Shaab Bagul (Cannon Reef)

Shaab Bagul is an inner reef, also known as Cannon Reef, south of Safaga Island. The main reef is about 1 km long, and together with several large coral blocks it forms a landscape of small canyons and sheltered areas. The top of the reef dries, and the reef projects south to within about 1 mile of the coastal reef.

The boat anchors in a half-open lagoon: to the north, the dive follows the main reef block; to the south, there are several reef blocks with gorgonian fan corals and plenty of fish.

Jacks and barracudas frequent the reef, and groups of eagle rays occasionally appear. Along the outer edge, eagle rays often pass by and, now and then, dolphins show up. Inside the lagoon there are sometimes big stingrays. Moray eels, nudibranchs, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, bannerfish and turtles also appear. On dives in August 2008, many crocodile fish and a blue spotted stingray were seen.