Sha'ab Rumi Reef

Sha'ab Rumi is a prominent coral reef located in the Red Sea off the coast of Sudan. It sits about 20 miles northeast of Port Sudan. The reef is a highly popular destination for liveaboard scuba diving cruises.

In 1963, Jacques Cousteau conducted his Precontinent II underwater living experiment at this reef. The project involved placing a star-fish shaped habitat on the ocean floor where "oceanauts" lived for weeks to study diving physiology. The shallow-water structures, including the famous shark cage, remain there today as an artificial reef.

The reef is globally famous for its large populations of sharks, particularly grey reef sharks and hammerheads. Divers often visit the "South Plateau" area to observe these pelagic predators up close. It also hosts vibrant soft corals and massive schools of barracuda.

The best time for diving in Sudan is typically between February and May. During these months, the water temperatures are warm, and the visibility is excellent, often exceeding 100 feet. This period also aligns with the peak season for spotting hammerhead sharks.