---
title: Erg Somaya
type: Reef dive site
location: Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
coordinates: 27.1961, 33.9837
published: 2023-11-25T21:59:56.557Z
updated: 2026-08-08T12:57:50.973Z
tags: Erg Somaya, Reef, Red Sea, Dive site, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/diving/dive-sites/erg-somaya
---

# Erg Somaya

## Quick facts

- **Type:** Reef
- **Location:** Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
- **Coordinates:** 27.1961, 33.9837
- **Depth notes:** 5-60m+
- **Level:** Advanced

## Good to know

- Snorkeller-friendly reef top
- Best for advanced divers
- Wall / drop-off
- Drift dive
- Pinnacles

## Overview

Immediately north of Small Giftun's Police Station, the vertical wall below morphs into a shelf, hosting an erg that ascends to 5m beneath the surface. Further to the north, this shelf yields to a sharply inclined wall adorned with two distinct coral structures.

## Location

Travel time to this location from central Hurghada is approximately 75 minutes.

## Conditions

Located on the east side of Small Giftun, this site is somewhat exposed to the elements. A certain level of prior experience is necessary for divers exploring its deeper sections.

## Dive plan

This dive site offers two equally rewarding options for exploration: diving directly from the mooring or as a drift dive. North of the main shelf, a steep wall is punctuated by a series of prominent coral towers that reach out into the blue. These striking formations, densely covered with vibrant soft corals and gorgonians, are exceptionally photogenic.

The shelf surrounding the erg consists of a gently sloping sandy bottom, notably featuring a chimney at its northeast corner. This chimney can be entered at 30 meters and exited at 22 meters. The erg itself, starting at a depth of 5 meters and descending to between 9 and 15 meters, supports an abundance of marine life, making it an ideal location for a safety stop.

## What to see

The wall reveals a broad spectrum of marine life, including barracuda, snapper, jackfish, and tuna.

Coral towers branch off, home to vast clouds of anthias, silversides, and every possible species of butterflyfish.

The shelf's chimney overflows with glassfish, and an erg, richly adorned with invertebrates, forms one of the most fascinating reef systems imaginable.

## Species recorded here (1)

- Yellowfin Tuna (*Thunnus albacares*)

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