Elphinstone Reef

A World-Famous Drift Dive Famous for Sharks & Spectacular Walls

Located approximately 9 km offshore and around 26–30 km northeast of Marsa Alam, Elphinstone Reef (Sha’ab Abu Hamra) is one of the Red Sea’s most legendary dive sites. Famous for its dramatic walls, colourful coral gardens, seasonal shark encounters, and exhilarating drift dives, Elphinstone attracts experienced divers from around the world.

Recommended for experienced divers, Elphinstone offers unforgettable underwater scenery, exceptional visibility, and some of the best big fish diving in the Red Sea.

Scuba Diving

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DIVE SITE MAP & OVERWIEV

DIVE SITE OVERVIEW

LOCATION

Offshore from Hermes Harbour

ENTRY

Boat Entry (Speed Boat)

DEPTH

5–100+ m (recommended dive depth: 5–40 m)

CURRENT

Moderate to Strong

DIVE TYPE

Boat Wall & Drift Dive

LEVEL

Advanced

VISIBILITY

Usually 20–40 m

BEST SEASON

Year-round

DIVE SITE MAP

UNDERWATER LANDSCAPE

Elphinstone Reef is a narrow offshore reef stretching approximately 600–750 metres in length. Located around 9 km offshore and 26–30 km northeast of Marsa Alam, it rises almost to the surface before dropping dramatically into the deep blue on both sides.

Its famous North Plateau and South Plateau are covered with colourful hard and soft corals, sea fans, and healthy reef formations. Combined with excellent visibility, steep walls, and nutrient-rich currents, Elphinstone offers some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the Red Sea.

MARINE LIFE

Elphinstone Reef is internationally famous for its pelagic marine life and seasonal shark encounters.

During your dive you may encounter:

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Longimanus)
Hammerhead Sharks (seasonal)
Grey Reef Sharks

Giant Trevallies
Napoleon Wrasse
Hawksbill Turtles

Careful observers may also discover schooling tuna, colourful anthias, giant sea fans, and occasionally manta rays or even whale sharks passing through the blue.

WHY DIVE ELPHINSTONE REEF?

World-famous drift diving
Seasonal shark encounters
Spectacular vertical reef walls
Colourful soft coral gardens

Exceptional visibility
Rich pelagic marine life
Incredible underwater photography opportunities
One of the Red Sea’s most iconic dive sites

OUR TIPS

Elphinstone Reef is recommended for experienced divers due to its offshore location and potentially strong currents. Good buoyancy control and confidence in drift diving are essential for enjoying this spectacular reef safely.

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are naturally curious animals. Our experienced guides carefully monitor conditions, provide detailed briefings, and ensure safe, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible dives for every guest.

READY TO JOIN ELPHINSTONE REEF?

Join our experienced guides for an unforgettable speed boat adventure to one of the Red Sea’s most legendary dive sites, featuring spectacular reef walls, colourful coral gardens, and exciting encounters with pelagic marine life.

BOOK YOUR DIVE

SPEED BOAT DIVING

Elphinstone Reef is reached by speed boat in approximately 25–30 minutes from Marsa Alam.

Divers enter the water with a back-roll directly from the boat before beginning their drift dive along the reef. At the end of the dive, equipment is removed in the water and handed to the captain before comfortably re-boarding the speed boat.

DIVER REQUIREMENTS

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Elphinstone is suitable for experienced divers only.

DIVER REQUIREMENTS

Minimum 50 logged dives
Advanced Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) recommended
Experienced Open Water Divers with a Deep Diver Specialty may participate after guide approval

A Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) and an experienced dive guide are mandatory for every dive.

ADDITIONAL FEES

€50 Elphinstone Speed Boat Supplement (includes speed boat and guide)
€5 Early Morning Departure Fee

A minimum of 4 divers is required for the trip to operate.

FAQ

Is Marsa Egla suitable for beginners?

Yes. Marsa Egla is one of the best shore dive sites in Marsa Alam for beginners. The calm conditions, easy beach entry, and gradual depth profile make it ideal for training dives, refresher dives, and newly certified divers.

Can I see turtles at Marsa Egla?

Green turtles are frequently seen feeding in the seagrass meadows and are one of the main attractions of Marsa Egla. While sightings are common, they can never be guaranteed because the animals live freely in their natural habitat.

Is Marsa Egla good for snorkeling?

Absolutely. The shallow lagoon, clear water, and coral reefs close to the shore make Marsa Egla one of the best snorkeling spots in the Marsa Alam area. It is suitable for beginners, families, and experienced snorkelers.

How deep is Marsa Egla?

The dive site ranges from approximately 1 metre in the shallow lagoon to around 30 metres along the outer reef, making it suitable for divers with different experience levels.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Marsa Egla is home to green turtles, butterflyfish, parrotfish, lionfish, goatfish, moray eels, blue-spotted stingrays, octopus, cuttlefish, and a wide variety of colourful reef fish. Lucky visitors may also encounter eagle rays.

When is the best time to visit Marsa Egla?

Marsa Egla can be enjoyed throughout the year. Morning trips usually offer the calmest sea conditions, excellent visibility, and the best opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Do I need a boat to dive Marsa Egla?

No. Marsa Egla is an easy shore dive with direct beach access, allowing divers and snorkelers to enter the water without a boat.

Is Marsa Egla suitable for underwater photography?

Yes. The combination of healthy coral reefs, excellent visibility, abundant marine life, and calm conditions makes Marsa Egla an excellent location for both wide-angle and macro underwater photography.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing your swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, certification card (for certified divers), and an underwater camera if you have one. Full diving and snorkeling equipment can also be rented from Deep Adventure Diving.