Southern Red Sea Reefs

Southern Red Sea Reefs Information

Dive Sites

St John’s

St John’s, a remote reef system located south of Marsa Alam, is celebrated for its extraordinary coral formations and diverse marine life. The area includes several dive sites, each offering a unique experience.

Cave Reefs

Dive into the enchanting underwater caves and tunnels adorned with vibrant coral and teeming with marine life.

The Aquarium

Famous for its clear waters and rich coral gardens, this site provides excellent opportunities for spotting reef fish and larger pelagics.

The Horseshoe

A distinctive dive site featuring a horseshoe-shaped reef with colourful corals and frequent sightings of schools of barracuda and jacks.

Fury Shoal

Fury Shoal is a sprawling reef system with a variety of dive sites, each showcasing its unique underwater landscapes:

Shaab Claude

Known for its impressive coral formations and diverse fish species, this site offers both shallow and deep dive opportunities.

Shaab Marsa Alam

Featuring dramatic walls and coral gardens, it’s a prime spot for encounters with larger marine species.

Shaab Maksour

A diver's dream with its clear waters and abundant marine life, including the chance to spot dolphins and rays.

Elba Reef

Located within the Elba National Park, Elba Reef is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and unique marine environments:

Elba Reefs

Dive among the intricate coral formations and spot a variety of reef fish and pelagics.

Elba Drop-off

Experience a dramatic drop-off with abundant marine life, from colourful reef fish to large predators like sharks and rays.

Zabargad Island

Zabargad Island offers a mix of pristine reefs and diverse marine life:

Zabargad Walls

Explore the vertical walls adorned with colourful corals and teeming with marine life.

Zabargad Gardens

Dive in the shallow coral gardens, ideal for observing macro life and vibrant coral species.

Rocky Island

Rocky Island features dramatic underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity:

Rocky Walls

Navigate the steep walls covered in soft corals and gorgonians, with frequent sightings of pelagic species.

Rocky Reefs

Enjoy diving in the diverse coral reefs, home to a variety of fish and other marine creatures.

Marine life

Southern Egypt’s marine parks are renowned for their rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems, making them a haven for marine life enthusiasts.

Reef Fish & Invertebrates

The coral reefs in these southern parks are teeming with an array of reef fish, including colourful anthias, parrotfish, and triggerfish. Invertebrates such as nudibranchs, octopuses, and various species of shrimp add to the underwater spectacle.

Sharks & Rays

Encounters with sharks and rays are a highlight of diving in the southern Red Sea. The area is home to reef sharks, hammerheads, and occasional sightings of the elusive thresher shark. Manta rays and eagle rays are also frequent visitors, especially around the more remote reefs like Fury Shoal and Elba Reef.

Pelagic Species

Larger pelagics are common in these waters. Divers can expect to see schools of barracuda, jacks, and tuna. The clear waters and nutrient-rich currents support these majestic creatures, providing thrilling encounters for divers.

Unique Sightings

In addition to the usual suspects, divers might encounter less common species such as dugongs or even the occasional whale shark. The diverse habitats and remote locations of these reefs make them prime spots for rare and exciting marine sightings.

Dive Conditions

The southern marine parks of Egypt offer excellent diving conditions year-round, with specific seasons providing optimal experiences.

Best Time to Dive

The best time to dive in the southern Red Sea is from March to November, when water temperatures are comfortable, and visibility is at its peak. The summer months (June to September) are particularly favourable for diving due to warmer waters and exceptional clarity.

Water Temperature

Water temperatures vary slightly throughout the year:

In summer months (June to September), expect temperatures ranging from 26°C to 30°C, perfect for lighter wetsuits. Temperatures on land can be very hot however.

Through winter (December to February), temperatures drop to around 21°C to 24°C, requiring thicker wetsuits or drysuits.

Visibility

Visibility in the southern Red Sea is generally excellent, often ranging from 20 to 40 metres. The clear waters, especially around the coral gardens and drop-offs, provide breathtaking underwater views and are ideal for photography.

Currents

Currents in the southern marine parks can vary from mild to strong, particularly around the more remote reefs like Fury Shoal and Rocky Island. Divers should be prepared for drift diving and comfortable managing varying current strengths.

Experience Level

The southern marine parks cater to divers of various skill levels, though more experienced divers will find the strongest currents and deeper sites particularly rewarding. Liveaboard trips often require divers to have a minimum of 30 logged dives for optimal safety and enjoyment.