The Seven Pillars
Located just inside the protective headland of Ras Abu Soma, Tobia Arbaa is a masterpiece of marine architecture. While the Arabic name “Arbaa” translates to “Four,” the site is world-renowned as “The Seven Pillars.” These unusually tall, narrow pinnacles rise vertically from a pristine sandy seabed, resembling a forest of ancient tree trunks frozen in time. Because the site is naturally sheltered, it offers calm, crystal-clear water, making it the premier location for relaxed, high-visibility diving.
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced (Perfect for long-duration photography dives).
Depth: 12 – 30 Meters (The pillars sit in 12–15m; the outer perimeter slopes toward 30m).
Topography: Seven majestic coral columns rising from a flat, reflective white-sand floor.
Connectivity: Strategically positioned near the headland, serving as a biological bridge between the open sea and the inner bay.
The challenge at Tobia Arbaa isn’t the distance, but the density of detail. Because the pillars are packed closely together, the site creates a dramatic light-play effect. As the sun moves, shadows shift between the columns, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. For night divers, these pillars transform into high-rise apartments for nocturnal hunters, requiring slow, precise buoyancy to navigate the narrow corridors safely.
Surface & Protection: Exceptionally well-sheltered by the Ras Abu Soma peninsula. Surface conditions are typically "mirror-flat," making it a perfect spot even when other sites are windy.Water Movement: Currents are generally very mild, usually running North to South. Occasionally, a surge can be felt between the pillars during high tides, but it rarely impacts the safety of the dive.
The Pillars: Draped in soft corals and swarming with massive clouds of Glassfish and Hatchetfish. Look for Lionfish and Stonefish camouflaged in the crevices.The Sandy Floor: Home to Blue-spotted Rays, Crocodile Fish, and the elusive Napoleonic Snake Eel.Macro Secrets: Search the anemones for Red Sea Clownfish and keep an eye out for Nudibranchs and Pipefish hidden in the coral folds.
The Route: We typically execute a "slalom" or "figure-eight" pattern, weaving between the pillars. We start at the base (12–15m) to inspect the sandy floor for rays and crocodile fish.Ascent Strategy: We then perform a slow, spiraling ascent around each pillar. The top of the pillars (3–5m) are the most vibrant; we spend the final 15 minutes of the dive here, using the natural sunlight to illuminate the soft corals for the safety stop.
