| Depth: |
3-30m |
| Cruising time: |
30min |
| Note:: |
The ideal spot for photo/videographers |
Tobia Arba is also known as the "seven pillars". The name has led to a lot of confusion over the years as "arba" is the Arabic word for the number four, whilst Tobia is the name of the local fishermans land mark, Tobia Island - a sandbank that is clearly visible from any point in the bay area. The reason for its Arabic name derives from a local fairy tale about how this dive site came into being. It is said that an old fisherman, while tending his nets in the exact location of the divesite asked for Gods help in providing him with land, so he would beable to give his four sons some sort of inheritance. On returning to the site the next morning to haul in his nets he was surprised to find that five coral pinnicles had grown out of the sandy bottom overnight. With his prayers answer he returned home to share this blessing with his sons.
There are indeed five main coral pinnicles at this site, however the two pinnicles on the western side of the site split up from each other on the way to the surface. Looking down on this area from the boat you will be able to count "7 pillars" hence this name.
Whatever you want to call it, it is a most memorable dive. Mooring to the south of the reef, you will find a depth of 15-20m below the boats. Depth is really not interesting at this site, because the opulant and varied marine life that make this reef their home will be found in a depth between 2-12m. With is total area being a little small that a football pitch it can be easily circumnavigated a couple of times during one dive. For those wanting to take it a little slower, will be rewarded as the reef reveal its secrets. Many regular Safaga visitors take magnifing glasses with them at this site as its macro heaven.
There are many rarely seen creatures such as frog, stone, and ornate ghostpipefish, as well as seamoth, crocodile fish, Red Sea walkman, devil scorpionfish, nudibranches, various morays, a patrolling napoleon, and sometimes leopard shark. In the magnificent soft coral growth to be found in the upper levels you will see mini porcelain crabs, cleaner shrimp, clown fish, and the spectacle of pipefish dancing a waltz in large groups. A top site, that must be on any Safaga itinerary. For divers of all levels of experience and snorkellers. |
