Shaab Claudia

Shaab Claudia is a coral reef site featuring a short wall, a sheltered reef plateau and an extensive shallow cavern and swim-through system that opens into sunlit chambers. Most attractions lie between about 5 and 15 m, with cavern entrances around 8–10 m and the reef sloping to 20–25 m. The west side hosts lush hard coral gardens while the east has patches of sand and coral rubble. The site is known for its cavern swim-throughs and vibrant reef life; photographers are drawn to tunnels with roof openings and coral-covered walls, with schools of anthias, parrotfish, wrasses and butterflyfish common and occasional sightings of Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks or manta rays. Accessible only by boat, typically from liveaboards, entry is by giant stride or ladder. Conditions are generally calm and suitable for all levels, with visibility often 25–30 m and water temperatures about 20°C in winter to 27–29°C in summer. Currents are usually mild but can pick up in channels between reefs. Because of the overhead nature of the caverns, passage into cave areas is recommended only for advanced divers accompanied by a guide, and the site can become crowded when multiple dive boats are present, so expect traffic in the swim-throughs at busy times. Typical dive routes start at the main cavern entrance on the south at 7–8 m, thread through chambers, exit over the west coral garden and follow the reef north to a smaller cave before circling back over the reef top.