TRAVELSPECIAL
Morning zooms : Surgeonfish chase at Angel , Fury Shoal
that these dots are in fact sap-sucking slugs , otherwise known as Shaun the Sheep nudibranchs , a holy grail for underwater macro photographers .
The adventurous dive traveller looking for a more ‘ off-the-beaten-track ’, unspoiled and deeply memorable dive experience should consider the third and least developed resort in the deep south , Wadi Lahami . This very friendly and welcoming place is four hours north of the Sudanese border , and most importantly sits on the gateway to some of the most unspoilt coral reef systems in the world , collectively known as the Fury Shoals .
Wadi Lahami is located on a fringing reef system set in one of the largest mangrove areas in the Middle East ( excellent for bird spotting in particular ) necessitating all dives to be from small but powerful zodiac boats ( dive boots and open heel fins are the order of the day here , as are strong ankles ). The dive offering here is unique in that the zodiacs allow resident divers to explore the wonders of the Fury Shoals in all their intimacy , usually meaning the adventurous visitors are the only ones on any given site . The exceptions are the sites that feature on liveaboard itineraries , such as the incredibly atmospheric cave systems of Sha ’ ab Claudia , or the intricate canyons of Malahi . Again , the temporary crowds can be easily avoided by working around the liveaboard itineraries . The Fury Shoals also has a very special ‘ dolphin house ’ which again can be visited during quiet times with a bit of planning .
Red anemone closing at dusk , Marsa Nakari house reef
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