What to Expect on A Hamata Liveaboard

Taking a liveaboard from Hamata will ensure you avoid the crowds. Hamata is a small and secluded resort in the very south of the Red Sea coast. The area is around 190 km/ 118 miles South of Marsa Alam. It has been increasing in popularity in recent years. The surge in tourism is not only because of easy access to the fury shoals and some of the best diving in Egypt but also an ideal spot for kite surfing.

It might sound like the conditions don’t really match for liveaboard diving and kite surfing but although it can get a little choppy at times, during the spring the waters are still perfect for diving. The waters here are beautifully clear and some of the sites are very sheltered making it suitable for beginners. Wildlife varies from spinner dolphins to white tipped reef sharks and stunning coral gardens. A select few Egypt liveaboard itineraries are available from Hamata.

Hamata Underwater

The area around Hamata is known for having more variable weather conditions than some other resorts. Wind can be the primary culprit, but in the high season from May to October the conditions are much better. The visibility can also vary but normally it is excellent with up to 30 meters or more.

On your Hamata liveaboard expect to see some amazing coral reef formations along with great marine life like spinner dolphins, white tip sharks and an asssortment of Red Sea reef life.

The currents are among some of the most changeable in the region varying greatly, not only between sites, but also depending on the day or time. Some of the sites are easy and shallow but deeper sites with pinnacles are only really for more experienced divers

Dive Sites Of Hamata

Probably the most well-known of the dives in the Hamata area is Satayah or Dolphin Reef as it is commonly known. With shallow waters, around 15 meters/ 50 ft., crystal clear waters and pods of spinner dolphins, Satayah is a complete pleasure dive.

Habili Coconut is an excellent reef dive, where the reef is not quite at the surface yet hence the name which means ´unborn´ in Arabic. The depth at Habili Coconut, around 35 meters/ ft makes it ideal conditions for spotting white tipped reef sharks and napoleon wrasse.

Some good wrecks in the area are Abu Galawa Soraya and Kebir. Soraya is home to a small sailing boat beautifully encrusted with corals and full of life. Soraya is a beautiful reef with a Chinese tugboat full of coral and reef fish.

Top Tips For Divers

• Be prepared for all weather, Hamata is hot as you would expect being so far south but changeable winds can mean a real feel of much lower.
• The local currency is the Egyptian Pound and the language is Arabic, however in tourist resorts most people speak at least English and French if not more.
• Visas are available and payable on arrival and are for 6 months. Please note if you have an Israeli passport or stamps you may be denied entry to Egypt.

Getting to Hamata

Hamata is just over 2 hours’ drive from Marsa Alam airport which offers regular international flights from mainland Europe and connecting flights further afield. Visitors can also fly into Hurghada airport further North but the transfer is over 5 hours by bus.

The dive sites in Hamata are numerous and the conditions changeable making a diving liveaboard in Egypt the natural choice here. The area is not as busy as more northerly sites but being the first to get in the water certainly holds its advantages especially in areas like Satayah which are very popular with snorkelers. Most liveaboards in this area depart from Marsa Alam or occasionally from Hamata itself depending on the itinerary.