wall. The current will be your guide, carrying you effortlessly along the reef. As you drift, you can look out into the blue for schools of tuna and jacks or focus on the wall itself, peeking into the numerous cracks and shelters to find moray eels and cleaning stations.

In the deeper sections, the wall is decorated with beautiful gorgonian fan corals. This dive is a perfect adventure for those who have completed their PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification. The variable currents also make it an excellent place to apply the techniques learned in the PADI Drift Diver specialty course, turning a potentially challenging dive into a relaxing flight. For those certified, the deeper parts can be explored with a PADI Deep Diver certification.

Why We Recommend This Dive for Advanced Divers
Ras El Arab offers a step up in excitement from the gentler drifts within the bay. The varied structure of the wall keeps the dive engaging from start to finish, with something new to see around every corner. It's a fantastic location to spot pelagic fish cruising by in the blue. This is a rewarding dive that showcases the more wild and unpredictable side of the Red Sea.