In The Canyon - Dahab, Egypt

Hey D.E.S.C., thanks for the update. It is such a shame that we have ruined this spectacular natural phenomenon and denied others the pleasure of this experience. Diving the Canyon fishbowl is one of my top dive experiences. Hopefully time will restore the glass bowl to it's former glory.

On a separate note, can you recommend any other dive spots in the the area?

Actually, the Canyon fishbowl has been closed to all recreational activities by the National Parks of South Sinai, since the beginning of 2008. It is thus not allowed to enter or exit the Canyon through the fishbowl. Some signboards, posted on the beach at the entrance of the dive site mention its closure. Over the years, many divers passed through the fishbowl, slowly weakening it. Indeed, most divers hit the top of the fishbowl dome while passing through, as shown on many video footages taken of divers exiting the fishbowl. Also, the beautiful glassfish which used to live in the fishbowl are all gone, as there is now too much light coming inside through the gaps created by the collapsed pieces of reef. (The good news is that there is another species of glass fish living deeper down inside the Canyon, around 20m-25m depth). So please respect the local regulations and do not dive through or inside the Canyon fishbowl. Actually, if you do, you might find an angry dive guide from another group, taking a picture of you exiting the fishbowl, to report you and the dive centre you are diving with, to the relevant authorities. Dahab is a small community and most dive guides care about the future of our reefs.

Jessica,
Dive Instructor in Dahab
Manager of the D.E.S.C. Dahab Environmental Support Centre
volunteer.rangers@gmail.com

P.S.: Here is a copy of the e-mail sent on the 15th January 2008 by Ayman Mabrouk, at the time Manager of Nabq Protected Area:

Dear all
 
As Manager of the Protected area of Nabq and Dahab Environmental Management area, it has been decided to close the Fish Bowl at the Canyon Dive site
It has not been an easy decision to make. After many surveys, mappings and visual reports, it has been found that the deterioration of the site has taken place and a closure decision should be taken to allow the fish bowl to recover and to be inhabiting again by the marine creatures.
It is well known to divers who have experienced this dive, even as recently as 10 years ago, that the exit/entry points now can be walked through [at an angle]. In the past it was difficult to safely exit or enter moving through a narrow gap. This loss of supporting material is unacceptable to the health of the structure and to the lifeforms it supports [no more glass fish occupy this site]. As well, the greater risk of a diver being hurt from a collapsing piece goes beyond any argument to keep it open.
 
The site will be monitored and reports made to Protected Area Management Unit PAMU and we are asking for your cooperation to inform your dive guides as diving centers about this and to help in saving the Fish Bowl . For more information and for any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
 
Thank you for your cooperation.
 
Ayman Mabrouk
Nabq and Dahab P.A. Manager
 
mobile:0124415483
office Tel&Fax: 0693660668, 0693660559