Sha’ab Masawik

Amaala

Top Dive Time

45-60Min

5.0

Ratings

Distance

9 km @ 237° From

Zubaidah Coast Guard

Approx 25 - 35 minutes by boat

Skills

Beginners, Advanced, Snorkellers, Free Diving,

Site Features

Reef Wall, Plateau,

Sha’ab Masawik is a journey boasting remarkable terrain and abundant sea life. There are four sites to explore, all within close proximity, including an underwater channel stretching between two reefs.

With pleasant swim-throughs, the channel leads to a sandy bottom at a depth of 16–25 m. Along the way, there are large stony coral heads, fire coral and sea anemone to enjoy.

A distinct area, Sha’ab Masawik is filled with swarming clownfish (officially Amphiprion bicinctus, but also known as Red Sea anemonefish due to their symbiotic relationship with sea anemone), shoals of anthias and yellowstripe goatfish.

Be on the lookout for brightly coloured carnivorous triggerfish. These interesting animals dig out prey by using their fins to flap away debris and sandblast their victims with water squirted from their mouths.

A highlight of the dive is catching sight of an oceanic whitetip shark. This majestic shark never stops moving as it’s unable to pump water across its gills. The shark must constantly swim forward with its mouth slightly agape to acquire adequate oxygen from the water. Once a common species, scientists believe they are now vulnerable to extinction.

Oceanic whitetip sharks must constantly swim forward with its mouth slightly agape to acquire adequate oxygen from the water. Once a common species, scientists believe they are now vulnerable to extinction.