The Alternatives

The Alternatives dive site, also known as Saba Erg or Stingray Station, is located on the southern edge of Sha’ab el-Utah. It consists of outcropping coral pinnacles that extend east-west for about 1.5 miles, flanking a large sandy lagoon with an average depth of ten meters. This site is well sheltered, allowing for alternative dives when conditions in the open sea are unfavorable. The classic dive at Alternatives goes around the two middle pinnacles, which are in line with a fixed mooring. Tidal currents greatly influence visibility at this site, with poor visibility occurring when the current comes from the south, especially if accompanied by wind and waves. However, when the sea is calm and the current is either lacking or coming from the north, Alternatives is teeming with fauna. Divers can expect to see numerous coral genera, large groupers (Epinephelus malabaricus, E. tauvina), Bluespotted stingrays (Taeniura lymma), squids, nudibranchs, and even Leopard sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum). About 1.7 miles to the west of Stingray Station, there is a single, large circular tower known as Lonely Mushroom. This site is ideal for short yet interesting dives, particularly for macro-photography enthusiasts, as it is home to nudibranchs and shrimps hiding among the numerous soft and small hard corals. The Alternatives dive site offers a safe stay and an abundance of marine life, especially groupers and various coral genera. However, it is recommended to avoid diving in rough sea conditions with poor visibility. Night diving is only possible in optimal conditions, and it is advisable to bring two torches.