Government tourism context for Hurghada, Giftun Islands and diving popularity.
Boat reef with pinnacles between the Giftun islands.
Boat reef with pinnacles between the Giftun islands.
Boat access and drift timing are normally handled by Hurghada dive operators.
Ben El Gebel is a Giftun National Park reef between Big and Small Giftun, known for a sheltered lagoon, three pinnacles and an easy boat-dive line that can turn into a rewarding drift when the current runs. The reef mixes coral blocks, table corals and gorgonians with fish-filled overhangs, while the outer side adds enough exposure to keep the site interesting. Plan it by boat from Hurghada and treat the drift option as an advanced, navigation-conscious dive.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
16m - 18m
Depth Note
Shallow reef and pinnacles with working depths around the mid-teens to about 18 m.
Best Season
April to August for calmer water and good visibility, with year-round diving still possible.
Typical Conditions
Sheltered lagoon, strong outer-current potential and generally clear Red Sea water in ordinary conditions.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use a clear briefing, keep gas and navigation disciplined on the drift line, and stay inside the team if the outer reef is running.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only from Hurghada; the drift route is for divers comfortable with navigation and gas management.
Legal Notes
Treat it as a Giftun National Park boat site and follow operator and park rules.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A sheltered side lets you explore slowly, while the outer line can turn into a rewarding drift for comfortable divers.
Freediving
Not a natural freedive target; it is primarily a boat dive with current-sensitive navigation.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is limited to calm sheltered water; the site mainly pays off as a scuba dive.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Government tourism context for Hurghada, Giftun Islands and diving popularity.
Dive-club page with site layout, reef tongue and navigation notes.
Operator site with access, shelter, coral and beginner-friendly framing.
Directory page with depth, visibility, current, facilities and wildlife notes.
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Deep boat-access wreck near Hurghada with macro life.

Sheltered twin-erg reef with wreck and rich fish life.

Shallow Hurghada reef with two main ergs.