Daedalus Reef provides some of the best diving the Red Sea has to offer and is instantly recognisable above the water due to its distinctive lighthouse.
Set in a national marine park, it is one of the furthest dive sites from the Egyptian mainland making it accessible only by liveaboard. This contributes to it being a stunning place to explore.
Its protected status means the reefs are in outstanding condition while its isolated position and exposed location ensure it is only recommended for advanced divers who are comfortable with deeper waters and drifting in unpredictable currents.
Daedalus – which is also known as Abu Kizan – boasts dramatic drop-offs and is famous for pristine coral formations. Sheer walls plunge into the deep, covered in lush soft corals, massive gorgonian sea fans, and colourful sponges.
The reef’s vibrant hard corals form intricate structures, providing shelter for countless marine species. Strong currents fuel an explosion of life, with anthias, butterflyfish, and angelfish dancing among the corals.
The vertical walls, teeming with life, create an almost-otherworldly experience and are a gift for photographers.
Perhaps the thing that makes Daedalus Reef most popular, however, is the chance to encounter hammerhead sharks. Indeed, the site probably offers the best opportunity anywhere in the Red Sea to dive with these amazing creatures.
They gather here, particularly during the summer months, to gift divers the thrilling spectacle of large numbers of schooling hammerheads at close quarters.
Oceanic whitetips, thresher and grey reef sharks are also spotted along the reef’s edges while turtles and even occasional manta rays are among the abundance of marine life to be seen.
Because of its size, and the nutrient-rich waters attracting so many species, this is somewhere you can dive many times and continually have new experiences.
But for all the sub-aqua action available, the most iconic sight at Daedalus is probably above water. A man-made island is home to a historic lighthouse which remains operational and is run by the Egyptian navy to this day.
Originally built in the mid-1800s, the current lighthouse and outbuildings were constructed in 1931 and have provided a photo opportunity and a chance to investigate for many, many visitors of the years.
Above the surface or below, Daedalus Reef is a must-visit Red Sea site that will leaving a lasting memory on all those who make the trip.
Explore the wonders of Daedalus Reef by joining us on our itineraries Daedalus, Fury & Elphinstone our Southern Solitude