Small Crack

Small Crack is a crack or passage in the Sha'ab Mahmud reef, running from northwest to southeast and separating a sandy lagoon from the open sea. It is one of two navigable passages into the calm waters of the lagoon, making it a popular spot for live-aboards. The crack forms a shallow channel to the inner lagoon, with a maximum depth of 6m and average depth of 2 to 3m. The reef walls on both sides of the channel are about 2m high. The coral growth is excellent throughout, with a wide range of stony and soft coral species. The site offers a diverse range of Red Sea reef fish species, and pelagics are common when there is a current. The best plan for diving Small Crack is to take a zodiac through the passage and drift with the current along the outer reef and through the passage towards the lagoon, assuming a rising tide. However, diving during a falling tide can be challenging for zodiac pickup in the rougher waters outside the reef.