Tobia Al Kabeir is a large, oval‑shaped reef surrounded by a sandy plateau, lying close to Tobia Island and forming one of Soma Bay’s classic local dives. To the south of the main reef runs a chain of coral towers or “ergs,” creating a varied underwater landscape with sandy gullies, small walls, and coral hills. The inner side of the reef offers sandy areas and gentle slopes perfect for training and beginner dives, while the outer eastern wall and the ergs concentrate more life and coral growth for relaxed fun dives. With rarely strong current and a comfortable depth range, Tobia Al Kabeir is often described as one of the most beautiful and accessible reefs in the Soma Bay area.
The mooring area on the west/southwest side is well protected from prevailing sea and wind, so surface conditions are usually calm to moderate, even on windier days. Currents at Tobia Al Kabeir are generally mild; several operators explicitly note that strong current is rare, which is one of the reasons this site is popular for courses and check dives. When present, current typically runs along the outer side of the main reef and around the towers, and can be used for gentle drift sections while still staying within easy conditions. Visibility is often in the 15–25 m range, with plenty of light thanks to the shallow depth and sandy bottom reflecting sunlight.
A common dive plan starts from the mooring on the main reef’s western side, crosses the sandy area to the obvious channel between the main reef and the southern ergs, and then heads north along the outside of the main reef or along the row of towers. You typically begin around 10–12 m, descend slightly over the sandy plateau to 15–18 m near the towers, and weave through coral hills, small canyons, and overhangs while keeping the reef structure on one side for easy navigation. On the way back, or with remaining gas, the route often loops over the inner plateau and back toward the lagoon‑like, shallower area near the moorings, finishing the dive between 5–8 m for a relaxed safety stop above the coral garden. Because the site is compact and current is usually light, it lends itself well to long multilevel profiles, skills training, and slow exploration rather than high‑speed drifts.
Tobia Al Kabeir is known for rich coral growth and “rolling hills” of hard and soft corals that support a classic mix of Red Sea reef fish. Around the ergs and outer wall you can expect schooling fish such as fusiliers, goatfish, snappers, and sometimes jacks or tuna passing over the sandy areas. The reef and towers are home to moray eels, lionfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, wrasses, and many smaller reef species, while glassfish and hatchetfish often fill small caves and overhangs on the outside of the reef. Blue‑spotted stingrays are commonly seen on the sandy plateau, and the combination of clear water, mild current, and varied coral makes this site especially attractive for wide‑angle photography and relaxed marine‑life observation.
Sandy plateau and reef generally 8–20 m, site max around 20–25 m in deeper spots
Good for beginners, check dives, and courses, with enough structure and mild current for experienced divers
Isolated reef off Soma Bay/Safaga, reachable in a few minutes by boat
Warmest in August. We recommend a 5mm suit for winter dives.
Approx. 25–30 minutes from Soma Bay marinas, depending on wind and boat speed
