Elphinstone Reef

Elphinstone Reef is a renowned diving site located in the southern Red Sea, about 30 kilometers from Marsa Alam. Known for its dramatic underwater topography and diverse marine life, it’s considered one of the world’s top dive destinations.

Key Features:
Stunning Topography: Elphinstone Reef is a long, cigar-shaped reef that stretches over 375 meters, with steep drop-offs plunging to depths beyond 100 meters. The reef’s structure creates excellent conditions for drift diving along its northern and southern edges, where divers can explore its rich underwater features.
Marine Life: The reef is teeming with an impressive variety of marine species. Visitors can spot colorful soft corals, lionfish, moray eels, and turtles. Pelagic species such as jacks, tunas, and barracudas are frequently seen, while the reef is also known for attracting shark species like Oceanic Whitetips, Scalloped Hammerheads, Grey Reef Sharks, Silver Tips, and Thresher Sharks.
Seasonal Visitors: Depending on the season, manta rays can be seen during the months of March and April, while Oceanic Whitetip sharks are common between September and November.
Diving Conditions: Due to its strong currents and deep waters, Elphinstone Reef is best suited for experienced divers. It is recommended for those holding an Advanced Open Water certification and at least 50 logged dives, as the currents can be challenging.
Access: The reef is accessible by boat from Marsa Alam, with local dive operators offering trips to the site. Its remote location ensures a pristine diving experience, drawing divers from around the world for its breathtaking marine biodiversity.