Only slightly further afield than the popular Five Sisters sites, the Sha’ab Al Baydah reef is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. The pristine waters are home to a host of fish and coral, and with sea temperatures of 31°C, a medium current and crystal-clear visibility of more than 35m, divers of all levels will enjoy exploring. This site is not recommended for snorkellers, however.

At a depth of 30m, the reef is easily accessible and bursting with colour, offering up endless possibilities for budding underwater photographers.

While a waterproof camera may be an essential item on this dive, take care not to disturb the marine life living in this area. Dive lights, camera arms and mesh bags should be properly secured with lanyards and clips, as any loose equipment can seriously damage the fragile corals.

It may be tempting to interact with the marine life or take a souvenir home. However, the site at Sha’ab Al Baydah is still relatively unaffected by human development, so it’s imperative that you leave the reef just as you found it in order to preserve this vibrant ecosystem.

The dive itself begins at the lighthouse, on a long plateau with large pinnacles and hill formations that are covered in soft corals and fluorescent anemones. These invertebrates are known for their ability to produce bright, glowing colours by absorbing light energy and re-emitting it as visible light.

In addition to these neon wonders, the site is also home to a wide variety of marine life, including hard corals and soft corals. Another of the standout species at this site is the redtoothed triggerfish, known for their distinctive red teeth and territorial behaviour.

The dive ends in a serene, shallow swimming area in which you can take a moment to get your breath back and enjoy being at one with nature.