Ghoubbet El Kharab

Ghoubbet El Kharab — Arabic for the gulf of the devil — is a flooded volcanic caldera connected to the Gulf of Tadjoura by a narrow channel. Tidal flushing drives extraordinary current through the channel, creating an underwater landscape of volcanic rock formations, deep crevices, and scattered hard coral that looks unlike any reef in the region. Moray eels are present in exceptional densities; schools of batfish, surgeonfish, and fusiliers crowd the midwater. The deep basin exceeds 200 metres and attracts hammerhead sharks from the open water. The site is best dived on slack tide and is accessible by day boat from Djibouti City.