Diving in Northern and Central Red Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Northern and Central Red Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Northern and Central Red Sea, ecoregion. This region features 100 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Northern and Central Red Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Northern and Central Red Sea (5)
Popular Spots in Northern and Central Red Sea (100+ spots)
7 sisters (الشعاب السبعة)
The 7 Sisters, or الشعاب السبعة, consists of a cluster of seven distinct coral reefs known for their exceptional visibility and unique marine biodiversity. The site features strong currents and depths that are more suited for experienced divers, making prior diving experience beneficial. Divers can observe a diverse range of hard and soft corals, along with notable marine life such as large schools of great hammerhead sharks and barracuda. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Abo Almadafee أبو المدافع
Abo Almadafee is a shore entry dive site characterized by its diverse marine life, including various species of sharks, tuna, barracuda, and dolphins. The site features notable underwater caves and an area suitable for snorkeling and swimming located behind the main dive site. Visibility is generally good, and the currents can vary, making it important for divers to be aware of conditions. Additionally, whiting fish and different types of shrimp can also be observed in this area.
Abu Dabab Garden
Abu Dabab Garden features a fringing reef characterized by vibrant coral formations and a diverse array of fish species. The depth ranges from 5 to 30 meters, with notable features including a small and a large lagoon, as well as canyons and caves, particularly around the jetty area. Divers can expect to see a variety of typical reef fish, and there is a possibility of encountering dolphins, schools of barracudas, batfish, turtles, and occasionally dugongs or whale sharks.
Abu Dabab I
Abu Dabab I is characterized by a diverse coral garden featuring numerous coral blocks adorned with vibrant soft corals. The site includes several small caves that allow light to filter through, creating an interesting visual effect. Access to the dive site is via boat. Marine life commonly observed here includes groupers, scorpion fish, moray eels, flute fish, lionfish, anemones, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish.
Abu Dabab II
Abu Dabab II features a diverse underwater landscape with coral gardens and canyons. The site includes a notable cave that allows light to penetrate, creating a unique visual experience. Divers can also explore a small, aged wreck that is adorned with soft corals. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of parrotfish, surgeonfish, small eagle rays, and Napoleon wrasse. Access to this site is via boat.
Abu Dabab III
Abu Dabab III is a shallow reef dive site with depths ranging from 15 to 20 meters. Divers can explore several options, including drift diving along the east and west sides. The eastern side features a stunning coral garden and multiple pinnacles, which are ideal for observing diverse marine life. This site is accessible from the shore.
Abu Dabab IV
Abu Dabab IV is accessed via a zodiac. The site features a prominent coral block surrounded by smaller coral formations and pinnacles. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including Goldspotted sweetlips, Yellowfin goatfish, Butterflyfish, Snappers, Batfish, and Crocodile fish. The underwater landscape is characterized by both soft and hard corals, contributing to the site's biodiversity.
Abu Dabab South
Abu Dabab South is located in the bay of Abu Dabab, accessible from a sandy beach. The dive site features coral blocks at depths of 14, 16, 18, and 24 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life including colorful corals, moray eels, crocodile fish, snake eels, puffer fish, trigger fish, and leopard rays.
Abu Dabab V
Abu Dabab V is accessed by boat and features a variety of coral structures, including both large and small coral blocks. The site is characterized by a mix of hard and soft corals, providing habitat for diverse marine life. Divers can observe species such as Butterflyfish, Damselfish, Hogfish, Scorpionfish, and Nudibranchs, particularly in the caves that are present in the area. The dive site also offers open spaces that allow for striking light conditions, enhancing the underwater experience.
Abu Dabab VI
Abu Dabab VI is accessed by boat and features a large coral reef characterized by unique wave patterns that create interesting shapes. The site is surrounded by small pinnacles, enhancing its underwater topography. Divers may encounter white tip reef sharks, along with various small fish species that are preyed upon by barracuda, tuna, scorpionfish, and stingrays.
Abu Dabbab
Abu Dabbab is a popular dive site in the Red Sea, known for the opportunity to see dugongs, green sea turtles, and occasionally guitar sharks. The site features six reefs with varied topography, including reefs, tunnels, pinnacles, caves, and a small wreck. The shallow waters are rich in coral and seagrass, supporting diverse marine life.
Abu Dabour
Abu Dabour offers a shore entry through a small canyon that leads to clear blue waters. The dive begins on a gently sloping sandy bottom, allowing divers to explore either the northern or southern reef. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including crocodile fish, blue spotted rays, and scorpion fish, among others.
Abu Galawa Kebir Wreck
Abu Galawa Kebir, translating to 'big lagoon', features two prominent reefs. The northern reef is larger and includes a shallow lagoon, a coral garden, and a sandy bottom that leads to a drop-off. The southern reef is notable for its wreck, which adds an interesting dive site. Marine life in the area includes turtles, whitetip reef sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, octopuses, clownfish, and scorpionfish, alongside various soft and hard corals.
Abu Galawa Small
Abu Galawa Small, translating to 'small lagoon', features four minor coral reefs surrounding a central lagoon. The western side of the site includes a small wreck of a sailing vessel. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including bluespotted stingrays, lionfish, clownfish, whitetip reef sharks, slugs, boxfish, anthias, stonefish, and scorpionfish.
Abu Ghusun (Wreck)
Abu Ghusun is a wreck dive located approximately 70 kilometers south of Marsa Alam. The dive site features a sandy bottom with depths ranging from 5 meters to 25 meters, with the shipwreck lying at a depth of 16 to 17 meters. Access to the site is from the shore, making it suitable for entry-level divers. However, divers should be aware that visibility may be reduced during rough conditions. The area is home to various marine life, including blue spotted rays, crocodile fish, moray eels, and soft and hard corals. There is also a possibility of encountering sea turtles during the dive.
Abu Hamra
Abu Hamra is accessed from the shore, leading divers to a reef top that descends into a 30-meter tunnel. The tunnel features a small opening at its end and typically takes about 4 minutes to traverse. Divers may encounter currents during their dive. Beyond the tunnel, the site is characterized by soft corals and boulders. Marine life commonly observed includes wrasses, snappers, crabs, nudibranchs, giant moray eels, turtles, eagle rays, and scorpion fish.
Abu Hashish
The Abu Hashish dive site features a sloping wall that reaches depths of up to 50 meters, with a sandy plateau at 10 to 20 meters. Divers can explore a coral ridge and a sea grass area, making this site suitable for novice divers. It can be accessed as a drift dive or from a mooring.
Abu Hashish Lagoon
Abu Hashish Lagoon is a dive site accessible by boat, suitable for novice divers with a maximum depth of 30 meters. Visibility is excellent and current is minimal, allowing divers to observe barracudas, jacks, moray eels, squid, mackerel, groupers, rays, and occasionally hammerhead sharks.
Abu Hashish South Ergs
Abu Hashish South Ergs is a dive site on the south side of Abu Hashish Island, accessible by boat from Hurghada in about 90 minutes. The reef extends 1 km, with depths ranging from 15 to 22 meters (50-72 feet) and includes both a steep wall with stronger currents suitable for drift diving and calmer areas. Marine life includes barracudas and various reef fish.
Abu Helal
Abu Helal is located approximately 3 minutes south of the Canyon dive site, which is about a 20-minute drive from the Dive Center. This site is accessible primarily during higher tides and when surface conditions are calm. Divers can explore a healthy reef teeming with various coral fish, and there are occasional sightings of rays and turtles. The afternoon light conditions are particularly favorable for underwater photography.
Abu Kafan
Abu Kafan is characterized by a long, narrow reef featuring a prominent plateau that extends from north to south. The site is known for its steep wall that descends vertically beyond 100 meters. The depth and often strong currents contribute to a diverse marine environment, with an abundance of soft corals and opportunities to encounter larger fish species.
Abu Kafan
Abu Kafan is a long, narrow reef in Safaga with a vertical wall that descends over 100 meters. Divers can expect to see large marine life such as barracudas, tuna, and various shark species, along with moray eels and groupers in the reef structures. This site is recommended for experienced divers due to its depth and conditions.
Abu Kafan North
Abu Kafan North is located approximately 80 minutes from Soma Bay, featuring depths ranging from 6 to 100 meters. The site is characterized by its diverse marine life, including reef sharks, rays, barracudas, and turtles, particularly at the northern tip where soft and fan corals thrive. This area is often compared to a smaller version of Elphinstone, making it a notable dive site for those exploring the region.
Abu Kafan South
Abu Kafan South is a dive site located approximately 80 minutes from Soma Bay, with depths ranging from 6 to 100 meters. The name translates to 'father of the abyss', reflecting the site's deep characteristics. This reef is often compared to Elphinstone but on a smaller scale. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life including moray eels, lipfish, groupers, schools of anthias, barracudas, turtles, and reef sharks. Additionally, mackerel and occasional whale sharks may also be spotted in the area. The site is accessed by boat.
Abu Makadi Middle
Abu Makadi Middle is a dive site in Makadi Bay, Egypt, starting at a depth of 7 meters on a coral plateau and sloping down to 16 meters. Divers can explore a steep drop-off at 20 meters, with marine life including scorpionfish, stonefish, angelfish, groupers, crabs, and occasional sea turtles and dolphins. This site is accessed by boat.
Abu Nawas Garden
Abu Nawas Garden is a shore dive site located at coordinates 25.237900, 34.797100. This site features a diverse coral garden composed of both soft and hard corals. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine species while exploring the underwater landscape. The site is known for its rich biodiversity and offers high chances of wildlife sightings in the surrounding blue waters.
Abu Nuhas
Abu Nuhas is a dive site featuring four accessible wrecks: Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Giannis D, and Kimon M. The site is suitable for beginner divers due to its shallow depth. Notable wrecks include the Carnatic, which sank in 1869, and the Chrisoula K, which sank in 1981. Divers can explore the wrecks and marine life in this area.
Abu Ramada North
Abu Ramada North is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 27.173300, 33.985000. The area is characterized by a rich diversity of live corals and an abundance of fish species. Notable features include large gorgonian corals found at the southern point of the site, which provide habitat for various marine life, including long-nosed hawkfish. The site is part of a chain of reefs, making it a significant location for observing marine biodiversity.
Abu Saaf ED
Abu Saaf ED is a shore dive site characterized by an entry through an opening in the reef's roof. Divers will navigate an approximately 80-meter tunnel that leads to a coral garden at a depth of 7 meters. Within the tunnel, divers can observe various marine life, including lobsters, Spanish dancers, and several species of nudibranchs. Additionally, common sightings include snappers, wrasses, and scorpionfish.
Abu Saile
Abu Saile is a dive site located approximately 50 minutes from Port Ghalib Marina, accessible via shore entry through a gap in the reef top. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. In the shallow areas, divers can observe a variety of hard corals. The marine life includes common shallow-water species found in the Red Sea, along with schools of juvenile barracudas and frequent sightings of baby oceanic whitetip reef sharks.
Abu Sawatyr
Abu Sawatyr features a sandy entry point leading into a bay. The sandy bottom gradually descends to a depth of 40 meters. Coral gardens are located on both sides, extending to approximately 30 meters. Divers may find it beneficial to use a rope for easier entry and exit due to potential currents. Marine life in the area includes large moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, and, with some luck, sightings of dolphins, eagle rays, and sharks.
Abu Soma Garden
Abu Soma Garden is a dive site that features depths ranging from shallow areas to over 30 meters, making it accessible for beginner divers. The site has minimal current, which enhances the diving experience. The coral garden is also an excellent location for snorkeling. Divers can observe various schools of fish, and it is common to find moray eels and octopuses hiding among the corals. Occasionally, eagle rays are spotted in this area.
Abu Tair
Abu Tair is situated around 45 kilometers southwest of Jeddah and is notable for its diverse marine life and historical shipwrecks. The site provides a unique opportunity for divers to explore both the underwater ecosystems and remnants of past maritime activities. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of varying skill levels. The area is characterized by its rich biodiversity, which includes various species of fish and coral formations, enhancing the diving experience.
Abu Talha
Abu Talha is a dive site located approximately 15 minutes north by boat. The site features a gently sloping coral garden that includes pinnacles. As divers move northward, the terrain transitions into a sandy slope adorned with table corals. The shallow areas are particularly notable for their large hard coral formations. Access to the dive site is over the reef top, making it necessary to dive during high tide and in calm wind conditions. Divers may encounter small barracudas at the entry point, along with occasional sightings of turtles, Napoleon fish, and eagle rays. The table corals are home to schools of red tooth triggerfish.
Abu Telha
Abu Telha is a dive site located just south of the Canyon dive site in Dahab. Divers can explore a coral garden between depths of 5 to 20 meters, suitable for all levels. At 20 meters, access to the Canyon is available for divers with minimum AOW certification, and the bottom reaches 30 meters, with options for tech divers extending to 55 meters. Expect to see a variety of marine life typical of coral reefs.
Aiona Wreck (حطام أيونا)
The Aiona Wreck is considered one of the premier wreck dives on the Saudi side of the Red Sea. The site is divided into two sections: one suitable for entry-level divers with open spaces, and another designed for advanced divers featuring corridors and rooms, reaching depths of up to 50 meters. The wreck is teeming with marine life, including colorful reef fish, large barracudas, and hammerhead sharks, providing a rich underwater experience.
Al Kahfain (Wreck)
The Al Kahfain wreck is accessible primarily from the south wind, as diving from other directions is not advisable. Divers enter the water from the boat directly at the wreck site and proceed to dive past the wreck. The recommended route involves keeping the right shoulder over a coral garden before returning to the anchorages located on the eastern side of Shaab Sheer. The area is characterized by a variety of hard coral species and is home to the typical fish species found in the Red Sea.
Al Sharouk, Aqaba
Al Sharouk is a dive site primarily for technical wreck divers, featuring a wreck that begins at a depth of approximately 32 meters and extends beyond 60 meters. Divers can conduct decompression stops either by ascending the line or by navigating the reef to the northeast, where they can reach the C130 wreck and conclude at a tank. The wreck is adorned with substantial hard and soft corals, and divers may encounter larger pelagic species in the deeper waters. The deco stop along the reef provides a unique experience.
alfasma
Alfasma is a dive site located at the end of Yanbu Creek, approximately 10 minutes from the coast guard center. This site is suitable for beginner divers and is characterized by a rich diversity of marine life. Notable species include guitar rays, dolphins, lionfish, and groupers, alongside many other typical Red Sea fish. The coral formations here are healthy and thriving, contributing to the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Alharrah الحرة
Alharrah is characterized by its ancient fossilized lava formations, which appear as black rocks along the shore. The site features soft sand beaches that are conducive for swimming and suitable for beginner divers. The depth reaches 10 meters within a distance of 400 meters from the shore. Marine life includes stingrays, clownfish, and various soft corals, along with nocturnal species such as shrimp and coral tubules.
Altafyah Middle Reef
Altafyah Middle Reef is located approximately 90 kilometers south of Jeddah and is accessible via safari boats. The reef features large pinnacles that begin at a depth of 11 meters and extend down to 23 meters. Divers can expect varying current conditions, ranging from minimal to strong, and visibility can fluctuate between medium and excellent. The marine life is diverse, with sightings of shoals of yellow, blue, and silver fish. Additionally, groups of barracuda are often seen, along with occasional encounters with silky sharks, napoleon fish, and tuna.
Amphoras
Amphoras is named for the remnants of ancient amphoras located at the site. This dive features a sandy plateau interspersed with coral blocks and pinnacles, providing an easy diving experience. Marine life includes various shrimp, glassfish, and hawkfish among the gorgonians, along with sightings of napoleon wrasse and numerous rays.
Anas Reef
Anas Reef is a coral island situated near the Abu Tair area. The reef is characterized by healthy coral structures and abundant marine life, contributing to clear waters that provide excellent visibility throughout the year. Commonly observed species include blue spotted rays and jackfish, along with schools of various fish. Additionally, blacktip reef sharks can occasionally be seen passing through the area. The site is accessible via shore entry.
Anemone City
Anemone City is a dive site located near Shark and Yolanda reefs. The depth exceeds 700 meters (2,300 feet), featuring dense colonies of anemones and clownfish. Strong currents may bring schools of blue-fin, big-eye, and giant trevallies, along with barracudas and tuna, while sharks can also be observed in the blue.
Anemone Garden
Anemone Garden is accessed via speedboat, with divers descending on a buoy. This site features prominent coral blocks that host the largest anemone garden in the El Quseir area. Marine life includes various species such as snappers, moray eels, stonefish, scorpion fish, rays, and puffer fish, making it a diverse underwater ecosystem.
Ann Ann (Wreck)
The Ann Ann wreck is the largest dive site of its kind in Jeddah, situated between two reefs. The wreck is in good condition, making it appropriate for intermediate and expert divers. It lies at a depth of 30 meters, with the top starting around 14 meters. Following a storm in 2022, the wreck is now positioned on its side. Divers can observe various marine life in the vicinity, including snappers, blue-spotted stingrays, shellfish, and tuna. Additionally, schools of barracuda are present throughout the year.
Bahadur Resort House Reef
The Bahadur Resort House Reef is accessible from the shore and is suitable for both entry-level and intermediate divers. The site features a diverse array of colorful corals and a variety of typical Red Sea reef fish. The underwater environment provides an opportunity to observe the rich marine life characteristic of the region.
Banana Reef
Banana Reef features a coral formation shaped like a banana, surrounded by sandy areas at a depth of 15 meters. It is suitable for divers of all levels, but drift diving is recommended, making it ideal for advanced divers. Visibility averages 30 meters, allowing for sightings of anemones, soft and hard corals, gorgonians, turtles, eagle rays, clownfish, and angelfish.
Bannerfish Bay
Bannerfish Bay, also known as Dahab Bay, is accessible by shore and features a small wreck surrounded by coral, car tires, and clay pots. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including seahorses, nudibranchs, and eels at depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters.
Bayadah (بياضة)
Bayadah is characterized by a reef island that serves as a habitat for various fish and coral species. Entry to the site is made via boat, providing a sheltered environment from rough waves and currents. Notably, a resident school of Trevally can be observed in the northern part of the island, particularly active during the early morning hours. Other marine life includes Malek fish, large resident moray eels, parrot fish, clown fish, and jellyfish, making it an engaging spot for divers, especially beginners.
Beacon Rock
Beacon Rock is situated roughly 7 miles west of Ras Mohammed National Park, characterized by a prominent coral outcrop that borders the southern edge of Sha’ab Mahmoud lagoon. The site is named after a metal beacon located at the southernmost point of the fringing reef. It is also the location of the wreck of the Dunraven. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including stonefish, schools of yellow saddle goatfish, glassfish, giant moray eels, scorpion fish, Red Sea lionfish, and crocodile fish. The underwater landscape features large sea fans and Porites coral heads, providing a rich habitat for diverse species.
Ben El Gebel
Ben El Gebel is located between Big Giftun Island and Small Giftun Island, featuring a main reef surrounded by sandy areas and three large pinnacles. The average depth is 14 meters, with some areas reaching up to 18 meters. Visibility is generally good at around 15 meters, allowing for clear observation of the reef structure and marine life.
Bet Goha ED
Bet Goha ED is a shore dive accessible via a minibus. Divers enter through an opening in the reeftop, leading into a complex network of canyons and tunnels. The dive site is known for its stunning coral gardens, which are home to various marine species including snappers, wrasses, crabs, scorpion fish, and turtles.
Big Brother
Big Brother is an offshore island characterized by its impressive reef walls that surround the site. Divers should be prepared for potentially strong currents that can vary during the dive, making it essential for participants to have experience in drift and deep diving. An SMB is recommended for every dive. The marine life here includes grey reef sharks, thresher sharks, manta rays, Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, and various species of tuna, alongside a diverse array of reef fish and vibrant coral formations.
Big Brother - Numidia
The S.S. Numidia wreck lies at the northern tip of Big Brother, having been constructed in 1900. It ran aground on the reef on July 20, 1901, and subsequently sank a few weeks later. The wreck begins at a depth of approximately 15 meters, with the stern section descending to around 40 meters. The propeller can be found between 70 and 80 meters deep, making this site suitable for experienced divers due to the significant depths involved.
Big Brother East
Big Brother East, part of the Brothers Islands, is accessible exclusively by liveaboard boats. This dive site is characterized by strong currents and deep drop-offs, making it suitable for advanced divers. The area is known for its clear blue waters, where divers can encounter hammerhead sharks and oceanic whitetip sharks, which are frequently sighted in this region.
Big Brother South
Big Brother South features a plateau that begins at a depth of approximately 30 meters and extends southward for about 500 meters, reaching depths of 60 meters at its southern point. The plateau itself is roughly 20 meters wide, with steep drops to over 80 meters on either side. Divers should be aware that currents typically flow from the north, which can make returning against the current challenging. Marine life sightings may include thresher sharks, large tuna, giant trevally, napoleon wrasse, and occasionally oceanic white tip sharks, silky sharks, grey reef sharks, or silver tips.
Black Rock
Black Rock is a shore entry dive site characterized by its underwater topography, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including frequent sightings of turtles and frogfish. Divers may also encounter barracuda and large schools of glass fish beneath the jetty. The dive offers a pleasant experience, with opportunities to explore the area thoroughly, especially towards the end of the dive, where divers can look under the jetty, time and gas permitting.
Blind Reef
Blind Reef, also known as Shabrur siyoul, features coral that is just beneath the surface. Located approximately two hours north of Elgouna, this site is known for its south plateau, which is favored for diving at a depth of around 20 meters, showcasing beautiful soft corals. The north wall offers opportunities for drift diving. Marine life commonly observed here includes moray eels, scorpion fish, stone fish, puffer fish, parrot fish, lion fish, sergeant fish, octopus, as well as various table and soft corals.
Blue Belt Wreck
The Blue Belt Wreck, also known as the Toyota Wreck, is a general cargo vessel that measures 103 meters in length. Launched in 1950, it was en route from Jeddah to Port Sudan carrying Toyota vehicles and spare parts when it struck a reef in 1977. The wreck now rests upside down on a slope that ranges from 21 to 90 meters deep. Divers can observe large schools of big eye trevallies and snappers in the vicinity, along with lunartail groupers. White tip reef sharks are also frequently sighted around the wreck.
Blue Coral
Blue Coral is a dive site with a depth range of 10 to 25 meters and minimal current, making it suitable for novice divers. The site features blue Acropora corals and a variety of marine life, including anthias, moray eels, nudibranchs, crocodilefish, fusiliers, frogfish, and rays. Access is available from the shore.
Blue Hole
The Blue Hole in Dahab is a deep sinkhole approximately 130 meters (426 feet) deep, suitable for advanced divers. There is a shallow opening at 6 meters (19 feet) known as 'the saddle' and a tunnel called 'the arch' at 26 meters (85 feet) leading to a depth of 25 meters (82 feet). Divers can expect to see diverse marine life and coral formations along the reef wall.
Blue Hole, Dahab
The Blue Hole, situated 12 kilometers north of Dahab, is a prominent submarine sinkhole measuring 150 meters in diameter and reaching depths of 110 meters. Divers can initiate their dive at the nearby site known as Ells Bells, allowing for a multi-level dive that concludes at the Blue Hole. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes turtles, moray eels, red sea anemonefish, scorpionfish, stonefish, great barracuda at cleaning stations, and jackfish along the reef wall. The site is accessed via shore entry.
Blue Reef diver Training pool
The Blue Reef Diver Training Pool is located in North Obhur, Jeddah, and serves as a controlled environment for beginner divers. The pool is fully enclosed, preventing sunlight and air from entering, which creates a stable training atmosphere. It features a shallow area and a depth of up to 3 meters, making it ideal for students of all ages. This facility supports various aquatic education programs, particularly those focused on recreational scuba diving.
Bluff Point
Bluff Point is a wall dive located off Gubal Island. The site features a constant current, making it suitable for experienced divers. You can expect to see a variety of marine life including rays, mackerels, tuna, and various reef fish, alongside well-preserved soft and hard corals. Maximum depth is 18 meters (59 feet).
Bluff Point (Small Gubal island)
Bluff Point, located at 27.681700, 33.808100, is characterized by its stunning wall dive that features both soft and hard coral formations. The site is known for its strong currents, making it a drift dive that is best suited for experienced divers. Marine life commonly observed here includes rays, tunas, mackerels, snappers, scorpionfish, stonefish, lionfish, morays, octopus, barracuda, and butterfly fish.
C-130 Hercules, wreck
The C-130 Hercules wreck lies at a maximum depth of 17 meters and serves as both an artificial reef and a diving site. It sank in 2017, but a significant storm in 2020 caused extensive damage, resulting in a more fragmented appearance. Inside the cockpit, divers can often see hundreds of glass fish, with lionfish frequently hunting among them. Notably, there is a skeleton positioned in the pilot's seat, which is not authentic. The underside of the starboard wing has quickly become covered with soft corals, adding to the site's ecological interest.
Cable Wreck (حطام سفينة الكيابل)
The Cable Wreck, located in the southwest region of Jeddah near Abu Tair Island, is characterized by the remnants of a Greek ship, Stavronisos. The site is notable for the extensive array of cables, fences, and steel bundles that are strewn across the seafloor. This wreck has become a habitat for diverse marine life, including white tip sharks, goatfish, blue chromis, and luminous blue Luma fish. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its unique underwater features.
Cannon Reef
Cannon Reef is accessible by boat, located approximately 90 minutes from the departure point. The dive site features two main areas: the primary reef and the southern blocks, with depths reaching around 15 meters. It is characterized as a drift-free dive site, making it suitable for divers seeking a stable environment. Marine life includes opportunities for dolphin encounters and a variety of schooling fish. Additionally, divers may spot the Red Sea Walkman, known for its distinctive appearance.
Canyon Dekel South - קניון חוף הדקל
Canyon Dekel South features a broad canyon that begins at a depth of 20 meters and descends to 35 meters. The canyon walls are adorned with hard corals, providing habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including various fish, nudibranchs, shrimp, and crabs typical of tropical environments. This dive site is accessible from the shore, making it an easy entry point for divers.
Canyon, Dahab
Canyon is situated 1.5 kilometers from the Blue Hole and features a deep fissure in the reef. Divers access the site by entering a shallow lagoon and swimming across a coral garden plateau. The canyon is home to various marine life, including octopuses, clownfish, moray eels, boxfish, and macro species. Notably, a large moray eel can often be found within the canyon, although it tends to hide. In the upper section of the canyon, schools of glassfish can be observed.
Carless Reef
Carless Reef is located approximately 2 hours southeast of El Gouna and is known for its vibrant marine life. The reef is situated in open waters, which often results in strong currents. These conditions support a diverse range of predators, making it a notable site for sightings of larger fish species. Divers may encounter various types of reef fish, as well as larger species such as tunas and barracudas. With some luck, divers might also spot tiger sharks in the area. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Carnatic Wreck
The Carnatic Wreck is a cargo ship that sank in 1869 at a depth of 28 meters (92 feet). The wreck is covered in soft corals and is home to marine life including blue-spotted stingrays, sea turtles, giant moray eels, glassfish, batfish, and lionfish. Entry to the site is by boat.
Caves
The Caves is accessible by car from Dahab and requires a giant stride entry during high tide. The first cave descends to 12 meters (40 feet) and is surrounded by a shallow reef featuring various hard and soft corals. A second cave hosts a variety of marine life, including multiple pufferfish.
Cedar Pride Wreck
Cedar Pride is a 74-meter (240-foot) cargo ship wreck located at a depth of 26 meters (85 feet) off the coast of Jordan. The wreck is accessible by boat and is suitable for divers of all levels, featuring both shallow observation points and areas for penetration dives. Expect to see marine life and various degrees of encrustation on the wreck due to years underwater.
Chicken Wreck
The Chicken Wreck, formerly known as M.V. Glaros, is a 60-meter-long cargo ship that sank in 1976 at a depth of 20 meters (66 feet). The wreck is covered with hard and soft corals and is frequented by various marine life, including pipefish, hawkfish, and lionfish.
Chicken Wreck (M.V Glaros)
The M.V. Glaros, a 60-meter diesel refrigerator vessel, lies on its side at a depth of approximately 20 meters. This wreck, known as the 'Chicken Wreck', is notable for its original cargo of frozen chickens, remnants of which can still be found inside. The vessel ran aground on November 20, 1976, and all crew members were rescued shortly after on November 22, 1976. Divers can observe various soft and hard corals growing on the masts, along with a variety of Red Sea marine life, including numerous pipefish.
Chrisoula K. (Marcus) Wreck Of The Tiles
The Chrisoula K. wreck, also known as the MV Marcus, is located at an average depth of 20 meters (66 feet) on the northeastern side of Abu Nuhas. The wreck measures 98 meters (321 feet) in length and 15 meters (49 feet) in width, with the bow section in good condition. Divers can expect to see the remains of a freighter that sank in 1981 while carrying a cargo of floor tiles, along with various marine life around the structure.
Chrisoula K., wreck
The Chrisoula K. wreck is one of the notable wrecks situated on the Abu Nuhas reef, approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes north of Elgouna. The wreck's bow is located at a depth of 4 meters, while the stern descends to about 27 meters. The structure remains largely intact, providing opportunities for exploration, particularly in the captain's cabin and engine room. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes sand eels, batfish, moray eels, lionfish, turtles, nudibranchs, flute fish, soft corals, and scorpion fish.
Circle Divers Dahab House Reef
Circle Divers Dahab House Reef is situated directly in front of the Jazz Dahabeya Hotel, providing a convenient shore entry point for divers of all experience levels. The dive begins at a sandy area, leading into a habitat characterized by patches of sea grass interspersed with coral blocks. Marine life commonly observed here includes scorpion fish, white moray eels, stonefish, leopard rays, and triggerfish, making it a diverse site for underwater exploration.
Cleopatra'S Palace
Cleopatra's Palace is a historical dive site located in the Eastern Harbor of Alexandria, Egypt, at a depth of approximately 10 meters (33 feet). Divers can explore the remains of the palace, including columns, two shattered Sphinxes, and large bowls used for storage. The site features murky waters and a mix of marine life typical to the region.
Coco Beach
Coco Beach, located in the northern part of Jeddah, is accessible from the shore and caters to divers of all experience levels. The site features two caves situated to the north at a depth of 3 meters, while a platform can be found to the south at approximately 5 meters, making it suitable for beginners. The dive site descends to a sandy bottom at a depth of 36 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including stingrays, white ribbon eels, sweetlips, clownfish, and parrotfish, along with diverse hard and soft corals typical of the Red Sea ecosystem.
Conshelf Ii
Conshelf II is an underwater habitat located at Sha’ab Rumi, Sudan, in the Red Sea. The habitat consists of a starfish-shaped structure at 10 meters (33 feet) and a cabin at 30 meters (100 feet). Divers can explore the structures and observe marine life in the surrounding area.
Coral Forest
Coral Forest is located in Ras Abu Galum, approximately 16 kilometers north of Dahab. Divers access the site via a small lagoon that leads into a coral garden starting at a depth of around 16 meters. The site is reachable only by camel, requiring about 1 hour and 15 minutes of travel from the Blue Hole. The underwater environment features a variety of marine life, including schooling fish, glassfish, clownfish, pufferfish, groupers, and boxfish, along with black corals and gorgonians.
Coral Garden
Coral Garden is located approximately 20 minutes north of the Swiss Inn Resort. The entry point is through a shallow lagoon, which is also the access to the nearby canyon. Divers typically head south from the entry. The site features a shallow coral garden that descends steeply from a depth of 14 meters to 40 meters. The return route allows divers to ascend back to depths of 10 to 5 meters over a mix of corals and sandy areas. This site is suitable for children and beginner divers. Marine life includes partner gobies associated with pistol shrimps, various species of sole and flounders, puffer fish, octopuses, clown fish, and occasional sightings of squid. In the lagoon, divers may also encounter Red Sea Walkmans intermittently.
Coral Garden / Gassous Bay
Coral Garden, located at Gassous Bay, offers a house reef accessible from the beach, with both northern and southern sections to explore. The site is characterized by the absence of boat traffic and typically features calm conditions, making it suitable for diving in various weather. Night and early morning dives are available every day. Marine life is diverse, with sightings ranging from seahorses to whale sharks. More frequently observed species include leopard and ferret-tailed stingrays, along with various snails and shrimps.
Coral Garden Ghalib
Coral Garden Ghalib is characterized by a diverse coral garden located to the north of the Imbarak dive site. The maximum depth at this site reaches 25 meters. Divers can expect light to medium currents predominantly flowing from north to south, making it suitable for drift diving. The site is accessible via shore entry, providing a less crowded experience compared to other locations.
Coral Gardens 1 حديقة المرجان
Coral Gardens 1 is located near the Chicken Wreck and features a diverse array of coral life. The depth at this site ranges from 15 to 20 meters. It is accessible via shore entry. Divers can encounter various marine species, including numerous types of coral fish, barracudas, and occasionally dolphins.
crazy eight
Crazy Eight is located 26 kilometers from Jeddah Creek and features a diverse underwater landscape. The northern section of the site has a shallow reef that ranges from 7 to 13 meters in depth, while the southwestern area presents a drop-off that extends beyond 60 meters. The site is known for its excellent visibility throughout the year. Marine life includes barracudas, jackfish, and moray eels, with silky sharks frequently observed in the vicinity. Typical Red Sea fish species are also abundant.
Daedalus Reef
Daedalus Reef is a large offshore coral formation measuring 400 meters long and 100 meters wide, located in a remote area of Egypt. Divers can expect to see an abundance of both soft and hard corals, as well as various pelagic species, including oceanic sharks. Access is typically via liveaboard from Marsa Alam due to strong currents in the area.
Dekel Beach, Eilat - חוף הדקל
Dekel Beach offers a shallow diving experience characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with coral pinnacles. The depths of these pinnacles range from 3 meters (9 feet) to 12 meters (36 feet), making them accessible for divers of various skill levels. Visibility is generally good, allowing divers to locate the pinnacles from a distance and navigate towards them. Marine life at this site includes frogfish, shrimp, clownfish, and in the afternoons, houndfish can be seen at cleaning stations. Additionally, divers may encounter rays, squid, and turtles among the coral formations.
Destination Reef
Destination Reef is located approximately 20 minutes by boat from Abo Madafea. The dive site features a maximum depth of 15 meters, with an average depth of 12 meters, making it accessible for divers of various skill levels. The underwater environment is characterized by an abundance of marine life, including kelp fish, sweetlips, sea turtles, and barracuda. The reef is noted for its healthy corals, with no signs of bleaching, providing a vibrant habitat for the diverse species found here.
Dolphin House
Dolphin House, or Sha’ab Samadai Reef, is a diving site in Marsa Alam, known for its resident pod of dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed. The site features shallow waters, minimal current, and excellent visibility, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Diving is available year-round.
Dolphin House Sataya Reef North
Dolphin House at Sataya Reef North, located near Marsa Alam, is renowned for its population of spinner dolphins. Divers and snorkelers frequent this site for the opportunity to observe these dolphins in their natural habitat. The area is characterized by vibrant coral formations and a variety of marine life, enhancing the underwater experience. While encounters with dolphins are common, they cannot be guaranteed. The site is accessed by boat, making it suitable for divers looking to explore this unique ecosystem.
Dolphin Reef
Dolphin Reef in Eilat, Egypt, is a dive site that averages 12 meters (40 feet) in depth and covers 10,000 square meters. Divers can easily see bottlenose dolphins along with various marine life, including angelfish and cuttlefish. Diving is suitable for all experience levels, and entry is from the shore.
Dugais Main Reef
Dugais Main Reef is an atoll situated about 6 kilometers off the coast of Jeddah, with a circumference of 3 kilometers. The site offers excellent visibility year-round, which tends to improve during the winter months. It features a range of depths suitable for both novice and experienced divers, making it an accessible location for snorkeling as well. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including numerous species of soft and tree corals, as well as hard corals in various colors. Common fish species found in the Red Sea can also be seen here.
Dunraven
The Dunraven wreck, a British steamer that sank in 1876, lies at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet) on Beacon Rock reef. The wreck is upside-down and split into two sections, covered in soft and hard corals, and attracts various marine life including cardinalfish and soldierfish.
Dunraven, wreck
The Dunraven wreck is located off the coast of Shaab Mahmoud, situated further from the main dive sites in Sharm el Sheikh. This wreck lies inverted and serves as a habitat for various marine species. Inside the wreck, divers can observe different types of moray eels, nudibranchs, and vanikoro sweepers. The surrounding reef is predominantly covered with porites, where stonefish can also be found. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore a wreck while encountering diverse marine life.
Eel Canyon
Eel Canyon features depths between 15 to 25 meters with varied topography due to ancient coral shelves. Divers can observe marine life including garden eels, moray eels, fusiliers, eagle rays, stingrays, and tunas. This dive site is suitable for novice divers and can be accessed by shore entry.
Eel Garden
Eel Garden features a large population of garden eels and is accessible from the beach. The dive involves passing over seagrass, coral, and a small lagoon before reaching the main area. Visibility is approximately 20 meters (66 feet), and the site is suitable for divers of all experience levels. Plan your dive during high tide and low or no wind for optimal conditions.