South Beach

sandy slope to a depth of around 20-22m, passing some striking coral formations at around 6-8m. Following passes over several large table corals (for whom the site is named) at around 20-25m.

sandy slope to a depth of around 20-22m, passing some striking coral formations at around 6-8m. Following passes over several large table corals (for whom the site is named) at around 20-25m.

·  Location: South Beach, adjacent to the Princess Hotel.

·  Parking for private vehicles: Dive club transport is recommended, as parking is limited and this is a tow zone.

·  Disabled access: Yes, a ramp provides access directly from the parking lot to the water.

·  Entry point: North of the northern jetty, via one of two buoy-lined entrances

·  About the dive: This is a deep dive along the lower edge of the slope.
Average depth is 25m. This dive can be made at any time of the day.
Normally visibility is very good, with typically southerly currents.

·  Dive Plan: Descend the sandy slope to a depth of around 20-22m, passing some striking coral formations at around 6-8m.
Following this the route crosses a sea grass plateau and passes over several large table corals (for whom the site is named) at around 20-25m.
The seafloor on this dive is thickly carpeted with coral, both hard and soft.
The latter half of the dive is a pleasant ascent via the sloping seafloor, followed by a meander through more dense coral formations at 5m.
At this depth, the buoys that mark the exit point can easily be seen.

·  Marine inhabitants: Many corals - amongst them, of course, table or plate corals, spread out at depth, bashful garden eels, beautiful Nudibranchs, and rays and mantas in the sandy areas.
In the early morning sea stars can be spotted before they return to their daytime hideouts.

·  Useful equipment: It is advisable to use a compass.

·  First Aid: Princess Hotel, and at nearby Border Guard Base

·  Safety Warning: This site is close to the Egyptian border, which may not be crossed.
Whilst on the surface, the red-and-white markers which denote the boat-free zone may also not be crossed.