The icon of Marsa Alam diving. A long, narrow plateau (around 300 m by 30 m) running roughly north–south in open water 30 km north of Marsa Alam town and 12 km off the coast.
Depth
5-70m
Level
Advanced
Access
Boat Dive
Visibility
25-40m
Current
Strong current
About this site
The icon of Marsa Alam diving. A long, narrow plateau (around 300 m by 30 m) running roughly north–south in open water 30 km north of Marsa Alam town and 12 km off the coast. The plateau tops out at 5–8 m and drops away on both sides as sheer walls; the southern tip plunges into the famous arch at 55–80 m. Soft-coral curtains, schooling fusiliers, and the Red Sea's most reliable shark action — oceanic whitetips in late autumn, hammerheads in summer.
If there were a way to give 10 stars, Elphinstone Reef would deserve every single one of them!
Every time we visit Elphinstone, it delivers something spectacular. The reef is absolutely breathtaking, packed with vibrant marine life, stunning coral formations, and endless underwater action. No two dives are ever the same, which is exactly why we keep coming back.
Our most unforgettable experience was in December when we had an incredible close encounter with a Longimanus (oceanic whitetip shark). Seeing such a magnificent animal from so close was both thrilling and humbling. It was one of those moments that reminds you why you fell in love with diving in the first place.
Elphinstone seems to have a magical rule: if you arrive expecting something amazing, it will exceed your expectations anyway! From curious reef inhabitants to big pelagic surprises, this place never disappoints.
For divers, Elphinstone isn’t just a dive site, it’s an addiction. The only downside is that every reef you visit afterward has a very hard act to follow!
Can’t wait to come back and see what surprises Elphinstone has waiting for us next. 🦈🌊🤿
MS
Marta Stashevska
Jun 2025
Google
One of the most thrilling dives I’ve ever done. Elphinstone Reef offers stunning drop-offs, vibrant soft corals, and a real chance to see oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks. Currents can be strong, so it’s best for experienced divers. I joined a liveaboard to beat the crowds and catch early morning dives—totally worth it. Visibility was fantastic, and every dive felt like an adventure. A must-do Red Sea site if you're into big fish and deep wall diving.
SD
S. Diggelmann
Apr 2018
Google
Awesome reef for diving. Alot of fish and coral.
ND
Nicolas De Smyter
Nov 2022
Google
Very nice location to go diving. When we were here, there was a lot of things we got to see. It of course depends on different factors what you actually see, but it is definitely worth to do a couple of dives here.
IZ
Ismail Zohdy
Oct 2022
Google
Best dive site with sharks in the red sea
I dont recommend going with a speed boat from shore if wind is more than 18 knots - its usually 18 knots
Sharks are amazing and you get to sea oceanic white tip sharks - long manous - and hammer head sharks along with tiger sharks
If you are not an experienced diver then its not recommended
Public Google reviews of Elphinstone Reef as a dive site - they describe the location itself, not a specific trip with us.
