Shaab Maksur

Sha'ab Maksur, located approximately 28km/17mi off Hamata, is the easternmost reef in a group of reefs known as Fury Shoals. In Arabic Maksur means 'broken', which probably refers to the shape of the southern side of the reef. On its northern side, the reef starts at 22m/72ft and gently slopes to a plateau at 40m/131ft before dropping off to over 90m/295ft. The north side of the reef is the most exposed to the open sea and divers can only dive there when the sea is calm. The east and west sides of the reef are steep walls. The south side features a plateau at a depth of 18m/59ft and two large pinnacles that do not rise to the sea surface at only 6m/20ft. Due to the large size of the reef, divers may need to do up to three dives here in order to fully enjoy and explore this beautiful coral reef. Shaab Maksur is a large and varied reef often compared to the Red Sea classic Elphinstone. Although this reef offers better protection from the waves than Elphinstone, it still has its challenges. The steep drop offs and strong currents make it a dive that requires some experience. You can dive on the north and south sides. The plateaus start at about twenty meters and drop off to forty meters. On the south plateau there are several pinnacles that you can admire during your safety stop. On the plateaus and floating along the wall you will see several logbook-worthy species, including hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, manta rays and whale sharks! However, be cautious as you may encounter strong currents and high waves here.