Shag Rock

Shag Rock is the name of the southern reef; however in the absence of a name for the northern piece […]

Shag Rock is the name of the southern reef; however in the absence of a name for the northern piece these two are often grouped as Shag Rock, part of the much larger reef system - Sha'ab Ali. Incidentally, Shag Rock gets its name from the cormorants or "shags" which used to perch on an old light frame which was visible in the early 1990's on the southern reef. At very low tide these birds can still be seen sitting atop protruding bits of a reef. Being so close to its neighbor, the Thistlegorm, this large circular reef is often overlooked. It offers excellent diving on pristine coral from any location on its perimeter. The sheltered southern point is the most dived location offering the opportunity for drifts along the west or east sides. Weather permitting the northern point hosts the wreck of the Kingston ('Sarah H') just below the surface (max. depth 12m). Large schools of yellow goatfish and sweet lips abound here and the area regularly patrolled by grey reef sharks. Weather permitting.