Sodfa

Overview

Sodfa is an easy, pretty drift dive immediately northeast of the better-known Tower in Sharm El Sheikh's local reefs — a gentle sandy slope tumbling to a coral-fringed drop-off, scattered with pinnacles and big gorgonian fans. Relaxed enough for almost any level, it earns its reputation in spring, when passing manta rays make it a genuine highlight of the local circuit.

The Dive

The reef drops to a ledge around 12m and then slopes gently down to a drop-off between roughly 18m and 22m, giving an easy profile that runs from about 8m to 30m. Both common routes follow the sandy slope between the reef ledge and the drop-off, where coral pinnacles rise from the sand and large gorgonians fan out near the edge around 20m. With a mild current usually running, it is dived as a one-way drift, letting you cover ground effortlessly and look out over the blue at the corner. The topography is straightforward and forgiving, which is part of the appeal — it is a site to cruise and watch rather than work.

Marine Life

Sodfa carries a diverse range of hard and soft corals and the full spread of Red Sea reef fauna, but the seasonal draw is the big stuff: from March to the end of June it is a favoured hangout for passing manta rays, with white-tip reef sharks turning up too, and the corner holds an outside chance of a whale shark. The rest of the year it is a dependable, colourful reef dive with fan corals, pinnacle life and the occasional pelagic off the drop.

Good to Know

Sodfa dives year-round and suits all levels, with the manta window from March to June the time to aim for. Visibility is typically very good. The site lies on Sharm El Sheikh's local reef line and is reached by a short boat trip, often paired with neighbouring Tower in a single outing. Easy, scenic and seasonally special, it is one of the more enjoyable local drifts.