Alsuflany Reef

Yanbu

Top Dive Time

45-60Min

Distance

Skills

Advanced, Technical, Free Diving,

Site Features

Reef Wall, Plateau,

Marked by a humble lighthouse, this mesmerising reef is home to two stunning dive sites. These are suitable only for experienced divers due to the fluctuating currents.

The dives take place on different sides of the reef, both taking approximately one hour. The first takes you straight down the drop-off on the southern side of the reef to a plateau 30m below. Here, there is an abundance of soft coral and protruding coral heads. The Nephtheidae soft corals are particularly noticeable with their rubbery, flame-red branches topped with small tentacles. Impressive schools of barracuda can often be seen lingering close to the drop-off here, working against the current to hold themselves in place. This current also makes this area great for drift diving along the cliff wall, allowing you to admire the abundance of wildlife attracted to the reef as you float by.

The second site is on the southwest side and is all about exploring the crevices and caves cut into the side of the reef. The best time to dive here is mid-afternoon, when the sunlight overhead pours into these grottos, revealing sections of beautiful coral and strips of sea whip floating in the current.

One of the highlights of this dive is a cave that is wide enough to dive through, with small holes providing enough light to make out the gnarled walls and fantastic fish.

This dive promises a complete and immersive adventure that is perfect for a full-day excursion. Take a leisurely snorkel along the reef’s surface before embarking on the challenging routes that await just beyond its edges. It’s important to note that these dives are for advanced divers and should be planned in advance.

In drift diving, divers travel with the natural movement of water, usually in a current or tide. It allows divers to cover greater distances and see more of the underwater environment. It’s typically done in areas with strong, predictable currents and requires proper training and equipment for safety.