Alternatives, minimum requirement level: Beginners
These are a chain of flat-topped reefs known by local fisherman as the “Saba Erg” (seven pinnacles). They are all at a maximum depth of 15m and you can swim from one to the other so its a perfect location for beginners. Large feathertailed stingrays and leopard sharks are commonly found relaxing on the seabed especially in the spring.
Dunraven, minimum requirement level: Advanced
At the southern extreme of ‘Sha’ab Mahmoud’ there are a series of shallow reefs and lagoons among which lies the wreck of the 72m English steamer sunk in 1876 on its way from Bombay to England loaded with timber and spices. The hull lies upside down at a maximum depth of 29m, the prop and rudder lie at 19m. The wreck is home to a wide variety of marine life.
Lonely Mushroom, minimum requirement level: Beginners
Lonely Mushroom is located to the north west of the Alternatives and Stingray Station; an outlying satellite reef, it is a small site in itself. The best dives are to be found by circling it several times at increasingly shallow depths and also exploring the surrounding plateau where you can find some interesting amphoras. A great site for photographers and beginners.
Stingray Station, minimum requirement level: Beginners
Stingray Station lies at the western extremity of the Alternatives; this is an irregular reef and owes its name to the gathering of stingrays in March and April. The whole area is known as home to large groupers, turtles and leopard shark and lots of fantastic small marine life. Like the Alternatives this is a nice site for beginners and photographers and a good night dive.
Small Crack, minimum requirement level: Beginners
This is an opening about halfway down the long, thin Sha’ab Mahmoud reef. The dive begins on the outer reef where you will find a series of coral pinnacles that are home to many small fish. The highlight is the swim-through back into the lagoon at a depth of 5m. The rip current that runs through here attracts a multitude of marine life. Absolutely breathtaking.