Reef

Aruk Talata

Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt

Suitable for beginners
Best for advanced divers
Pinnacles

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Type

Reef

Max depth

15 m

Level

Advanced

Depth9-12m

LocationA short run south of Hurghada, close inshore.

ConditionsSheltered and shallow, which is why it absorbs so many introductory dives and course groups. Being close to shore also makes it a practical night dive.

Overview

Aruk Talata, also written Shaab Talata, is two ergs standing on sand at 9 to 12 m, and the main reef between them holds little. The dive that makes the site is the one that keeps going: holding a straight line out between the ergs brings a small coral formation into view after a few minutes, with a second one further along the same bearing. Both are considerably busier than the ergs they sit behind.

Dive plan

The main ergs draw the most divers and hold the least reef. The route worth taking runs in a straight line out between them to the two coral formations beyond, then returns the same way. Before leaving the ergs, the cleaning station on them is worth the stop.

What to see

A large barracuda uses the cleaning station on the main ergs, holding motionless while cleaner wrasse work over it, and bluespotted stingrays rest on the sand around the bases. Eagle rays turn up at the coral formations further out. Stonefish sit tight on the blocks, and pufferfish, triggerfish, turtles and resident octopus are all regular.