Abu Kifan, often translated as “The Deep One” or “Father of the Deep,” is a long, narrow outer-reef rising sharply from the open sea south of Safaga and Soma Bay. Its steep, colourful walls plunge from a shallow 3–5 m reef top down past 30 m into blue water that continues for hundreds of meters, giving the site its dramatic reputation. With plateaus on the north and south ends and sheer drop-offs along the east and west sides, Abu Kifan is widely regarded as one of the best wall dives in the Safaga area. Because it lies fully exposed in the open sea, it combines stunning coral growth with the chance of encountering larger pelagic species, but it also demands solid diving experience.
Abu Kifan is an exposed offshore reef, so sea state and current can be significantly stronger and less predictable than on inshore sites around Soma Bay. The prevailing current typically runs from north to south, but it can shift or cross the reef, creating down- or up-current effects around the corners and plateaus. Surface conditions can range from calm to choppy depending on wind and swell, and the site may be inaccessible in bad weather because of its distance from the coast. Underwater, visibility is usually very good (often 20–40 m), but the combination of depth, open blue water, and potentially powerful currents makes it a true advanced site where careful planning and strict adherence to the guide’s briefing are essential.
A classic Abu Kifan dive starts on the northern plateau, which begins around 10–15 m and slopes gently to roughly 25–30 m before dropping away into the depths. After descending on the plateau to explore the coral blocks and edges, divers typically follow the east or west wall with the current, keeping the reef on one side and the blue on the other while gradually shallowing up along the way. With a predominant north-to-south current, many boats will moor or wait near the southern end while a RIB (Zodiac) drops divers upstream for a drift dive back toward the boat. On other dives, the focus may be the southern erg, a large coral pinnacle connected to the main reef around 18 m, where you can circle the structure, enjoy the vibrant reef life, then finish along the wall in the shallows for your safety stop.
Abu Kifan’s steep walls and plateaus are densely covered with soft corals, gorgonian sea fans, and patches of black coral, creating a very colourful backdrop. On most dives you can expect abundant reef life: anthias clouds, fusiliers, surgeonfish, bigeyes, and schooling barracuda, along with frequent sightings of turtles cruising along the wall. Because the reef sits in the open sea and is flushed by current, it also offers the chance to see larger pelagic species such as tunas and jacks, as well as reef sharks and, more occasionally, oceanic or hammerhead sharks in the right season. Keeping one eye on the blue while you follow the wall often rewards you with surprises, while macro enthusiasts can explore the fans and crevices on the plateau for smaller invertebrates and critters between big-fish encounters.
Reef top 3–5 m main plateau/wall 10–40 m drop-off continues far beyond recreational limits (hundreds of meters deep)
Suitable for Advanced/experienced divers confident in blue-water descents and potentially strong currents.
Offshore outer reef south of Safaga and Soma Bay, around 80–100 minutes by boat in the open sea.
Water temp: Approx. 22–24 °C in winter, 23–25 °C in spring, 27–29 °C in summer, 26–28 °C in autumn (Safaga averages).
About 80–100 minutes from Soma Bay/Safaga by boat, depending on wind and boat speed.
