Dive Site: Sawabi Islands

About Sawabi Islands

The Sawabi Islands, also known as the Seven Brothers, form a remote volcanic archipelago situated in the Bab El Mandeb strait, a narrow passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This strategic location creates a unique marine environment where nutrient-rich currents foster exceptional biodiversity, making it a prime destination for divers seeking pristine reefs and abundant marine life. The islands are uninhabited and recognized as a marine protected area, ensuring their exceptional ecological value is preserved. Diving here typically involves exploring spectacular drop-offs, vibrant coral gardens, and intriguing underwater volcanic formations. Depths can range from shallow reef crests to walls exceeding 40 meters, catering to a variety of dive preferences. The powerful currents found in the strait contribute to healthy coral growth and attract a remarkable array of pelagic species, which are a major draw for the area. The Sawabi Islands are particularly noted for their rich marine ecosystems, boasting over 200 species of hard corals and a diverse population of reef fish, sharks, and rays. Seasonal visits by larger marine animals like whale sharks and manta rays are common, especially during specific times of the year when plankton blooms are prevalent. This makes the area a significant feeding ground and a crucial corridor for migratory species. Due to the currents and remote nature, these sites are often visited via liveaboard, providing access to areas beyond the reach of daily operators. Divers can expect a range of experiences from gentle drifts to more challenging conditions, always rewarded with uncrowded sites and extraordinary encounters in a truly unique underwater landscape.

Dive site facts: Sawabi Islands

Depth

5–40+ m

Typical dive

Varies by site, usually 50–60 min

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

10–35+ m

Water temperature

24–33°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender boat

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Reef, wall, drift, wreck, pelagic encounters

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Obock / Southern Red Sea

Coordinates

12.4433° N, 43.3442° E

Conditions & Currents

The Sawabi Islands are characterized by significant currents, especially due to their location in the narrow Bab El Mandab strait where massive tidal shifts occur twice daily. These currents, originating from the Indian Ocean, are a primary factor in the region's rich marine productivity but necessitate experience from divers. Visibility can be limited at times due to the strong currents funneling nutrients through the area. Entry and exit strategies will vary based on current strength and dive site topography, often involving drift diving techniques. Divers should anticipate potentially strong flows and plan gas consumption accordingly, particularly on deeper dives or extended drifts.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whale Shark

Oct-Feb · common

Manta Ray

Oct-Feb · common

Grey Reef Shark

occasional

Nurse Shark

occasional

Dolphin

common

Pilot Whale

occasional

Beaked Whale

occasional

Sea Turtle

common

Jack (schooling)

common

Barracuda (schooling)

common

Grouper

common

Nudibranch

occasional

Stingray (schooling)

occasional

Hard Coral (200+ species)

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Sawabi Islands typically begin with a tender boat entry directly onto the dive site due to the remote location. Depending on the current and site, it could be a negative entry or a standard descent. Routes often involve drift diving along walls and coral-encrusted slopes, allowing divers to be carried along by the currents past rich reef ecosystems. Depths range from shallow reef crests at 5-15 meters to deeper walls and pinnacles reaching beyond 40 meters. Turn points are usually determined by gas limits and current direction, often concluding with a free ascent. Safety stops are conducted in the blue at the end of the dive, monitored by the dive guide, before surfacing for tender boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Capturing the vibrant marine life and dramatic topography of the Sawabi Islands demands adaptable camera gear. For wide-angle shots of schooling pelagics, whale sharks, or expansive reefscapes, a fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle lens is ideal. Consider dual strobes for illuminating large scenes and restoring natural colors at depth. Macro photographers will find subjects like nudibranchs, especially at sites like Japanese Gardens, benefiting from a dedicated macro lens and perhaps a snoot for creative lighting. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially in currents, to avoid disturbing delicate corals or stirring up sediment. Be mindful of marine life, maintaining a respectful distance from large animals like whale sharks and never using flash photography on them, particularly during snorkeling encounters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ghoubbet al Kharab

  Known for juvenile whale sharks and manta rays, often combined in liveaboard itineraries.

• Gulf of Tadjoura – Whale Shark Area

  A primary area for whale shark and manta ray encounters, visited by liveaboards.

• Japanese Gardens

  Located within the Seven Brothers Islands, noted for macro life like nudibranchs.

• La Dame Blanche

  A well-preserved shipwreck within the Seven Brothers, lying in 25 meters.

• MV Priamos

  A world-class wreck, locally known as 'Le Faon', offering varied diving experiences.

Getting there & logistics

Access to the Sawabi Islands typically begins with arrival at Djibouti Ambouli International Airport (JIB), which offers flights from Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, and other regional hubs. Liveaboard safaris are the primary and most effective way to dive these remote islands, departing from Djibouti Marina. Trip lengths usually range from 7 to 10 days, encompassing the Sawabi Islands, Ghoubbet al Kharab, and the Gulf of Tadjoura. An e-Visa is required for entry into Djibouti, which divers should apply for in advance and pick up a hard copy upon arrival. There are no specific park fees mentioned, but these would be included in the liveaboard package.

Safety & environment

Diving in Djibouti, particularly around the Sawabi Islands, requires careful safety considerations due to remote locations and potential for strong currents. It is highly recommended that divers have comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as recompression chambers are not readily available in Djibouti itself. The nearest medical facilities capable of handling dive-related emergencies would require evacuation to a neighboring country or further. Divers should consult with a medical professional regarding vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever, typhoid) and anti-malarial medication, ensuring any chosen prophylaxis does not contraindicate diving. Adhere strictly to dive brief instructions, especially regarding entry/exit procedures and current management. Avoid touching marine life, and maintain awareness of your surroundings and dive buddy at all times.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Sawabi Islands FAQ

Liveaboards diving Sawabi Islands

These liveaboards may visit Sawabi Islands on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Elegante

Djibouti

14 guests25 m

$209/day

Felicidad II

Djibouti

18 guests30 m

$210/day