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.

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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

Who can dive Elphinstone Reef?

Elphinstone Reef is recommended for experienced divers. Due to its offshore location, strong currents, and deep walls, divers should have good buoyancy control and confidence in drift diving. We recommend a minimum of 50 logged dives and an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent.

Can I see sharks at Elphinstone Reef?

Yes. Elphinstone is one of the Red Sea’s most famous shark diving destinations. Depending on the season and conditions, divers may encounter Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, and occasionally Grey Reef Sharks.

When is the best season to see Oceanic Whitetip Sharks?

The best time to encounter Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Longimanus) is typically from October to December. However, sightings always depend on sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

When can I see Hammerhead Sharks?

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks are most commonly seen during the summer months, especially from June to July, when they occasionally patrol the deeper waters around the reef.

How strong are the currents at Elphinstone?

Currents are usually moderate to strong and can change throughout the day depending on weather and tides. Every dive begins with a detailed briefing, and our guides select the safest entry and exit points based on the daily conditions.

How deep is Elphinstone Reef?

The reef begins just below the surface, while the vertical walls descend to well over 100 metres. Recreational dives are typically conducted between 5 and 40 metres, depending on certification level and dive conditions.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Elphinstone is famous for its pelagic marine life. Divers regularly encounter Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks (seasonal), Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Trevallies, Barracudas, Moray Eels, Hawksbill Turtles, and countless colourful reef fish living among the healthy hard and soft corals.

Do I need drift diving experience?

Previous drift diving experience is helpful but not always essential. Good buoyancy control, confidence in open water, and following your guide’s instructions are far more important. Our dive guides carefully adapt each dive to the conditions and the experience level of the group.

Why is Elphinstone Reef considered one of the Red Sea’s best dive sites?

Elphinstone combines spectacular vertical walls, colourful coral gardens, excellent visibility, exciting drift dives, and the chance to encounter large pelagic species. These unique conditions have made it one of the most iconic dive sites in the world.

Can I dive Elphinstone all year round?

Yes. Elphinstone can be dived throughout the year. Each season offers different highlights, from colourful coral reefs and excellent visibility to seasonal shark encounters, making every visit a unique experience.