Diving in 10km offshore from Marsa Abu Dabbab, Marsa Alam, Red Sea, Red Sea
Elphinstone Reef
Elphinstone Reef is one of the Red Sea's most legendary dive sites, a long tabletop reef 10km offshore from Marsa Alam rising from depths of 50m-plus to just below the surface. Famous for regular sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks, grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, and huge schools of barracuda, it is considered one of the top ten dive sites in the world. The sheer walls adorned with pristine soft corals and gorgonian fans are breathtaking.
Hours: Dive boats depart 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM from Marsa Alam marina
Best time: October to May; shark sightings most reliable November-January
Best for: advanced divers, underwater photographers, shark enthusiasts
Location
Elphinstone Reef, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt
24.9167, 35.0167 — View on map
Tips
- Advanced open water certification required — minimum 50 logged dives recommended
- Strong currents require drift diving experience
- Oceanic whitetip sharks are present year-round at the northern plateau