The Canyon
Overview
The Canyon is one of Dahab's signature shore dives, located just south of the Blue Hole along the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. Entry is from a rocky reef flat, and the dive begins with a gentle descent over a coral garden at 12–15 meters, rich with hard corals, anthias, and nudibranchs. The main feature is a narrow fissure — a crack in the reef roughly one meter wide — that plunges to 30 meters before opening into a wider chamber. Divers swim through the canyon, walls towering on either side, before exiting into open blue water on the seaward face of the reef. The light filtering down through the narrow gap creates dramatic photographic opportunities. Below the main canyon, a deeper extension drops to 55 meters, attracting advanced and technical divers. The exterior wall is covered in soft corals and sea fans where lionfish, scorpionfish, and moray eels find shelter. Octopuses hide in crevices and are frequently spotted by patient divers. The Canyon is sheltered from prevailing winds, making it diveable on days when other Dahab sites may be rough. Currents are generally negligible. The site serves as a popular training venue for deep-diving courses due to its clear depth references and calm conditions. Night dives here reveal prowling lionfish and Spanish dancers. Surface facilities include a small Bedouin camp with refreshments. The Canyon is an ideal second dive after the Blue Hole, as both are on the same stretch of coast.
Marine life
Dive profile
DEPTH PROFILE
DEPTH PROGRESSION & WAYPOINTS: The Canyon
Location
Frequently asked questions
What certification level is needed for The Canyon?
Open Water divers can enjoy the shallow coral garden at 12–15 meters. To enter the narrow canyon fissure and descend to its maximum depth of 55 meters, Advanced Open Water certification and good buoyancy control are required.
When is the best time to dive The Canyon?
The Canyon is an excellent year-round dive site. Water temperatures range from 21 °C in winter to 28 °C in summer. Visibility is consistently above 25 meters. The sheltered location means current is rarely an issue.
What makes The Canyon special?
The site features a dramatic narrow fissure in the reef that opens to the blue sea, creating stunning light effects. A shallow coral garden leads to the canyon entrance, and the swim-through section offers an exciting passage with walls close enough to touch on both sides.
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Data Provenance
This profile is compiled from 3 operator submissions and 142 community logs. Key facts (depth, entry) are verified against official hydrographic charts.