About Tobia Arbaa
Tobia Arbaa, also widely recognized as the "Seven Pillars," is a highly regarded dive site situated in Egypt, easily accessible via a short speedboat ride from Safaga or Soma Bay. This site is particularly favored by underwater photographers and videographers due to its vibrant ecosystem and diverse marine life, offering both wide-angle and macro photography opportunities. The site features five distinct main coral pinnacles, or 'ergs,' rising from a shallow sandy bottom. Some sources indicate there are seven pillars, with two being split formations, which gave rise to its popular nickname. These pillars ascend from depths of 10 to 12 meters, almost reaching the surface, and are often covered with soft corals. Boats typically moor at a south slope, allowing divers to explore the topography which includes these impressive coral structures and their surrounding sandy areas. Marine life is abundant, with frequent sightings of Napoleon wrasses, nudibranchs, lionfish, jacks, and schools of silversides and glassfish. Overhangs draped in soft corals host anthias, while turtles can often be spotted. Other inhabitants include clownfish, spotted eagle rays, gorgonians, rays, and octopuses. This site is considered suitable for all certified divers, from Open Water to Advanced. Dives are typically conducted as boat dives. Its shallow depth profile and rich marine biodiversity make it a comprehensive and rewarding experience for various skill levels.
Highlights
Seven Pillars coral formationsNapoleon wrassesSoft coral covered overhangsSchools of silversides and glassfishResident lionfish and jacksAbundant nudibranchsPotential turtle sightings
Dive site facts: Tobia Arbaa
- Depth
- 10–16 m
- Current
- Mild
- Entry
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Pinnacle, Reef
- Region / port
- Egypt
- Coordinates
- 27.1722° N, 33.8825° E
Conditions & Currents
Tobia Arbaa is characterized by limited to no current, making it an easy and accessible dive site suitable for all experience levels, including night diving. Visibility is generally excellent, ranging from 10 to 30 meters, with an average of 20 meters, which contributes to its appeal for underwater photography. Entry is always from a boat, and due to the generally calm conditions, no specific advanced entry techniques like negative entry are typically required. The protected nature of the site within Safaga Bay helps shield it from strong currents and winds.
Why dive Tobia Arbaa from a liveaboard?
Tobia Arbaa is one of Egypt's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.
Below are the liveaboards that include Tobia Arbaa on their Egypt itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Tobia Arbaa
These liveaboards may visit Tobia Arbaa on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
DUNE Longara
Egypt
30 guests
$150/day
JP Marine
Egypt
28 guests
$109/day
Snefro Pearl
Egypt
12 guests
$150/day
Snefro Love
Egypt
20 guests
$154/day
Sindalahs
Egypt
26 guests38 m
$155/day
Hammerhead II
Egypt
20 guests
$172/day
Blue Liveaboard
Egypt
24 guests43 m
$172/day
Odyssey
Egypt
26 guests40 m
$185/day
Discovery I
Egypt
20 guests
$104/day
Star Jet
Egypt
28 guests35 m
$145/day
SS Serena Dreams
Egypt
18 guests33 m
$159/day
Amelie
Egypt
12 guests23 m
$115/day
Dive sites similar to Tobia Arbaa
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
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Carless Reef is a renowned advanced dive site near Hurghada, notable for its two prominent coral pinnacles that rise from a sandy bottom at 30 meters.
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- Depth
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- Theme
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Far Garden is a prominent dive site located in Sharm El Sheikh, serving as the northern headland of the adjacent Middle Garden site.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 1–45 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Alexandria
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Alexandria offers a truly unique diving experience in Egypt, differing significantly from the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea.
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- Current
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- Depth
- 5–8 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
El Fanadir North
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El Fanadir North is a prominent reef system in the Red Sea, situated roughly 4 kilometers offshore from Hurghada.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
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- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 12–70 m
- Theme
- Drift / Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Marsa Abu Dabab
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Marsa Abu Dabab is a distinctive, horseshoe-shaped bay located on Egypt's southern Red Sea coast, approximately 35 kilometers north of Marsa Alam town.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 2–20 m
- Theme
- Reef