Shaab El Erg

Shaab El Erg is a large horseshoe-shaped coral reef surrounding a shallow sandy lagoon scattered with small reef islands (ergs) and is commonly nicknamed "Dolphin House" because pods of wild dolphins frequently pass through the reef openings. The site features extensive hard coral gardens, sandy plateaus, numerous coral pinnacles and a narrow channel or swim-through; diving focuses on reef topography and marine life rather than wrecks or caves. Access is by boat with moorings typically in the sheltered lagoon. Reef tops and the lagoon are typically 5–12 m, reef slopes and the drop-off reach about 18–22 m (the western wall drops gently to about 12–13 m before sloping deeper). Visibility is usually very good, often 20–30 m, and water temperatures range from roughly 21 °C in winter to 28 °C in summer. Currents are generally mild but a northerly current can flow through the main channel at times; standard routes loop around the reef (often clockwise) back into the lagoon, and divers are specifically warned not to chase, touch or feed the dolphins.