Rich in biodiversity and underwater heritage, Ras Shosha is a wall dive situated directly beneath the ‘ras’, or ‘head’, on the south-eastern tip of Jazirat Abu Shosha island.

The sloping wall is covered in vibrant, jewel-like corals and bustles with activity. Divers can expect to see sergeant major, white-tip reef sharks and the curious Humphead wrasse, also known as Napoleon wrasse thanks to the distinctive bumps on their heads. The nickname is a nod to French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who famously wore a bicorne hat.

Divers are also likely to spot fast-swimming predators like trevallies and barracudas. Best for advanced divers, the water surging against the point of the island splits the current, which flows in a mild easterly direction from 12m to 30m and transitions from west to east at 20m to 40m.

Best for advanced divers, the water surging against the point of the island splits the current, which flows in a mild easterly direction from 12m to 30m and transitions from west to east at 20m to 40m.

Sea turtle nests usually contain 100 eggs but only about one in 1,000 hatchlings survive to adulthood.

The current also attracts large shoals of hammerheads; these intelligent and aggressive hunters are regularly seen patrolling the site, from 60m all the way to the surface.

Jazirat Abu Shosha is also home to one of the largest gatherings of sea turtles in NEOM. Though the rocky island is known for its steep walls, a small beach on the eastern side hosts active hawksbill and green turtle nests. You’re likely to encounter more than one of these charismatic, though notoriously aloof, creatures during your dive. Be sure to keep a respectful distance to ensure future sightings.

The recent discovery of a coral-encrusted anchor at 12m is a tantalising prelude to what else might lie beneath the surface around this island. The anchor is estimated to be around 100–150 years old and is one of several fascinating underwater heritage discoveries in NEOM.