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Diving at diving.DE, el Malikia Resort
In fact, we don't like such quick returns. Why should you come back to a place within only half a year to write a follow-up report? Well, in the case of Abu Dabbab this is relatively easy. Even though our visit in April was totally successful, there were still some issues or better animals - which can be observed here for sure - left open. So we wanted to follow up on this now.
Of course, the short journey also played a role. Usually you can get from front door to hotel lobby in seven to eight hours. Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that in the current times, you just can't rely on these short times. This time it turned out differently and the flight was postponed to the next day. So it is positive that you are expected at the diving centre diving.DE in the Malikia Resort and asked by Isa (the base manager) directly if you still want to go into the water.
We had our luggage brought to the dive centre anyway, a great service. Only an hour later we are at the beautiful house reef of Abu Dabbab. First an elegant Cowtail stingray crosses our path, and a little later we meet the sea turtles, which are almost obligatory in the house reef. What more could you want? After only one dive, some of the stress of the journey is forgotten.
Sea turtle as a top model
The next day we continue with "someone" who "left us in the lurch" in April. To be more precise, it was at a Gorgonian coral at a depth of just under 40 metres. Half a year ago we were promised a Longnose hawkfish. At the time, however, this fish was noticeably absent. This time it was easy, after only a minute's search we found the cute fish. Obviously this is a younger specimen, as its shorter snout and extremely shy behaviour show. Nevertheless, we are able to photograph the "long-nose" and bring back more than one proof photo from the dive. An open point that we missed in April is already done on day two.
In the following days we revisit the beautiful dive sites we already knew from April. We visit Abu Dabbab two / three twice. Even though the dive site is not that spectacular, a small white tip reef shark is currently looking for a home under a coral. We saw this shark every time we visited the site. This site also shows that it is worth diving the same dive site again and again. While nothing worth mentioning happened on the first dive on two / three except for the reef shark, we encountered an extremely curious turtle on our second dive. Unfortunately we forgot to ask for her TikTok Channel, otherwise we could have tagged her now. No kidding, the cute animal presents itself like a top model in front of the camera. Not only did she pose in front of the camera as if there was no tomorrow, but she almost crawls into our dome port with her head, so that as a photographer you have to bend over the camera to see what the "toad" is up to.
At Abu Dabbab five we notice that several whitetip reef sharks have found a home in the middle of the coral caves. While we counted three, other divers from diving.DE counted as many as six reef sharks the following day. The coral caves are sensational again, even without the "baby sharks". The mystical atmosphere caused by the incidence of light is always a special experience.
Then there are the open issues from our last trip here. The manatee was quite hesitant at the time, but then let itself be persuaded to an audience. Not so the dolphins. They did make a brief appearance during our last dive in spring, but not as we had hoped. Of course, the grinning animals don't show up this time either. But not at all this time. No other divers meet us and proudly show their videos. No, this week the anarchists (for explanation: see report from spring) were simply not there. But this does not mean that you cannot see them at this time. According to Isa, the grinning hunters are in the area all year round. Sure, sometimes you don't see them for a couple of weeks, but then they are regular again.
Big, real sharks...
What else did we have open from April? Yes, of course, the big, the real sharks. In the southern part of Egypt, these are mainly found at Elphinstone Reef. On our first attempt, there is no safari boat on site. Maybe a chance to find the hammerhead sharks at the northern tip of the reef? If there are no divers, the hammerheads could not have been harassed by anyone. Unfortunately, the predators with the unusual head are not to be seen. Nevertheless, we dive the reef extensively and enjoy it. On the southern plateau the same picture - no larger predator to be seen. Except for two or three barracudas that curiously approach. But that's not really why we're here. The longimanus (whitetip shark) should actually be cavorting above the plateau at this time of year. Unfortunately, the deep-sea hunters are particularly attracted by the safari boats. Conversely, for us this means: no boats - no Longimanus.
Only two days later we repeat our visit to Elphinstone Reef. This time the signs are completely reversed. Ten to twelve boats are moored off the legendary reef. Rather bad chances for the hammerheads but better chances for the Longimanus... Although we don't expect hammerhead sharks, we explore the northern plateau extensively again. This time we encounter a large school of barracudas, but they don't really let us get close to them. To dive out, we let ourselves drift along the eastern flank of the reef in a gentle current to a depth of five metres and enjoy the hustle and bustle on the reef top. At the same time, the anticipation increases with regard to the dive on the south plateau. Normally, the conditions for seeing one of the Red Sea's top predators here are excellent.
Already from the speedboat we see the typical long fins with the white tips during the surface interval. Of course, this time we don't jump into the water at the wall to dive to the plateau, but jump directly into the water between the safari boats. It only takes a few moments for the first Longimanus to approach our group of divers. What follows now? A half-hour dance with these beautiful predators. Again and again, up to three animals cross our path. Again and again you can see the curiosity of these predators. What could be more beautiful than such intense encounters?
But shortly before the end of the dive, this shark shows us that it is not considered one of the most dangerous in the Red Sea for nothing. While the first buddy team has surfaced and is on its way to the speedboat, the smallest of the deep-sea predators present appears out of nowhere. This time, however, not relaxed and curious, but with a clear goal in the direction of the buddy team that has surfaced. At the same time, the predator's perception is astonishing. Coming from a depth outside the circle of vision, he swims purposefully with his fins on in the direction of the divers who have surfaced. Only the quick-witted guide who stands between the divers on the surface and the shark's plan probably prevents worse. In any case, it is a reminder that these animals are not cuddly animals but top predators in their ecosystem. Does that make diving with these animals dangerous? Quite clearly no! However, it does make you realise again that the rules for diving with big sharks are not in vain. Always keep an eye on the shark! Don't dive to the surface and when you dive out, surface right next to the boat and leave the water without exchanging words with your buddy in the water.
What do we take away from this (thanks to the airline) shortened week in Abu Dabbab? It can be worthwhile to visit the same dive site again within a short period of time. Yes, even the same dive site can offer a new attraction within one day. The southern part of the Egyptian Red Sea, however, is always good for a surprise and thus also for a repeat visit.
Further information:
diving.DE website
diving.DE Abu Dabab, El Malikia on Taucher.Net
Travelogue - Visit in April