Red Sea Dive Sites

Abu Hashish South Erg

The reef Abu Hashish is located in the southern part of Hurghada, close to Makadi Bay. This dive site was used to smuggle hashish into Egypt. On the dive site Abu Hashish you’ll find a dropoff and a plateau with depths from 15 to 25 meters. On the plateau of Abu Hashish you’ll see some long and very attractive hard coral formations where you have a chance to see big squid. Furthermore, there is also a chance to meet a turtle or an eagleray. The dropoff of Abu Hashish is mainly fantastic because of the superb visibility and the underwater life that might pass by. You might see barracuda, schools of mackerels, whitetip sharks and even hammerheads. At a depth of 30 meters some nice caves are located in the dropoff. Because of the long sailing time to Abu Hashish, we can only travel to this dive site if the weather conditions are good. Would you like to dive on Abu Hashish in the Red Sea? Ask us, and we’ll do our best to take you there.

Carless Reef

Careless Reef is close to the coast and consists of two large pinnacles rising from a shallow plateau. It is a protected reef with high walls, you can only dive here in good weather. The northern drop of is overgrown by a beautiful coral forests and on the south side is a plateau with small coral pinnacles. The whole area is populated by many species of fish, including huge groupers and even white tip reef sharks. **Particulars**: Careless Reef is most famous for its large population of giant moray eels. The Morays thrive here because of all the food they get from the divers. **Warnings**: Be aware of the high waves when the wind is strong. Dive here only with good weather.

El Aruk

Location - North of Gota Abu Ramada (between 45 and 75 minutes from Hurghada) a wide swathe of ergs stand on a 12m seabed like a field of mushrooms. They stretch from southwest to northeast and fall into three main zones. Aruk Diana (southwest), Aruk Giftun (central), Aruk Gigi (northeast). 'Aruk' is simply the Arabic plural for "erg" but they also go by three other names - Aruk Tweil, Shaab Kweiss or The Magic Mushrooms. Sea Conditions - In the lee of Giftun Kebir they are well protected but they do catch a strong current from time to time. Dive Plan - Any which way you like but take care not to get lost. If you have a poor sense of direction then choose an erg central to the area and use it as a reference, passing by it each time you leave one erg and head to the next. Most people tend to dive around the base of the ergs (the least interesting part). Don't be afraid to go shallow where the life and colour are most vivid. Aruk Diana is composed of 7 ergs centred around a central split erg. Aruk Giftun is a group of seven on a rocky seabed. One of the smaller ones has a cavern full of glassfish, lionfish and scorpionfish. Aruk Gigi is an almost straight line of eleven. They are close together and each one is easy to see from the next. Marine Life - There are the usual parrotfish, triggerfish and rabbitfish plus blue-spotted rays, morays, various yellowfish and an unusual amount of snowflake morays.

El Fanadir North

Fanadir is a long narrow reef just north of Hurghada. It can be dived on the south end, on the east side or in good weather, on the north end. The illustration shows the east side, which is the most popular as it is protected from the wearher by a slight curve in the reef. It is marked by 4 low lying rocky islets. A shallow hard coral wall slopes(at about 60°) to a sandy ledge at 12m. This sandy ledge is about 50m wide and narrows as you head northwards. At 20-25m, it drops off to greater depth. **Sea Conditions:** Current comes from the north and is usually mild. The south end and east side are protected from northerly or northwesterly winds (most of the time). **Dive Plan:** The drop-off is naturally sandy, devoid of coral and fairly depressing. Don't waste your time here, you should be shallow, heading out at 12-15m and returning at 3-4m. In fact, the shallower the better. There is a small but very photogenic coral block at 14m and just north of the islets. It has glassfish, cardinal fish, soft corals, etc. and usually a resident stonefish. 100m north of here are some impressive gorgonians. **Marine Life:** This place is crawling with pipefish. They must provide food for the stonefish, scorpionnsh and hump-back scorpionfish which abound. If you had to choose any one site to look for stonefish, this should be it. Near the surface is teeming with silversides and occasionally small packs of tuna and jacks cruise by hunting them. Other residents include snowflake morays, yellow mouth morays, octopus and lots of lionfish. There have also been reports of frogfish, guitar sharks, mantas, and even a hammerhead at this site.

El Fanadir South

Fanadir is a long narrow reef just north of Hurghada. It can be dived on the south end, on the east side or in good weather, on the north end. The illustration shows the east side, which is the most popular as it is protected from the weather by a slight curve in the reef. It is marked by 4 low lying rocky islets. A shallow hard coral wall slopes (at about 60°) to a sandy ledge at 12m. This sandy ledge is about 50m wide and narrows as you head northwards. At 20-25m, it drops off to greater depth. **Sea Conditions:** Current comes from the north and is usually mild. The south end and east side are protected from northerly or northwesterly winds (most of the time). **Dive Plan:** The drop-off is naturally sandy, devoid of coral and fairly depressing. Don't waste your time here, you should be shallow, heading out at 12-15m and returning at 3-4m. In fact, the shallower the better. There is a small but very photogenic coral block at 14m and just north of the islets. It has glassfish, cardinal fish, soft corals, etc. and usually a resident stonefish. 100m north of here are some impressive gorgonians. **Marine Life:** This place is crawling with pipefish. They must provide food for the stonefish, scorpionfish and hump-back scorpionfish which abound. If you had to choose any one site to look for stonefish, this should be it. Near the surface is teeming with silversides and occasionally small packs of tuna and jacks cruise by hunting them. Other residents include snowflake morays, yellow mouth morays, octopus and lots of lionfish. There have also been reports of frogfish, guitar sharks, mantas, and even a hammerhead at this site.

El Mina (Harbour Wreck)

El Mina was bombed by the Israelis in 1969 in Hurghada bay, but still has a sister ship afloat nearby which is worth looking at to compare to what you are about to dive. The wreck now lies on its side and there are a lot of small holes to peer into and penetration is possible, although tight, through a significant amount of the wreck. Sea urchins are abundant on the wreck and a very large moray was found living in one of the holes.  **Description:** Egyptian minesweeper **Length:** 70 metres (230 feet) **Depth:** 26 metres (85 feet) to top of wreck, seabed at 30 metres (100 feet) **Visibility:** 30 metres (100 feet)

Erg Abu Ramada

Location - On the southeast side of Abu Ramada (60-90 minutes out of Hurghada) is a wide sandy shelf stretching eastwards. Just before it drops off, three large ergs rise up from the seabed (18m) to just beneath the surface. They lie in a line, the biggest to the south and the smallest to the north. Sea Conditions - Much of the time, this site is too rough to dive as it is very exposed. Spared the ravages of divers, it has retained its untouched beauty. All previous adjectives to describe current fail here. To say it rips is an understatement most of the time. And yet occasionally it is as calm and placid a place as you could ever want to dive. Dive Plan - Don't waste your time going to the drop-off (30m to the east). There are better places for that. Your air is more wisely used circling the three ergs at ascending depths. Visit the small eaves on the east side of the largest erg and north side of the middle one. The north sides have a particularly healthy growth of purple soft corals (due to the prevailing current) and the shallows are also very prolific. This is amust for photographers. Marine Life - It would be easier to list what you don't see than what you do, but most obvious are morays, napoleons, tuna, barracuda, unicorn schools, groupers and a cloud of millions of tiny anthias.

Erg Sabrina

http://www.redseariviera.info/en/To-Know/ERG-SABRINA Location - About 150m from Shaab Sabrina; Erg Sabrina is a small isolated reef in the middle of the Giftun Strait. It sits on a sandy seabed between 10 and 12m. To the east and west are gardens of firecoral and to the north there is a smaller erg, home to glassfish and great for photography. Sea Conditions - Perfectly calm but often a steaming current. Dive Plan - There's only one dive plan for a small erg like this. Go round it. Don't waste time on the south side which is dull, but make sure you get to the small northern erg. On the west side is a white sand patch, home to a large school of goatfish.. Marine Life - Turtles, big puffers, goatfish schools, Arabian angelfish, emperor angelfish, nudibranchs, lobster and a lot of small reef fish..

Erg Somaya

http://www.redseariviera.info/en/To-Know/Erg-Somaya Location - About 75 minutes outside Hurghada, on the east side of Giftun Soraya, is Erg Somaya. To the south is the tower of Giftun police station, to the north is a prominent ridge of mountain. The reef slopes steeply to a sandy ledge between 15m and 24m, beyond which it drops o 50m+. There are two pinnacles on the ledge. One between 18m and 10m has a mooring buoy attached. To the north between 20m and 12m is another shaped like a pyramid and overgrown with a thick crop of purple soft corals. Beneath the ledge and between the two ergs is a distinct nose with two caves at 25m and 32m joining to form a chimney. Sea Conditions - The moorings are very close to the reef so in rough weather it can be difficult to put a boat there. The area is ravaged by a strong current much of the time in which case it is easier to drift dive. Dive Plan - If you choose to drift then jump in to the north and surface at the boat which waits on the moorings. Alternatively, the site connects with "Small Giftun drift." So drop in at the moorings and follow the wall southwards until you reach the south plateau of Small Giftun. Leave the drop-off and head to the shallow reef. Shortly after you round the corner you will start to sec the moorings, your boat should be waiting on one of these, Whichever way you dive it, make sure you visit the cave to be hypnotised by the billowing curtain of glassfish. Go through only if you're experienced enough and take your time along the drop-off to admire the deep rich colors of soft corals and the gorgonians. Marine Life - Batfish, barracuda, tuna, jackftsh, Spanish mackerel, napoleons, morays, tunics, groupers, and if you're lucky, whitetips. Feeding on glassfish in the cave, lionfish and redmouth groupers. You can also find Spanish dancers here by daylight.

Eruk Talata

At Shaab Talata in Hurghada you'll find two big ergs at a depth from 9 to 12 meters. On this dive site it's often very crowded with introduction divers and courses. Don't worry, we know how to avoid those. We'll take you to the best part of Shaab Talata that's behind the main ergs. The main reef at Shaab Talata is not very special, and you'll have the best dive if you dive between the main ergs, in a straight line ahead. After a few minutes you'll reach a nice small coral formation that's full of life and, in this area there might be eaglerays around. A bit further you'll find a second coral formation. On the on the main ergs of Shaab Talata you might see a big barracuda at a cleaning station, bluespotted stingrays and the usual suspects. Because Shaab Talata is near to the shore, it's an ideal place for a night dive. Would you like to dive on Shaab Talata in the Red Sea? Ask us and we'll do our best to take you there.

Fanous East

This reef comes with several names: Torfa El Fanous (meaning "reef with a beacon"), Dolphin Reef or Dolphin's Playground. Whatever name you give it, it's a narrow strip of reef surrounding a large lagoon to the north-west of Giftun Kebir. On its east end a wide channel splits the reef from the mainland and on its slopes are a coral garden and three colourful pinnacles. It takes 45 minutes to an hour to get there. **Sea Conditions:** Inside the lagoon is always calm though the north side of the reef is exposed to the weather. The current splits on the outer (north) reef and runs east and west,so you could drop in at the beacon and drift easily back through the channel. **Dive Plan:** Head out at about 15m taking in Erg 'A' (see illustration), the coral garden and Erg "B" (the glassfish erg). Take in the gorgonians on the corner before turning back. **Marine Life:** It is not uncommon to see a pod of 5 or 6 dolphins here even when diving. Turtles, bluespotted rays, eagle rays, jacks and barracuda also reside here. What makes the dive site particularly interesting though are the rarities such as pegasus living on the sand, an occasional frogfish and an even more rare stargazer.

Fanous West

On the western end of the Fanous reef,a narrow "fossma" or channel breaks through the reef wall to a lagoon outside at 9m and an area of coral garden at 12-14m. There are two main ergs and various outlying coral pinnacles. **Sea Conditions:** The boat can moor on the inside of the fossma in any weather. Here it can remain in the sanctuary of the Fanous lagoon while divers venture outside. The current will only run on the outer wall, direction northeast to southwest. It can run strong, in which case the best approach is a drift dive, dropping in north of the ergs and returning with the current to the boat at the moorings. **Dive Plan:** If you're not taking the drift option (above) then head out through the fossma (4m). Don't waste time in the lagoon (9m). It is naturally dead. At the corner you make a choice, either keep following the main reef northeast, or head straight out. There is a prominent coral lump about 20m ahead which lines you up with the main erg (50m away). It is nicest on the north end. To the south are two other large pinnacles. **Marine Life:** The usual reef fish and plenty of them - picassos, painted triggers, morays, snowflake morays, octopus, squid, butterflyfish and turtles. Dolphins regularly pass through in the afternoon, usually heading north to south.

Gota Abu Makadi

Gota Abu Makadi is located in the east of Makadi Bay. By boat you can reach Gota Abu Makadi in about 10 minutes. Enjoy a dive at the coral garden with several table corals and good possibility to see frogfish, glassfish, pegasusfish and many more. This dive site is special for macro fans and for snorkeling.

Gota Abu Ramada

An excellent dive site if you are on a liveaboard as you can drop in at the far end of the reef a long way from all the day boats. The shallow reef has plenty of coral outcrops away from the main reef to explore around and there is an abundance of life wherever you look. Because of the shallow depth there is plenty of light making it an excellent dive for taking photos. There are a couple of eagle rays that have made this reef there home and are often come across by divers. Crocodilefish and stonefish are also something to look out for and underneath where the day boats moor there were some nesting triggerfish to steer clear of! The try dives going on at this site led to plenty of amusement for us with one person being led around by a dive guide holding their pillar valve, doing what could only be described as doggy paddle through the water. Unfortunately we also saw a guide seating a try diver on a coral mound before swimming backwards to take their photo. The poor beginner was struggling to stay on the coral and I'm sure the coral disliked it even more.

Gouna Dolphins

Hamda

Hamda, nestled on the northeast side of the Big Giftun Island, is approximately an hour's boat ride from Hurghada. It's tucked beneath several striking rock formations and overlooks a pristine white pebble beach. This small plateau, ranging from 15 to 35 meters in depth, is flanked by drop-offs on both sides, merging into a steep wall that easily extends to a depth of 50 meters. Currents at Hamda are typically mild, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels. However, if you're planning a drift dive at Hamda, it's recommended that you have some experience under your belt. Renowned as a cleaning station, Hamda regularly sees small skids awaiting larger species to come for cleaning. The dive commences at a large, green, winding crater coral. As you head north, you'll encounter two expansive sandy areas, one at 15 meters and another at 18 meters. A little further, the steep wall begins, offering an intriguing glimpse into the deep blue. On your return, you'll ascend to the shallow area at a depth of 3 to 4 meters. Hamda is enveloped in vibrant, colourful corals, making it a diving spot that's not to be missed. The primary hub of underwater life at Hamda lies above 15 meters, where you'll primarily observe a variety of reef fish, nestled among the diverse soft and hard coral species that adorn the wall. The plateau is home to a host of marine life, including moray eels, stonefish, scorpionfish, barracuda, and occasionally, sharks and turtles. Above the plateau, schools of Fusiliers, snappers, and triggerfish can be spotted. Venturing into the open water may yield sightings of triggerfish, jacks, barracudas, tuna, turtles, and if you're lucky, reef sharks. Whale sharks have also been reported in the vicinity of Hamda. If you opt for a drift dive at Hamda, starting from the north is advisable. The wall along the way boasts several captivating coral formations.

Makadi Bay House Reef

Dive in our Housereef is wonderful in easy make a check dive after which you can do without a guide. Has direct access to the beach right in front of our diving center and in the formula without the guidance it can be made at any time of day so that you can better organize for not neglectingother aspects of your Holiday. The beginning of the dive down a gentle descent to a sandy plateau that is home to countless pinnacles that way to show off the road to the beautiful coral garden rich in fish, can be made really exciting matches, from turtles that go at this point in the bay to feed the giant moray eels hiding in the crevices of the reef and being photographed, not missing the big groupers and stingrays to blue dots that blend into a myriad of small fish recifali. Dive with astonish you...

Marsa Abu Galawa

Abu Galawa, situated in the dive region north of Hurghada, boasts six distinct dive sites: Abu Galawa, Shaab Abu Galawa, Sachwat Abu Galawa, Habibi Abu Galawa, Gota Abu Galawa, and Marsa Abu Galawa. It's approximately an hour's sail from Hurghada. Our focus is on diving at Marsa Abu Galawa. The diverse topography of the reef complex makes Marsa Abu Galawa a suitable dive site for divers of all levels. The mooring point is conveniently located at the entrance of the lagoon. Although the lagoon is around 5 meters deep and hosts a seagrass bed and a few seahorses, there isn't much to see on the sandy floor. You'll start your dive exploring a coral block, home to several stonefish. As you approach the drop-off, you'll be greeted by stunning table corals. The closer you get to the drop-off, the more diverse marine life you'll encounter. The edge of the drop-off, at a depth of 16 meters, features small hard coral pinnacles cascading down the slope. A bit further north, you can find an eel garden at around 14 meters. Don't overlook the reef's shallow part. On your way back to the boat, follow the reef wall at a more manageable depth of 9 meters. Expect to see bass, moray eels, scorpionfish, and small caves teeming with glassfish. You'll also find a variety of hard corals here, some boasting extraordinary colors. Though sandy and sloping down to the drop-off, careful exploration of this area can reveal hidden treasures. The site is always bustling with schools of vibrant fish. Turtles, moray eels, and groupers are also frequently spotted here. Two distinct diving routes can be taken at Marsa Abu Galawa. The first route takes you south along a smaller reef, past an old lobster cage and a garden, across the plateau and back to the boat via the ridge. Alternatively, you can head straight for the plateau's ridge, then return to the reef over the plateau, home to its eel garden.

Marsa el Nabaa

Dugong

Megawish (Magawish) / Arook Talata

Megawish Island

MS Balena

The MS Balena, measuring 40 meters in length and 7 meters in width, is a former liveaboard vessel that sank in 2001 near Hurghada, mere hundreds of meters from the shoreline. Originally constructed in Norway as a mail ship in 1952, it underwent conversion into a liveaboard during the 1990s after being transported to Egypt under new ownership. By 1999, with another change in ownership, the vessel had significantly deteriorated and was not adequately maintained by the newly established diving travel company. Consequently, it was anchored in close proximity to the Giftun Village Hotel in Hurghada, where it succumbed to rust and neglect. By early April 2001, the hull had started to lean, and during the night of April 12th to 13th, a sudden fire erupted, causing the ship to sink to a depth of merely 9 meters in the sandy bottom. Despite investigations, the exact cause of the fire remained inconclusive, leading to speculation about potential insurance fraud. Presently, the wreck stands erect on a level keel and has become a popular attraction for both divers and snorkelers. Visible from the water's surface due to certain protruding structures, the upper deck is easily accessible for snorkeling. The wreck has become a thriving ecosystem, teeming with an abundance of marine life, thriving particularly in the nutrient-rich waters near the beach. Though visibility may be somewhat obscured, imparting a mystical allure to the dive, the wreck hosts an array of marine species. Large schools of garfish, often accompanied by smaller barracudas, frequent the area. The sandy bottom is home to numerous jellyfish and blue spotted rays. Exploring the protruding stern, the propeller, and the rudder system reveals small gray moray eels and an assortment of vibrant nudibranchs across the wreck. Colorful soft corals adorn the walls and railings, offering sanctuary to various boxfish and puffer fish. The majority of the wreck is conducive to safe diving, with the shallow depth allowing for thorough exploration of each individual deck.

Ras Disha

Here at this fringing reef in the Red Sea near Hurghada you have a real fish tank feel with the presence of large groupers, tuna and barracuda. Ras Disha is also known by the name of Torfa Ras Disha or Disha Malagk. It’s situated 90 minutes from central Hurghada, Sheltered from the wind in a natural bay, it’s suitable for any level of diver and ideal for drift dives. Ras Disha stands for ‘fringing reef’. Ras Disha is a shallow plateau with a sandy bottom. The bottom is profiled by pinnacles and an elliptical erg in the southern region of the site. Going northwest, this plateau takes on the shape of a narrow ledge, allowing access to a steep wall. The beacon on the main reef serves as a landmark to start drifting along the wall to the north. You will be rewarded with a picturesque display of pinnacles on the plateau. Your other bet is diving from the mooring network. You start by touring to the drop-off. Subsequently you do a lap describing a half circle hovering over the plateau. In the process you will pass the mentioned pinnacles. One pinnacle specifally, the one that lies closest to the main reef, is particularly photogenetic. The wall is the place to be for butterflyfish and bannerfish, paired with surgeonfish and parrotfish. The local sandbed is infested with residential marine life. Hiding crustaceans and other invertebrates are hunted by frantically digging moses sole, blue spotted rays and torpedo rays. Gobies and shrimps are on the lookout from their burrows. The pinnacles at Ras Disha are punctuated with cracks. Together with caverns bursting with glassfish they provide excellent photograpic momentums, having focus on glassfish hunters such as scorpionfish, stonefish, trevally, lionfish and groupers. Adding to fishtank feelings are bluespotted stingrays, octopuses, threatfin breams and roaming turtles. The main reef of this system is home to residential crocodilefish, lionfish, grouper, soft and hard coral. When dropping off, you will detect groupers, tuna and barracuda. On the plateau moray, stonefish and table corals are awaiting. Sightings of turtles and reef sharks have been reported.

Sahl Hasheesh Marina

Sakhwat Abu Galawa

Shaab Eshta

Depth: 7-12m Location: Around 45 mins from central Hurghada Conditions: Located in the Magawish area this site is to some extent protected behind the islands even though it can be choppy on a windy day. This site suits any level of diver and is excellent for entry level training. Overview: Two ergs sit divided by a narrow channel. There is a smaller erg to the west, and the larger erg to the east is shaped like a heart. It has a tight canyon-like passage leading up to the top. Dive plan: At the outer limits of this dive site swaying sea grass covers a large portion of the bottom, whilst small coral blocks and table corals are spread out over the sandy flats dominating the closer perimeter. Some current can be expected funnelling through the narrow channel as the tide moves in and out, but normally it’s not strong enough to cause any trouble. A ‘figure of eight’ route is ideal here. What to see: Barracuda often hover just below the surface in the channel waiting for swim by, while both ergs are populated by scorpionfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish. Schools of sweetlips, goatfish and bannerfish are concentrated by the side of the reef walls, and the sandy bottom is inhabited by gobies and their shrimps.

Shaab Petra

В 45 минутах езды на юго-восток от Хургады есть два эрга, стоящих на песчаном морском дне на глубине 8 метров. Восточнее этих эргов есть небольшое коралловое вкрапление (лучшая часть дайва). Sea condition. Обычно спокойно, течение слабое с северо-запада или северо-востока. Но зимой и весной течение может усиливаться. Dive plan. Поплавай вокруг восточного эрга и близлежащего кораллового валуна. Этот валун просто кишит жизнью и производит сильное впечатление даже на самых пресытившихся дайверов. Marine life. На коралловом валуне есть несколько крупных отверстий, в которых живут стеклянные рыбки и люцианы. Сверху кишат рыбы-бабочки и крошечные султанки. Основные эрги не так интересны, но на них есть разнообразные крупные отверстия – домики групперов, рыб-солдатов, кардиналов, стеклянных рыбок и люцианов. Здесь не раз была замечена леопардовая акула. (zebra or leopard shark)

Shaabruhr Umm Gamar

A site that offers an example of outstanding natural underwater beauty. The reef consists of a coral garden: a plateau: and a wall that is falling down beyond 50 meters. At about 27 meters some bits and pieces of a wreck can be found – not much but the engines from this boat that was once a patrol boat are now left. Along the drop off there are good chances of seeing black tip and white tip reef sharks. Shaabruor Umm Gamar offers very diverse and interesting marine life. Great moray eels, and some pelagic species are also visitors here. https://www.aquariusredsea.com/en/dive-sites/hurghada/shaabruhr-umm-gamar/ https://www.scubaworlddivers.com/el-gouna/dive-sites/elgouna/shabrour-umm-gammar

Sharm El Arab

Sharm El Arab is 15 minutes southern located from Makadi Bay. The boat will be fixed inside the big lagoon. Under the boat will be a beautiful wall (20 - 40m) overgrown with colorful corals. The dive will go along this wall, right shoulder till you reach the plateau (18 - 28m) with nice big table corals. Turtles, barrakudas, snails, shortnose doctorfish can be found here.

Small Giftun

Depth: 18-30m, with a drop-off 100m+ Location: Around 80 mins from central Hurghada. Conditions: Sometimes exposed to weather and strong current. Some experience required for the deep wall dive. Overview: The moorings are located at the south side of the Giftun Police station on top of a 1525m deep plateau. At the northeast corner, this transforms into a shelf that stretches north, giving way to a steep wall that is hugely popular with technical divers. Dive plan: At this site a drift is the natural choice even if the plateau also can be reached from the mooring. You drop next to a vertical wall and follow the current due south as it gives way to a shelf getting wider further south.

Small Giftun Napoleon Area

South Abu Ramada

http://www.redseariviera.info/en/To-Know/South-abu-ramada Location - 60-90 minutes away. On the southern end of Abu Ramada a small islet and 3 large boulders are separated from the main island. The dive site is on the reef south of here. To the east of the mooring points a sloping wall tumbles away to 35m. A long swim away is a bubble-like grotto with several entry points. It is filled with many varieties of soft coral, sweepers, cardinalfish and soldierfish. To the southwest are numerous shallow pinnacles with abundant fish life. The seabed here is a bare, lunar looking concretion of compacted sand. Sea Conditions - Always calm except on a southerly wind (rare). Current is mild (if at all) at the east and west corners. Dive Plan - Head west from the moorings at about 25m. The deepest of the pinnacles is at about this depth. It has a split running through the middle that looks like the mouth of a clam shell. It provides sanctuary to soldierfish, glasseyes, hatchetfish and also sweetlips. From here, head onto a shallower shelf behind, this is where the remainder of the pinnacles are. Spend your time here, returning shallow along the main reef. Marine Life - Numerous free swimming morays, bannerfish, napoleons, emperorfish, sweeclips, unicornfish, goatfish and squid.

Thistlegorm

To most divers familiar to the Red Sea, this iconic wreck needs no introduction. It is a must-dive on quite a number of peoples to-do list, and whether you like wreck diving or not, the Thistlegorm is just incredible. Sunk in the same way as the 'Rosalie Moller' - just 48 hours and a few miles apart - The Thistlegorm truly is one of the best dives in the World. The Thistlegorm was carrying cargo for the War Effort in North Egypt, and every dive is a visit to an underwater museum, a place in time where the clocks stopped. Locomotives, various ammunition and Lee Enfield rifles, Bedford trucks, Triumph motorbikes and even airplane wings can still be found in The Thistlegorms cavernous holds. **Depth:** 30m **Minimum qualification:** PADI AOW or equivalent with 20 logged dives.

Three Corners House Reef

House reef of Three Corners Equinox Beach Resort

Tobia arbaa

http://www.redseariviera.info/en/To-Know/Tobia-arbaa Location –Just inside the headland of Ras Abu Soma is a closely packed clump of erg known as Tobia Arbaa, Arbaa means four but there are actually seven of them, hence their other name, The Seven Pinnacles. As ergs go, they are unusually tall and narrow and they stand on a sandy seabed at 12m like a forest of sawed-off tree trunks. Sea Conditions - In the lee of Ras Abu Soma, this site is guaranteed wave and current free. Dive Plan - The illustration is more an impression than an exact statement of position but don't worry, each erg is within sight of the next and it's easy to find your way around. Marine Life - This place was designed for photographers. Clouds of anthias and basslets cover soft coral clad overhangs to give that classic Red Sea image. There are lionfish by the dozen and also pufferfish, napoleons, barracuda and occasionally even a large potato cod. On the sand lurk spiny devilfish.

Tobia soraya

http://www.redseariviera.info/en/To-Know/Tobia-soraya Location - Thirty minutes cast of Safaga three chains of connected ergs come together to form an inverted Y-shape. They stand in 12-15m water on a white sand seabed and pose a navigational nightmarre for the average diver arme with anything less than a submersible GPS. To the north they join with Tobia Kebir. Sea Conditions - Usually okay, although the moorings are not so well protected from waves. Current can get strong especially down the east side. Dive Plan - The two southernmost erg chains are the best. The eastern one has a narrow canyon at llm and a tunnel at 9m. Look in but don't go through. It is lined with beautiful white soft corals which can be knocked off by a careless fin or even by your bubbles. The western erg chain has three rubble filled channels which can be crossed shallow (4-6m). At its north end are 4 imposing mushroom shaped towers. Marine Life - Bluespotted rays, triggerfish and schools of surgeonfish, bream and bigeyed emperors. On the east side between the tunnel and canyon, is a large school of bannerfish.

Tropitel Beach

Turtle Bay

Umm Gamar

This site lies off the island of Umm Gamar, or "mother of the moon" in Arabic. The south end has a shallow plateau where the moorings are positioned, this location is the most used. For first timers at Umm Gamar the dive will take place from the plateau, moving eastwards to the drop off then north along the wall. After a short swim against the current you reach three pinnacles close together, chimneys reach through the pinnacles toward the surface. After exploring this area you take advantage of the light current to drift back to the corner of the plateau where three small ergs are found, covered in glass fish. Finish the dive on the plateau exploring the numerous coral heads and reef fish. The east and west side have awesome drift dives and the northern tip has a magnificent coral garden but is only accessible in very good weather.