Abu Kafan South

Abu Kafan Dive Site: Exploring the Abyss of the Red Sea

Abu Kafan Dive Site is located approximately 80 minutes away from Soma Bay in the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt. Its name, roughly translated as "father of the abyss," accurately captures the essence of this magnificent reef. Dive enthusiasts will understand why this site is aptly named once they experience its wonders. Comparable to Elphinstone, Abu Kafan offers a smaller yet equally impressive diving experience.

This dive site boasts some of the most breathtaking wall dives in the entire Red Sea. As the southernmost reef we explore, Abu Kafan stretches from depths exceeding 600 meters to rise just below the water surface. Two long and narrow plateaus adorn the north and south sides, adorned with vibrant carpets of soft corals and scattered with magnificent table corals. Here, divers can encounter moray eels, clownfish nestled in flame-red and light green anemones, and an array of marine life including tuna, barracudas, and even whitetip reef sharks.

Abu Kafan's orientation emerges in a north-south direction, with the south side serving as a protected area and preferred anchorage spot. On three sides, steep coral walls create dramatic backdrops, descending vertically to depths of 100 meters and beyond. Within this unique underwater ecosystem, an impressive column-like coral block emerges from around 18 meters and nearly reaches the water's surface. This enchanting location offers a glimpse into the vibrant marine life thriving in an intact reef environment. As you explore further, you'll discover a majestic table coral several meters in diameter and an imposing overhang that demands exploration.

The eastern side of the reef features a nearly vertical slope covered in soft corals, gorgons, and black corals. However, be prepared for the possibility of strong currents during unfavorable weather conditions, which in turn promise exhilarating dives under more favorable circumstances. In the middle of the east side, a deep crevice at approximately 17 meters invites divers for a closer look, followed by a captivating canyon at 14 meters. The eastern steep wall offers numerous small crevices and overhangs, allowing for ever-changing perspectives.

While the west side may not offer as much vegetation and variety as its eastern counterpart, it still warrants separate dives, especially for divers seeking unique experiences to capture on film or camera. The north side can only be explored during calm seas. Here, a small plateau extends into the open sea at depths of 22 to 28 meters. Similar to the southern side, the plateau drops vertically into the deep blue, where large coral blocks adorned with lush vegetation serve as irresistible attractions. At the northern tip of Abu Kafan, divers can encounter soft and fan corals, as well as an abundance of diverse marine life, including reef sharks, rays, barracudas, turtles, and occasionally even manta rays.

The north side is best experienced as a current dive or a one-way descent. Upon entering the water, divers descend to 25 meters to reach the plateau. Moving northeast, you'll encounter the eastern offshoot adorned by majestic fan and brush corals, providing a safe haven for long-nosed hawkfish. In the blue expanse, you may witness patrolling unicorn surgeonfish and large schools of fusiliers. Exciting encounters with barracudas, turtles, tuna, and reef sharks, and even occasional sightings of hammerhead sharks, alongside the lush and varied coral growth, elevate this dive site to an indispensable experience.

The "South Plateau" can be accessed directly from the boat. Upon entering the water, you'll find yourself on the steep wall in the southwest of the main reef, with the seabed lying 80 meters below. The vibrant growth of soft corals guides divers towards the longer but equally narrow southern plateau. Here, divers can meet moray eels, lipfish, groupers, anthine clouds, barracudas, turtles, and reef sharks. Marauders and mackerel rush out from the depths in search of prey, and on rare occasions, even whale sharks grace the area with their presence.

With excellent visibility of 25 meters and a maximum depth of 25 meters, Abu Kafan Dive Site offers a remarkable diving experience recommended for advanced divers. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable underwater journey in the waters of Egypt's Red Sea Governorate.