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Underwater view of Sataya Reef, Marsa Alam Red Sea

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

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Real reviews . Real divers

What divers say about Sataya Reef

4.3/596 Google reviews
View all on Google Maps

Navendu Lad

Jun 2026

Google

This is a lively lovely reef South East of Wadi Lahmy (South of Hurghada). Crystal clear waters and an excellent sanctuary for marine life. We saw a baby shark, manta rays, dolphins (of course) among enormous coral columns and gardens. A lot of the coral seems dead, probably a cyclical phemomenon, but the underwater life is simply breathtaking.

Karel

Jan 2026

Google

It was amazing! We were swimming with dolphins for about one and half hour. I recommend to go in low season.

Marius Hofgaard

Jan 2026

Google

The dolphins are great, but the tours going there are terrible. BTW: It seems like all tours use the same group of boats. Driving boats too close to the dolphins (and swimmers, boat propellers are dangerous) Also, they are «carpet bombing» the dolphins with tourists. And chasing them down.

Kate Bell

Dec 2025

Google

An experience of a lifetime, so healing and transformational. The expertise of Al Thuraya Red Sea is a gift given with pleasure, an introduction to the wild dolphins in the lagoon that is personal and spiritual and forever in my heart. My soul spirit is in the sea with the dolphins wherever I am in the world. A Joyous Vortex, an Open Chanel, trust and unity to Mother Earth. ❤️

La Palmeraie

Jul 2022

Google

Unforgettable experience. Exceptionnel to swim with so many dolphins and in this proximity in their natural environment. The excursion was really well organized with a really enjoyable lunch prepared on the boat.

Public Google reviews of Sataya Reef as a dive site - they describe the location itself, not a specific trip with us.