Linnea B.
FinlandRescue Diver
May 10, 2026
Spent the morning with the dolphins, then dives on healthy reef. Magic.
42 people found this helpful
Fury Shoals · Boat Dive
Sataya Reef (Dolphin Reef)
The southernmost reef in the Fury Shoals complex and the largest spinner-dolphin sanctuary in the Egyptian Red Sea. Sataya is a crescent-shaped barrier reef enclosing a 4 km lagoon where pods of 100–200 spinner dolphins rest during the day before heading offshore at night to hunt.
Depth
5-35m
Level
Intermediate
Access
Boat Dive
Visibility
25-40m
Current
Moderate current
About this site
The southernmost reef in the Fury Shoals complex and the largest spinner-dolphin sanctuary in the Egyptian Red Sea. Sataya is a crescent-shaped barrier reef enclosing a 4 km lagoon where pods of 100–200 spinner dolphins rest during the day before heading offshore at night to hunt. The reef itself drops to 30 m+ on its outer wall and shelters multiple coral pinnacles, soft-coral overhangs, and a healthy hard-coral plateau. Day-trip access is long (a 2–2.5 h crossing each way from Hamata harbour); most operators run it as a one- or two-night safari from a fast boat.
Highlights
- Resident pod of 100–200 spinner dolphins inside the lagoon
- Pristine hard-coral plateau and outer wall pinnacles
- Less crowded than Sha'ab Samadai
- Best paired with an overnight liveaboard for two-day access
- Whitetip reef sharks and the occasional manta in summer
Marine life
Spinner dolphinWhitetip reef sharkEagle rayManta ray (summer)Napoleon wrasseTunaBarracuda
Location
24.2858°N, 35.3790°E · ~110 km south of Marsa Alam
Loading dive sites map...
Real reviews . Real divers
What divers say about Sataya Reef
4.7/5. 19 curated reviews
Google
Marco P.
Italy
Apr 6, 2026
Sataya is a hidden gem. Dolphins by the dozens, reef in pristine condition.
5 people found this helpful
Beata P.
PolandAdvanced Open Water
Mar 26, 2026
Wild and remote feel. The dolphins were curious and friendly.
19 people found this helpful
Page 1 of 7 . 19 total reviews
Reviews are sourced from publicly available Google Maps and TripAdvisor entries for Sataya Reef. We have not edited the substance, only formatted for readability. Click "View all on Google Maps" to read every review and post your own.