Elphinstone Reef
شعب الفنستون
One of the Red Sea's most famous dive sites, with steep reef walls covered in soft corals. Oceanic whitetip sharks are often seen in autumn and winter, and it suits experienced divers.
Elphinstone Reef lies about 12 km offshore north of Marsa Alam. It is a narrow offshore reef about 300 metres long from north to south, with reef walls that drop vertically into the deep on both sides, covered in brightly coloured soft corals and sea fans. It is famous for large pelagic animals. Around October to December, oceanic whitetip sharks often approach divers, and if you are lucky you may also see schools of hammerhead sharks. Currents and waves are strong, so it generally requires advanced open water certification or higher and some diving experience. Dive centres in Marsa Alam or Abu Dabbab take guests out by speedboat. Snorkellers can only watch from the reef top beside the boat. Keep a safe distance from the sharks and follow the dive guide's instructions.
Opening hours
With dive boats (daytime)
Nearby sights
- Marsa Shagra
- Abu Dabbab Bay, Marsa Alam
- Marsa Alam Town
- Marsa Mubarak
- Port Ghalib
- Samadai Reef (Dolphin House)
- Sharm El Luli
- Wadi El Gemal National Park