Habili Dahara lies alone at a distance from the reet group near Wadi Gemal, 5.5 km from the island of Dahara and 4.6 km south of Shaab Sharm. The small habili is only about 70 m long and therefore offers little protection from the elements. As with all habilis, it can only be moored at during a calm sea and offers moorings for up to two boats. It is usually only visited in transit, so the number of divers found here is limited. During a calm sea, the dive site offers simple conditions that are suitable for inexperienced divers.
The habili is surrounded at an average depth of 18 m by the usual sandy seabed dotted with coral rocks A, some of which are quite large and rise up close to the surface A, and though there are not particularly many corals around, you will probably find moray eels, blue-spotted stingrays or some scorpionfish and sometimes even shoals of butterflyfish or squirrelfish. In contrast to the seabed, the reef walls A and top of the habili A are richly covered with corals and sponges, and countless anthias inhabit the top at a depth of about 3 to 5 m, just as at the reef walls of the Marine Park. Note, however, that strong surges are found here even during calm seas, so make sure not to get pushed against the corals.
Although Habili Dahara lies unsheltered in the sea, strong currents are rarely found here, and when they do occur, the southern side provides sufficient shelter from them, as long as you stay in its immediate vicinity. Moreover, though it would be perfect for night dives, no experienced captain would moor at this exposed site overnight, which is why no night diving takes place here.
Dive Routes
Route A: circling the reef Duration: about 50 min. Difficulty: *
It makes no difference whether you circle the habili clockwise or counterclockwise. Here, we have chosen the clockwise route:
Descend directly from the liveaboard to the seabed at about 18 m and explore the rugged outer rocks A. Then circle around the habili along the sandy seabed A, where a variety of marine life, such as blue spotted stingrays, scorpionfish and shoals of butterflyfish wait to be discovered among the coral rocks. There is no need to hurry because of the shallow depth and small size of the site. However, be sure to stay in sight of the habili to avoid getting lost or ending up too far out in the sea. After making your round, ascend along the reef’s walls A to the lush reef flat A, which offers great photo opportunities and is ideal for the safety stop. Afterwards, return to the boat and end the dive.
Tips / Hazards
An easy dive site with calm conditions Splendidly overgrown reef top Stay near the reef walls if there is a strong current Beware of strong surges on the reef flat
