The Canyon
Many moons ago now, the earth decided to do a little moving and shifting! During this time, it created what would be arguably the most dived site in Dahab! During these earth quakes a large crack in the ocean floor was formed. The crack looks like a little canyon and so hence the name of the dive site. It too offers the scuba diver something different and interesting. In a word, a “unique” place to enjoy yet another spectacular dive!
The entrance is quite clear to see. You’ll need to walk in waist deep to get your fins on, but beware of the slippery and rocky bottom as you walk in. The entry opens up into a beautiful little turquoise lagoon, with a white sandy bottom with a max of 3 metres. If the wind is blowing there’s often a side current on the surface pushing you onto the reef, so watch out for this. It’s best just to descend and exit the lagoon underwater.
As you exit the lagoon, you’ll find the sea bed gently sloping away, with plenty of coral below you. It’s important to watch your buoyancy as you exit. You’ll notice some damage from divers who haven’t done in this area! Very slowly start heading to the left. You’ll be swimming between 2 large coral heads or pinnacles. This is a good reference point for finding your way back into the lagoon. (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge!). These coral heads are usually covered in Antheas and other smaller coral fish. As you turn the corner start descending to around 15 metres. Any deeper and you may miss the Canyon.
Champagne
Descending into The Canyon, DahabWithin around 7 minutes into your bottom time you should find millions of bubbles escaping from the ocean floor. It almost looks like you’re swimming in a glass of blue champagne! These are bubbles from previous divers who’ve dived in the Canyon and are escaping through tiny holes in the sea bed. It’s at this point you’ll notice a large crack opening up below you. This is the entrance to the Canyon. How exciting! At first, as you look inside, it appears pretty dark. How ever, not to worry, your eyes adjust very quickly and you’ll notice there’s plenty of light inside as you descend into the Canyon. You’ll find yourself descending onto a sandy bottom at 30 metres. If you look up, you’ll find the view spectacular, with some great silhouettes of the reef and fellow divers coming in to join you! (See above photo)
Inside the canyon
Once inside the Canyon you can spend some time swimming about. It’s a great place for group photos! You’ll also notice the Canyon has a natural passage-way that leads away from the exit point. This passage descends down to past 50 metres, so again it is advised to stay clear of this and not descend deeper than 40 metres max! Between 5 and 10 minutes is usually enough and then it’s time to ascend in single file up the chimney. It’s important to ascend slowly up the chimney, so watch your buoyancy here. At around 16 metres you’ll find yourself in a small cave called the “Fish Bowl”. It was named this because it was always filled with thousands of Glassfish.
Due to the vast numbers of divers passing through the Fish Bowl it appears the Glassfish have diminished over the years, but from time to time, a new batch will be waiting to show themselves. They are completely see-through and if you look carefully enough, you’ll see all their working parts (spine, stomach etc) quite clearly.
There are some large openings to exit the Fish Bowl. Take special care not to bang your head as you swim out. Another important danger to watch out for is the Lionfish who’ve made this their home too. They often sit at the exit points minding their own business and due to diver familiarity, they’re quite reluctant to move. No need to say stay clear of them.
Exit the Canyon
Once you’re out, you’ll find your self looking at the outside of the Fish Bowl. This is a large dome covered in corals and marine life, particularly Antheas, Coral Groupers, Lionfish and the odd Parrotfish. Air permitting, it’s worth spending a few minutes having a look at this hive of activity on the dome.
Continuing back to the Lagoon to make your exit, you’ll find the reef on your right. It’s a good idea to stay shallow here. The corals are best at around 5 metres, so is quite handy incorporating your Safety Stop with a look around.
When you reach the two pinnacles you’ve got your reference to get back into the Lagoon. Often you’ll have a current moving out of the Lagoon, so it may be necessary to fin a bit harder to get yourself back in. Once in the current usually disappears and It’s an easy swim back to shore.
Dragonfish, The Canyon. DahabOn the way out, keep a sharp eye out for a very strange creature indeed! Usually spotted in pairs, along the sandy bottom of the Lagoon are the Dragonfish (see photo). They are more commonly found in the summer months and tend to walk rather than swim along the bottom.
