Shaab Abu Nugar

Overview

Shaab Abu Nugar is one of the northernmost dive sites in the Hurghada area, reaching almost up to El Gouna, and its distance from the main tourist hubs is exactly its charm. Fewer boats mean impressively pristine coral: sandy flats dotted with bommies, delicate coral gardens and a string of pinnacles, all wrapped around a system of clear blue lagoons. The name means "Father of the Pools." It is a relaxed, shallow, beautifully preserved site that suits every level of diver.

The Dive

This is gentle, shallow diving, with most of the action above 18m over a broad sand flat at 12 to 15m scattered with coral patches and bommies. The reef system has several distinct areas: a delicate coral garden to the north (Torfa Abu Nugar), the oval Gota Abu Nugar reef to the east, and the Erg Abu Nugar pinnacles rising from the sand to the south. Some stretches are unremarkable, but the best ergs, particularly those north of the western tongue, offer superb, almost untouched shallow reef. Current is usually mild and the site is well sheltered once you arrive, making it ideal for training and easy navigation, though the crossing over can get a little choppy.

Marine Life

Abu Nugar is dotted with cleaning stations where wrasse and shrimp service queuing groupers and snappers, a reliable highlight. Macro hunters do well among the corals, with nudibranchs the standout, and the hard-coral cover, table corals and big brain corals included, is in excellent condition. Out over the sand and reef expect eagle rays, turtles, broomtail wrasse and parrotfish.

Good to Know

Diveable year-round with typically excellent visibility of 20 to 30m. It sits 60 to 90 minutes by boat north of central Hurghada, so it is usually run as part of a full-day, two-dive trip. Because it is suitable for all levels and sees light traffic, it is a great choice for new divers and for anyone wanting healthy coral without the crowds.