Dolphin Reef / Shaab Sataya

# Dolphin Reef (Shaab Sataya) Dive Site Description

Dolphin Reef, located in the Red Sea, is a renowned shallow reef renowned for its resident spinner dolphin pod. This stunning site features a pristine coral garden with vibrant soft and hard corals, creating an underwater paradise ideal for divers of all experience levels.

Divers typically encounter the friendly spinner dolphins that inhabit the lagoon, along with abundant tropical fish species, rays, and reef sharks. The crystal-clear waters reveal colorful reef formations teeming with marine biodiversity including snappers, groupers, fusiliers, and various macro organisms.

The reef rises from approximately 40 meters to just 5 meters at the shallow plateau, offering flexibility for different diving profiles. Maximum depths rarely exceed 25 meters in main diving areas, making it accessible for intermediate and advanced divers, though guided dives are recommended.

The site’s unique characteristic is the predictable presence of spinner dolphins, particularly in early morning hours. Strong currents occasionally occur, requiring moderate diving experience. Visibility typically ranges from 15-30 meters, depending on seasonal conditions, making Dolphin Reef an unforgettable Red Sea diving destination.

🐠 Marine Life at This Dive Site

Masked Puffer Arothron diadematus sylvain_le_bris

Red Sea Clearfin Lionfish Pteropterus cinctus sylvain_le_bris

Red Sea Clearfin Lionfish Pteropterus cinctus sylvain_le_bris

Diana's Hogfish Bodianus diana gernotkunz

White-spotted Puffer Arothron hispidus ealcaniz

Sand-dusted Cone Conus arenatus sylvain_le_bris

Species data from iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)