Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3

A Spectacular Speed Boat Dive Famous for Canyons, Pinnacles & Coral Mazes

Located just north of Abu Dabbab Bay, Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 is one of the most exciting speed boat dive sites in the Marsa Alam region. Known for its colourful coral pinnacles, impressive canyons, dramatic overhangs, and diverse marine life, this site offers something for both adventurous and relaxed divers.

With two dives from the speed boat, Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 combines beautiful reef scenery, fascinating underwater topography, and excellent opportunities to encounter a wide variety of Red Sea marine life.

Scuba Diving

Book this Dive

DIVE SITE MAP & OVERWIEV

DIVE SITE OVERVIEW

LOCATION

North of Abu Dabbab Bay

ENTRY

Boat Entry (Speed Boat)

DEPTH

5–20 m

CURRENT

Usually Light to Moderate

DIVE TYPE

Boat Canyon • Wall & Drift Dive

LEVEL

Easy to Medium

VISIBILITY

Usually 20–35 m

BEST SEASON

Year-round

DIVE SITE MAP

UNDERWATER LANDSCAPE

Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 is a fascinating reef system featuring an intricate maze of coral blocks, colourful pinnacles, narrow canyons, dramatic overhangs, and beautiful hard coral formations. The varied underwater landscape creates an exciting playground for divers while offering countless hiding places for marine life.

Its famous North Plateau and South Plateau are covered with colourful hard and soft corals, sea fans, and healthy reef formations. Combined with excellent visibility, steep walls, and nutrient-rich currents, Elphinstone offers some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the Red Sea.

MARINE LIFE

Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 is home to an impressive diversity of Red Sea marine life.

During your dive you may encounter:

Whitetip Reef Sharks
Eagle Rays
Crocodile Fish

Boxfish
Blue-spotted Stingrays
Nudibranchs

Careful observers may also discover turtles, octopus, scorpionfish, and large schools of colourful reef fish hiding among the coral formations.

WHY DIVE GOTTA ABU DABBAB 2 & 3?

Beautiful canyons and swim-throughs
Colourful coral pinnacles
Healthy hard coral formations
Spectacular overhangs

Small safari boat wreck
Rich marine biodiversity
Excellent underwater photography opportunities
Two diverse dives from the speed boat

OUR TIPS

The inside canyons are recommended for experienced divers with excellent buoyancy control, a Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty, or at least 20 logged dives. The outer reef walls and pinnacles are also suitable for beginners, depending on sea conditions and your guide’s assessment.

Our experienced dive guides know every corner of the reef and will help you discover its hidden highlights while ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible dive.

READY TO JOIN GOTTA ABU DABBAB 2 & 3?

Join our experienced guides for two exciting speed boat dives through colourful canyons, spectacular pinnacles, and one of the Red Sea’s most fascinating reef systems.

BOOK YOUR DIVE

SPEED BOAT DIVING

Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 is reached by speed boat in approximately 15 minutes from Hermes Harbour.

Divers enter the water with a back-roll directly from the speed boat before exploring the reef. At the end of each dive, equipment is removed in the water and handed to the captain before comfortably re-boarding the speed boat.

DIVER REQUIREMENTS

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, divers should have good buoyancy control.

DIVER REQUIREMENTS

The inside canyons are recommended for divers with a Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty or at least 20 logged dives.
The outer reef walls and pinnacles are also suitable for beginners.
All dives are conducted under the supervision of one of our experienced dive guides.

A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and an experienced dive guide are mandatory for every dive.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

€50 Elphinstone Speed Boat Supplement (includes speed boat and guide)
€5 Early Morning Departure Fee

A minimum of 4 divers is required for the trip to operate.

FAQ

Is Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 suitable for beginners?

Yes, but it depends on which part of the dive site you explore. The outer reef walls and pinnacles are suitable for beginners, while the inside canyons are recommended for experienced divers with good buoyancy control.

Can I dive the canyons as a beginner?

The canyon system is recommended for divers with excellent buoyancy control, a Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty, or at least 20 logged dives. Your dive guide will always decide whether conditions are suitable for entering the canyons.

What makes Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 special?

The site is famous for its spectacular underwater topography. Colourful coral pinnacles, narrow canyons, dramatic overhangs, and the remains of a small safari boat wreck create one of the most exciting dive sites in the Marsa Alam region.

Is there a wreck at Gotta Abu Dabbab?

Yes. Between the two main plateaus lies the remains of a small safari boat that sank after a fire in 2005. Today, the wreck has become an artificial reef, providing shelter for a wide variety of marine life.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Divers regularly encounter Whitetip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Blue-spotted Stingrays, Moray Eels, Lionfish, Crocodile Fish, Snappers, Boxfish, and colourful reef fish. Nudibranchs and many other macro species can also be found among the coral formations.

How deep is Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3?

The dive site ranges from approximately 5 to 20 metres, making it suitable for long dives with plenty of time to explore the canyons, pinnacles, and coral gardens.

How strong are the currents?

Currents are usually light to moderate, although conditions can vary depending on the weather and tides. Your guide will choose the most suitable dive route based on the daily conditions.

Is Gotta Abu Dabbab good for underwater photography?

Absolutely. The colourful pinnacles, dramatic canyons, healthy coral formations, and rich marine life make it an excellent location for both wide-angle and macro photography.

How long is the speed boat ride?

The journey from Hermes Harbour takes approximately 15 minutes by speed boat, making Gotta Abu Dabbab one of the closest offshore dive sites in the area.

Can I dive Gotta Abu Dabbab all year round?

Yes. Gotta Abu Dabbab 2 & 3 can be enjoyed throughout the year. Warm water, healthy coral reefs, and excellent marine biodiversity make it a fantastic destination in every season.