Shaab Malahi

The name Malahi means 'playground reef', and the site is also called 'Labyrinth' because of its rugged coral blocks. The reef has many pinnacles, with canyons between them and two small caves. The formation is about 220 m long, and its southern part comprises ten large coral towers standing very close to each other, with canyons and labyrinth-like caves. Because of the weather, the reef is always changing, which makes it possible to observe how reefs form; in the corridors and caves, watch out for falling objects.

The coral blocks are covered with hard and soft corals, and there are plenty of fish. In the middle of the reef there is a well-known cave with small baby sharks. Yellow goatfish gather in the shade of the corridors between the pinnacles. In the inner lagoon, with its coral garden and small caves, predators rest, and hatchetfish, snails and anemones can be seen. Near the blocks to the southeast there are schools of banner fish.

In the Hamata area, the best time tends to run from May to October, with less wind and calmer seas, but diving is possible all year round.