---
title: El Erug
type: Reef dive site
location: Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
coordinates: 27.1675, 33.9512
max_depth_m: 12
published: 2023-11-25T21:59:56.557Z
updated: 2026-08-08T12:57:42.995Z
tags: El Erug, Reef, Red Sea, Dive site, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/el-aruk
---

# El Erug

## Quick facts

- **Type:** Reef
- **Location:** Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
- **Coordinates:** 27.1675, 33.9512
- **Max depth:** 12 m
- **Depth notes:** 12-14m
- **Level:** Open Water+

## Good to know

- Suitable for beginners
- Night dives possible
- Pinnacles

## Overview

An extensive area to the north of Gota Abu Ramada is characterized by numerous ergs and pinnacles emerging from a predominantly sandy seafloor.

## Location

This dive location is situated approximately 60 minutes away from central Hurghada.

## Conditions

Located to the south of the Giftun Islands, this dive site offers considerable shelter, making it an excellent option for divers of all experience levels and for various training purposes.

## Dive plan

While frequently perceived as a single dive location, this area actually encompasses three distinct sites: Erug Diana positioned to the southwest, Erug Giftun centrally located, and Erug Gigi found in the northeast.

Erug Giftun consists of a formation of seven pinnacles. Erug Diana also features seven pinnacles, though its middle structure is notably split. Erug Gigi is characterized by eleven pinnacles, generally arranged in a linear pattern.

Owing to the numerous ergs and pinnacles, divers may easily lose their bearings here. In the absence of a compass, navigation can be aided by observing the current or the angle of the sun. Another strategy is to limit exploration to a specific cluster of two or three ergs, thereby staying within a defined zone.

As all sections of this dive area offer comparable attractions, there is no real need to venture far from the mooring. The safety stop often proves to be one of the more enjoyable portions of the dive, given that the uppermost parts of the ergs display the most vibrant beauty.

## What to see

This dive site provides a home for several species of moray eels, including the yellowmouth, giant, snowflake, and peppered varieties. Visitors are also likely to come across napoleon wrasse, blue spotted rays, crocodilefish, and scorpionfish here.

## Species recorded here (8)

- Bearded Scorpionfish (*Scorpaenopsis barbata*)
- Bluespotted Ribbontail Ray (*Taeniura lymma*)
- Crocodilefish (*Papilloculiceps longiceps*)
- Geometric Moray (*Gymnothorax griseus*)
- Giant Moray (*Gymnothorax javanicus*)
- Napoleon Wrasse (*Cheilinus undulatus*)
- Tasseled Scorpionfish (*Scorpaenopsis oxycephala*)
- Yellowmouth Moray (*Gymnothorax nudivomer*)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/el-aruk)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*