This dive site, Salim ED, offers a unique shore diving experience, accessed conveniently by minibus. Divers enter through a distinctive hole in the reef top, leading into an underwater landscape characterized by a very jagged reef structure. On both sides, vibrant coral gardens extend to depths of about 15 meters, providing a beautiful backdrop. The site is most renowned for its intricate labyrinth of tunnels, caves, and canyons, offering an exciting exploration opportunity for divers with good buoyancy control.
The marine life at Salim ED is rich and diverse. Divers can expect to encounter impressive giant groupers, adding a thrilling element to the dive, alongside well-camouflaged scorpionfish, which are a treat for macro enthusiasts. The extensive coral gardens are teeming with a variety of reef fish, invertebrates, and hard and soft corals, contributing to the site's overall beauty and biodiversity. Look out for angelfish, butterflyfish, and various damselfish amidst the colorful reef.
The Red Sea generally offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with the best time to visit typically from March to May and September to November for optimal temperatures and calm seas. For divers, practicing good buoyancy is crucial to navigate the tunnels and caves without damaging the delicate coral formations. Freedivers will find the site equally appealing, with its manageable maximum depth and interesting topography, allowing for extended exploration of the reef and shallower overhead environments.
