Red Sea Dive Sites

Abu Hashish South Erg

Located in the southern part of Hurghada, near Makadi Bay, the reef Abu Hashish is a dive site historically known for hashish smuggling into Egypt. This site features both a drop-off and a plateau, with diving depths typically ranging from 15 to 25 meters. The plateau at Abu Hashish showcases long, attractive hard coral formations, where divers often encounter large squid. There is also a good chance of spotting turtles or eagle rays here. The drop-off at Abu Hashish is particularly renowned for its superb visibility and the diverse marine life that frequently passes by. Divers may observe barracuda, schools of mackerel, whitetip sharks, and even hammerheads. Additionally, appealing caves are situated within the drop-off at a depth of 30 meters. Due to the considerable sailing time required to reach Abu Hashish, trips to this dive site are conducted only when weather conditions are favorable. Should you wish to explore Abu Hashish in the Red Sea, please inquire, and we will endeavor to arrange your dive there.

Aruk Talata

Aruk Talata (Shaab Talata) in Hurghada features two prominent ergs, situated at depths ranging from 9 to 12 meters. While this site often attracts numerous introductory divers and courses, we are adept at navigating to quieter areas, specifically guiding you to the superior section located beyond the main ergs. The primary reef at Aruk Talata holds little particular interest. For an optimal dive, proceed in a straight line between the main ergs. After a few minutes, you will encounter a vibrant, small coral formation teeming with life, where eagle rays may be present. A second distinct coral formation is found slightly further along this path. On Aruk Talata's main ergs, divers can frequently spot a large barracuda utilizing a cleaning station, along with bluespotted stingrays and other common reef inhabitants. Its close proximity to shore makes Aruk Talata an excellent location for night dives. If you wish to explore Aruk Talata in the Red Sea, please inquire, and we will make every effort to arrange your dive there.

Carless Reef

Carless Reef surges steeply from the Red Sea's deep waters. It comprises twin immense pinnacles, bordered by a flat coral garden plateau. A gentle incline descends to a vertical wall that falls directly into the abyss.

El Erug

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

El Fanadir North

A long sloping wall with some very camera-friendly coral blocks alongside, and also a shallow lagoon.

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.

El Minya

The Egyptian minesweeper was lost in 1970, having been brought down by Israeli fighter aircraft. Currently, the vessel's remains rest on its port side just outside the harbor, at depths varying from 25 meters at the bow to 32 meters at the stern.

Erg Abu Ramada

Known interchangeably as Camel Reef, this dive site is positioned on the southeastern side of Abu Ramada Island. It is defined by a substantial erg, featuring three distinct peaks that rise from an extended plateau. The surrounding seabed consists of sand, which gradually transforms into a vibrant coral garden towards the northern area.

Erg Sabina

The mooring point lies on the southern exposure of this compact reef, which ascends from a 10-12 meter deep, flat, sandy seabed, also characterized by coral blocks and table corals.

Erg Somaya

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.

Fanous East

A fanous (beacon) sits on the crest of the main reef, lending its name to this location. This location features a shallow vertical face emerging from a gently inclined sandy seabed, dotted with scattered coral formations and several impressive pinnacles.

Fanous West

The dive site is characterized by a shallow reef wall, which borders a flat, sandy seabed. A confined channel grants access to a lagoon measuring 9 meters in depth, traversing a coral garden that gradually descends to 14 meters. In the western sector, a small number of ergs and pinnacles can be found.

Gota Abu Makadi

Gota Abu Makadi presents itself as a charming dive location, frequently likened to a submerged sculpture garden. The site's Arabic name, "Gota," which translates to "piece," aptly characterizes this assortment of exquisite reef formations. A flat, sandy seafloor provides the base for numerous striking coral pinnacles, forming a visually impressive environment that offers wonderful exploration opportunities. With its tranquil environment and rich marine biodiversity, this location is a premier choice within Makadi Bay for enjoying a serene and picturesque dive.

Gota Abu Ramada

Commonly referred to as the Aquarium, this dive site presents an oval-shaped reef featuring coral outcrops set upon a flat, sandy bottom. Its remarkable abundance of marine life positions it among the most popular dive destinations in the Hurghada area.

Gouna Dolphins

Hamda

This dive location is alternatively referred to as Stone Beach or Lion's Head. From the reef's summit, a small wall descends to depths of 12-15 meters. This section then transitions into a gentle slope, which subsequently evolves into a stepped drop extending beyond 35-50 meters. Both to the north and south, this slope culminates in dramatic vertical walls.

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 Island

MS Balena

The MS Balena, a 40-meter long and 7-meter wide vessel, lies submerged just hundreds of meters off the Hurghada coast, having sunk in 2001. Originally built in Norway as a mail ship in 1952, it was later converted into a liveaboard in the 1990s after being acquired by new owners and brought to Egypt. By 1999, following another ownership transfer, the ship experienced significant decline and inadequate upkeep from its new diving travel company operators. Moored near the Giftun Village Hotel in Hurghada, it progressively deteriorated from rust and neglect. The hull began to list in early April 2001, and a sudden fire erupted on the night of April 12th to 13th, leading to its submersion in the sandy seabed at a depth of 9 meters. Although inquiries were conducted, the precise cause of the fire was never definitively determined, fueling conjectures of possible insurance fraud. Today, the Balena wreck rests upright on an even keel, drawing considerable interest from both divers and snorkelers. Parts of the vessel extend above the water, making the upper deck readily accessible for snorkelers. This site has transformed into a vibrant marine habitat, supporting diverse life, especially thriving in the nutrient-rich conditions close to the shore. While visibility can sometimes be reduced, lending a captivating, ethereal atmosphere to the dive, the wreck provides a home to a variety of creatures. Expect to see substantial schools of garfish, often alongside smaller barracudas. The sandy seafloor beneath teems with jellyfish and blue spotted rays. Closer inspection of the stern, propeller, and rudder system reveals small gray moray eels and a selection of colorful nudibranchs scattered throughout the structure. The walls and railings are covered in vivid soft corals, sheltering various boxfish and puffer fish. The shallow depth ensures that most of the wreck is safe for exploration, allowing divers to thoroughly examine each deck.

Ras Disha

The site opens onto a shallow plateau, where a sandy expanse is dotted with various pinnacles and an oval erg positioned to the south. Moving northwest, this plateau gradually narrows into a distinct ledge before ultimately descending into a sheer wall.

Sahl Hasheesh Marina

Sakhwat Abu Galawa

Salem Express

Initially launched as the Fred Scamaroni in France in 1964, this passenger ferry was subsequently purchased by the Samatour line and rechristened the Salem Express. On December 15th, 1991, the vessel collided with the Hyndeman reef, which tore a massive hole in its hull. Official reports indicated 960 pilgrims, returning from Mecca, were aboard. However, claims suggest the true number of people on board may have been as high as 1,600. Merely 180 individuals survived the tragic event.

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)

Shabruhr Umm Gamaar

This dive site features an oval reef, encompassed by a shelf descending to depths of 15-30m. To the west, this shelf expands into a sandy flat, while on the east, it narrows significantly to form a ledge.

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

For divers acquainted with the Red Sea, this legendary wreck requires no introduction. It is a mandatory inclusion on numerous dive wish lists, and regardless of one's affinity for wreck diving, the Thistlegorm is simply breathtaking. Sunk identically to the 'Rosalie Moller' – just 48 hours and a few miles apart – the Thistlegorm truly ranks among the globe's finest dive experiences. The Thistlegorm was laden with cargo destined for the War Effort in North Egypt, and every dive offers a profound visit to an underwater museum, a moment frozen in time. Within the Thistlegorm's voluminous holds, divers can still observe an incredible assortment of items, including locomotives, various ammunition, Lee Enfield rifles, Bedford trucks, Triumph motorbikes, and even airplane wings.

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.