Mushraba Reef
Mushraba is found at the southern most end of Dahab Bay. You can use the Police Station as a reference to your entry and exit points. Entries and exits can be tricky here as more than often you may have a swell moving into the southern part of the bay causing surf of up to a metre high. Doesn’t sound like much, but when you’ve got scuba gear on, and not a surf board, it gets difficult. To make a safe entry, get you fins on first, walk in backwards, with your back to the surf and holding onto your buddy for support. Besides the surf, also be careful you don’t get pushed or battered onto the coral table at the entry point. In rough conditions, it’s almost best to get in, descend and congregate on the sandy bottom at around 2-4 metres.
Once you’re in, head with the coral reef on your right. Typically you’ll notice the sandy bottom sloping fairly steeply away from you. Using the wall as a reference you can choose your maximum depth for this dive. If you keep to the bottom you can descend to 30 metres and beyond. To your left you’ll notice another coral shelf. This can be explored if you wish to, but keep an eye on your air and no decompression times.
Lionfish
African LionFish, Mushraba ReefAs you follow the coral reef to your right, you’ll again notice the various amounts of soft and hard corals, with an array of various fish. In particular on Mushraba, look out for the exotic African Lionfish. They differ from the common Lionfish in that they have amazingly long white dorsal and pectoral fins and are usually quite bright red in colour! They are often found hiding on the reef, in holes and crannies. Another amazing fish to look out for here, and more frequent in the summer, is the enormous Napoleon Wrasse! Some growing to just short of a full grown human, these fish are docile, but very curious and very often will approach divers with free abandon. This may be off putting, but just remain calm and enjoy the interaction with one of the Red Sea friendliest fish!!
Napolean Wrasse, Mushraba ReefAbout 20 minutes into your dive, the coral wall slopes off a bit and you’ll notice a rocky outcrop teeming with coral and fish. It’s almost an oasis on the reef, making it look even more alive! This coral head is usually covered with the usual bright Antheas, as well as hundreds of glassfish. Look out for the usual suspects, coral groupers, Lionfish and Pufferfish.
The return
This coral head is usually a good marker for making your return back to the entry/exit point. Continue your dive at a shallow depth with the reef on your left, until you get back to the shallows. Whilst you’re doing your safety stop on the sandy slope, keep a sharp eye out for a rarity! Seen from time to time are the Spotted Snake Eels. These creatures look very similar to the underwater dwelling snakes. They have a rectangular shaped head and are white in colour, covered in brown/black spots! They are harmless, even though they are often mistaken for the Banded Sea Snakes, which are poisonous.
When making your exits onto the beach, again be aware of the reef table and the size of the waves.
This is a popular night dive site.
