DAEDALUS REEF

NAME & LOCATION

Daedalus is a remote outpost of a reef, less than a kilometre wide and marked by a lighthouse, some 80 km offshore from Marsa Alam. Its isolation means it is only visited by liveaboard and this, together with its marine park status, means its reefs are in top condition and it’s one of the best loved scuba dives in the Red Sea.

The Egyptian name for Daedalus Reef is Abu Kizan. Kizan” mean “pottery” as there is a Wreck at the Northern side of the reef that had a cargo of pottery. In present time the wreck is totally destroyed by waves

Elphinstone Reef is found between Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib only about 4 miles out the coast. The area in front of Marsa Alam is named after this city. And farther out and to the south the famous reef of Daedalus.

BIODIVERSITY

Diving at Daedalus, means big fish and a spectacular show of pelagic life. The heavy currents and steep drop-offs bring hammerheads, oceanic whitetips and if you are lucky huge thresher sharks to the edge of the reef. During whaleshark season it is also possible to see these gentle giants passing by in the blue. It’s not just sharks either, mantas often pass by when you are diving at Daedalus especially if there is a plankton bloom. Other pelagics on show are trevally, dogtooth tuna and turtles.

The best season to visit Daedalus depends on what marine life you are interested in though. Whaleshark season in Daedalus is between May and June if you want to see these magnificent creatures you should plan your dive trip then. Hammerheads and mantas are also frequent visitors during this season. Thresher sharks on the other hand are fond of colder water and they will be around in the winter when the water temperature drops from 30 degrees to 21 degrees.

  • This hammerhead shark can be found on offshore reefs like brother islands or Daedalus Reef. This species is quite shy although curious if we divers know how to respect them.
    This hammerhead shark can be found on offshore reefs like brother islands or Daedalus Reef. This species is quite shy although curious if we divers know how to respect them.
  • The silky shark is curious but shy and has a skin and color that reminds of silk.
    The silky shark is curious but shy and has a skin and color that reminds of silk.
  • The grey reef shark can be found single or in a group. Usually she is shy towards divers and to be found in places where the currents change the most.
    The grey reef shark can be found single or in a group. Usually she is shy towards divers and to be found in places where the currents change the most.
  • Longimanus a.k.a. oceanic white tip shark. Seen on offshore reefs and giving us divers one of the most intimate shark experiences possible.
    Longimanus a.k.a. oceanic white tip shark. Seen on offshore reefs and giving us divers one of the most intimate shark experiences possible.
  • A juvenile white tip reef shark hiding under blocks and in small caves to protect itself from larger predators.
    A juvenile white tip reef shark hiding under blocks and in small caves to protect itself from larger predators.
  • The biggest of ray species, the oceanic manta ray, She ins known to live in the blue water and rarely seen close to the reef.
    The biggest of ray species, the oceanic manta ray, She ins known to live in the blue water and rarely seen close to the reef.
  • The Napoleon wrasse, with curious dignity she comes close and she turns her eyes both individually so she can look in every direction.
    The Napoleon wrasse, with curious dignity she comes close and she turns her eyes both individually so she can look in every direction.
  • A clownfish a.k.a. Nemo that lives in a specific Anemone where the fish protects the anemone in the day and the Anemone returns the favor as she closes at night protecting the fish.
    A clownfish a.k.a. Nemo that lives in a specific Anemone where the fish protects the anemone in the day and the Anemone returns the favor as she closes at night protecting the fish.
  • If you see this anemone than seek for this popcorn shrimp as they are usually found together.
    If you see this anemone than seek for this popcorn shrimp as they are usually found together.
  • Barracuda, different species live solitude or in schools. Knows as the pike of the Sea
    Barracuda, different species live solitude or in schools. Knows as the pike of the Sea
DIVE SITE SPECS
Access:Year round, in the winter currents and wind pick up
Type of diving:Drift along deep walls and no night dive allowed.
Diver level:Advanced & comfortable with currents & depth.
Depth:0-40 meters
Current:Medium-strong
Visability:20-30 meters

Daedalus Reef (Abu Kizan) is a 400-meter-long and 100-meter-wide standalone reef. There is a small artificial island in the center of the reef, which hosts a lighthouse constructed in 1863 and rebuilt in 1931.

Diving on this reef:

  • North tip blue water diving to seek the schooling hammerhead up until a depth of 40 meters.
  • Wall diving and drifting along the West and East wall.
  • The plateau in the south makes a nice change and can be done from the back of the boat.
Daedalus Reef does not fully reach the surface and has an old lighthouse. This divest is known for the schooling hammerhead shark, the Longimanus and any species that can pop by, even the oceanic manta

WHAT TRIPS BRING YOU THERE?

These dives can be done by Liveaboard, where you combine the best dive sites in a weeks diving. The following trips offer it as part of their program: