Scuba diving in

Djibouti

Located south of Egypt and Sudan between Eritrea and the Horn of Africa, Djibouti is home to the Red Sea’s southernmost waters, eventually giving way to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. This country receives even fewer visitors than its northern neighbours and is far less developed, allowing many of the region’s reefs to remain pristine, free from pollution and unsustainable tourism. Djibouti isn’t just famous for its outstanding scuba diving; it also boasts austere volcanic islands, coral islets, and nearly 400 kilometres of picturesque coastline. Below the waterline, divers will encounter some of the Red Sea’s most colourful coral gardens, brightly festooned walls plunging into the abyss, and fascinating geological formations, including a tectonic rift.

Djibouti’s waters cover thousands of square kilometres and its maritime hub, the Port of Djibouti, has served as the gateway to the Red Sea for centuries - contributing to its impressive collection of sunken ships. The powerful tides funnelling through Ghoubbet al Kharab and the Gulf of Tadjourah make it a hotspot for marine megafauna, including dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks. In fact, so many juvenile whale sharks are seen here that scientists believe the area may be an essential nursery! These fast-moving and nutrient-rich waters also fuel incredible coral growth, helping the region’s reefs to thrive.

Djibouti’s best dive sites are far apart, from the inland gulf of Goubbet-Al Kharab to the Seven Brothers Islands at the mouth of the Red Sea. So the best way to explore the region is onboard a liveaboard, allowing divers to spend several days in each area. Trips start and end in Djibouti City, the country’s transportation hub, also home to the international airport.

Getting to Djibouti is straightforward, with direct international flights from some parts of Europe and connections through Qatar and Turkey. On arrival in Djibouti, you’ll be met at the airport by your liveaboard operator of choice. A visa is required for travel to Djibouti but is easy to arrange independently online. You’ll arrive with a pre-approved e-visa and receive the hard copy on arrival at the airport.

Most of the diving in Djibouti is done via liveaboard, with visitors staying on their vessel of choice throughout their week-long safari at sea. Some land-based operators do offer day trips as well, though Djibouti’s inland dive sites are far less pristine than its further-flung areas. No matter which type of holiday you opt for, your adventure will begin in Djibouti City. This colourful capital is famous for its quiet avenues lined by French colonial buildings, mosques, and Moorish arcades, home to cafes, shops, and outdoor markets. Stay close to the waterfront to enjoy cool, breezy evenings, lovely ocean views, and a variety of dining and shopping within walking distance.

Just outside the city’s centre, visitors can tour the DECAN Reserve, home to cheetahs and other African wildlife, or one of Djibouti’s golden-sand beaches boasting a stark desert backdrop set against the sparkling turquoise sea.

Djibouti is a desert, prone to hot, dry weather and over 340 days of sunshine per year. The month of April is the peak of the monsoon season, with around 18 millimetres of precipitation, mostly consisting of scattered afternoon showers lasting just a few minutes. No matter when you visit, you can expect intense daytime heat with temperatures occasionally soaring above 40°C and afternoon highs averaging 34°C.

Liveaboard scuba diving safaris in Djibouti run from October through February, coinciding with the region’s peak pelagic season. During these months, massive plankton blooms attract whale sharks and manta rays to feed. Sea temperatures average between 27 and 29°C, with most divers and snorkelers feeling perfectly comfortable in a skinsuit or shortie. And, while this influx of nutrition does reduce visibility, which can drop to 20 metres or less, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for coming face to face with the biggest fish in the sea.

While land-based operators in Djibouti offer diving year round, whale shark and manta season is, without a doubt, the best time to visit. Outside these months, ocean temperatures climb into the 30s, driving most wildlife back into deeper waters. And, between April and August, the region’s scant rainfall can negatively impact underwater visibility, thanks to runoff of desert sand and dust.

Djibouti is home to four marine protected areas, covering nearly 7,500 kilometres of ocean. The islands of Moucha and Maskhali were the first declared MPAs in Djibouti, established in 1972 and 1980, respectively. Over time, more have been added to the list - including the islands of Haramous and Arta and the Seven Brothers archipelago. However, in the past, these marine parks were ravaged by poachers and left exposed to commercial fishing of all kinds.

Djibouti’s most recent marine parks programme is relatively new, having been established in 2013. But, even in that short period of time, visible progress has been made in all of the protected areas. Today, NGOs are stepping in to help, with groups like Mission blue and KAI leading the charge. By working with local fishermen, nomadic tribesmen, diving centres, and the relevant authorities, they are implementing nationwide change with coast-guard directed patrols and educational outreach programmes to boost sustainable tourism in the region.