There’s no denying it–Djibouti is on the scuba diving map for one reason. And it’s a big one. Whale sharks are the main attraction to this small African nation that hugs the Red Sea. While the dive sites are varied–including reefs, wrecks, caves, and more, the pelagic diving dwarfs all others. But the party isn’t for everyone–that is, your invitation to dive Djibouti’s best comes in the form of an open water diving certificate.
Because of currents, depths, and other conditions, the majority of dive sites in Djibouti are limited to divers who are certified, and some are restricted to very advanced or expert divers. These sites are mostly frequented in the winter and very early spring months, when the waters are alive with the world’s gentle giants–the whale sharks. But along with them come their lesser-sized counterparts, who are all just as impressive: barracuda, reef sharks, shoals of fish and amazing corals.
If you’re already open water certified, or hold higher level CMAS certificates, then it’s time to plunge right in to Djibouti’s waters. Let’s take a closer peek at some of the advanced open water and expert dive sites in Djibouti!
Ghoubet al Kharab/Devil’s Goblet
The Ghoubet al Kharab, also known as the Devil’s Goblet or Devil’s Cauldron, is a large bay that is connected to the Gulf of Tadjourah and the open sea by a narrow channel. Geologically it marks the start of the Great Rift Valley and the junction between the African and Arabian continental plates. It is surrounded by mountains and cliffs over 600 meters high, and the water is very deep, plunging to depths of 200 meters. Marine life at Ghoubet al Kharab includes sharks and large fish that are ushered in by the strong Gulf currents.
In the center of Ghoubet al Kharab lie two majestic domes called the islands of the devil. These islands are actually volcanic, and surprisingly beautiful to see. According to ancient beliefs–which locals still hold to this day–the place is haunted. Therefore, only tourists venture to these dark jewels of nature.
The Djibouti Crack
Situated on a geological fault that lies 8-35 meters below the surface of the water, this dive site is one of many where curious whale sharks meet divers in season. Even if divers only witness one or two sharks, the interesting geography of the place is enough to keep one occupied for several dives.
Seven Brothers
Seven Brothers is the English name given to the Sawabi Islands, (Djibouti), a group of small islands off of the eastern coast of the Horn of Africa, in the Dact-el-Mayun section of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. This is a very good place for advanced divers, as there are monumental drop offs, stunning soft corals that blanket the walls, and schools of big fish in addition to the pelagics that are expected at most dive sites in Djibouti. There are at least four dive sites at Seven Brothers, ranging from 5-63 meters in depths. Most are 20-35 meters on average; however the dive site of La Marche plunges to depths of 63 meters, making it accessible only to CMAS 3 or Rescue divers. Boeing is a wall and reef dive with strong currents above 2 knots, and is only accessible by liveaboard–but may be worth it to experience the outstanding bio life present. La Dame Blanche is a wreck dive for those interested in taking a break from the reefs and sharks. La Marche is one of the most excellent dive sites, featuring ambiance diving, sharks, reef, and photo ops. Though not an expert dive site, the Japanese Garden is a shallow dive with better visibility and lower currents in the region, where big fishes are also spotted. Trips to Seven Brothers usually run from January-May.
Moucha Islands
Moucha Islands consists of a group of small islands located approximately 11 kilometers Northwest of Djibouti City (the capital of Djibouti). The island to the west is called Maskali, and the larger island is called Moucha. Here, there are currently four named dive sites, two of which are limited to expert divers only. The depths range from 8-33 meters. The site called Moucha’s Balise is a highly rated dive that is 15-30 meters in depth and a great dive night dive site. Visibility is excellent and advanced scuba divers may choose the site for good underwater photography. The wreck of La Bouee Coulee lies off Moucha Island, and there are dive training opportunities here as well. La Feon is also a wreck dive, and even though visibility is reduced to 5-10 meters, it just calls for a closer look at the site’s abundant marine life.
Tadjourah Gulf
Surprisingly, this is one of the only sites that provides opportunities for beginner diving. But the shallows are, of course, coupled with plunging ocean floors; depths range from 5-95 meters, making some of the sites accessible to only advanced divers. The Gulf is connected to the bay known as Devil’s Goblet and is another site where the occasional shark can be glimpsed, in season. The expert dive sites popular among locals and tourists alike include The Red T, The White Sands, The Red Sands, the Little Channel, La Falaise, and Obock’s Step.
Other Dive Sites
More expert and advanced dive sites in Djibouti include the wrecks of Le Boutre, Musha, Arthur Rimbaud, and Salem, as well as dive sites known as “Shark Teeth” and Ras Eiro.
So, if you’ve got experience, Djibouti is calling your name to join other divers of the same skill level for excellent whale shark encounters and fabulous deep diving experiences. If not–the country’s inviting pelagics should only serve as motivation for beginners to work toward the goal of diving in Djibouti one day.