Canyon Dive Site | Dahab

Canyon Dive Site – One of Dahab’s Most Thrilling Underwater Adventures

The Canyon Dive Site in Dahab is one of the most spectacular and famous dive spots in the Red Sea, offering an unforgettable experience for divers who love deep, narrow underwater formations and dramatic scenery. Known for its crystal-clear waters, impressive rock formations, and unique topography, the Canyon is a must-visit location for experienced divers looking for an exciting and breathtaking dive.

What Makes the Canyon Special?

✔ Unique Underwater Topography – A deep crack in the seabed that divers can enter and explore.
✔ Dramatic Depths – Ranges from 20m to 55m, making it a thrilling site for deep diving.
✔ Ideal for Advanced Divers – Requires good buoyancy control due to the enclosed environment.
✔ Spectacular Light Effects – Sunlight streams through the narrow crevices, creating a magical glow.
✔ Rich Marine Life – Home to lionfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, and sometimes eagle rays.

The Dive Experience at the Canyon

The Canyon is essentially a deep, narrow crack in the seabed, resembling an underwater tunnel. It begins at about 20 meters and extends downward, forming a breathtaking crevice that divers can enter.

Typical Dive Route:

The Entrance (15-20m)

The dive begins over a shallow coral reef, where divers make their way toward the Canyon’s entrance.

The entrance is a wide circular opening, allowing for easy access.

Inside the Canyon (20-30m)

Divers enter the crack and descend slowly into the enclosed passage.

The walls are covered in beautiful coral formations and sponges.

Small marine creatures like glassfish and lionfish often hide in the crevices.

The Fish Bowl (30m-35m)

A larger chamber within the Canyon, where divers often gather before exiting.

Schools of colorful fish swirl around the enclosed space.

Light filtering through the top creates an incredible atmosphere.

The Deep Section (Beyond 40m, for technical divers only)

For technical and deep divers, the Canyon extends into much deeper waters.

Requires special training due to the depth and potential decompression stops.

The Exit & Coral Garden (15-10m)

After exploring the Canyon, divers exit and ascend into a beautiful coral garden.

A perfect spot for safety stops and photography before surfacing.

Marine Life at the Canyon

Despite being a rocky formation, the Canyon is home to a surprising variety of marine species:

Moray eels and lionfish – Often hiding in the cracks.

Glassfish and anthias – Small, colorful fish that swarm around the Canyon’s entrance.

Eagle rays and barracudas – Occasionally spotted in the deeper waters.

Scorpionfish and stonefish – Camouflaged against the rocks.

Best Time to Dive the Canyon

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) – Best conditions with mild temperatures.

Summer (June-August) – Hot but excellent visibility.

Winter (December-February) – Water can be cooler but still good for diving.

How to Get to the Canyon Dive Site

Location: About 1.5 km north of the Blue Hole, in Dahab.

By Car or Taxi: A 10-minute drive from Dahab town center.

By Camel or Quad Bike: Some dive operators offer unique camel dives to the Canyon.

Tips for Diving at the Canyon

✔ Advanced Certification Recommended: Due to the depth and enclosed nature, Advanced Open Water or higher is best.
✔ Good Buoyancy Control Required: The narrow passage means divers should avoid touching the walls.
✔ Use a Dive Torch: Helps illuminate hidden marine life inside the Canyon.
✔ Plan for a Safety Stop: The Coral Garden is a perfect shallow area for decompression.
✔ Respect Marine Life: Avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Canyon Dive Site in Dahab is an adventure-filled, world-class dive location offering stunning underwater rock formations, thrilling depths, and a rich variety of marine life. Whether you're an experienced diver looking for an unforgettable challenge or an underwater photographer seeking breathtaking light effects, the Canyon is a must-visit dive site in Egypt’s Red Sea.