Hamata, Red Sea, Egypt
Sataya Reef (also known as Dolphin Reef of the south) is a horseshoe-shaped reef 25 km off Hamata, the largest spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) resting lagoon in the Egyptian Red Sea, with a resident population of over 100 animals. The dolphins enter the sheltered lagoon to rest after night feeding and tolerate snorkellers maintaining respectful distance; scuba is not permitted in the inner lagoon to minimise disturbance. Outside the horseshoe the reef is a coral garden with hard coral cover descending from 5 metres to a sandy bottom at 25 metres, dotted with bommies and small coral pinnacles. Anthias clouds, anemones, parrotfish, lionfish, masked pufferfish and turtles are abundant; the occasional reef shark patrols the deeper plateau. The site is dived primarily on liveaboard itineraries from Hamata. Currents are typically mild. Visibility 25 metres.
Information on this page, including technical data such as depth, current, visibility, access, and recommended level, is informational and may vary. Confirm actual conditions with a local operator before the dive.
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Reviews are from other divers — personal experiences, not guarantees.
