North Umm Gamar Hurghada
North Umm Gamar is composed of two places. The northern plateau and Halg Umm Gamar ("The neck of Umm Gamar"). The northern plateau is characterized by huge table corals, large fish and strong currents. Halg Umm Gamar is simply a sheltered bay with a wall to the south and a 60 ° slope to the north. In the center on sandy ground are two deep coral heads.
sea conditions
It must be pretty quiet to anchor here, as the boat swings very close to the reef. Currents become stronger when you dive to the north.
dive plan
Visit the deep coral heads first (experience required). Then find your way out. If you dive to the north, watch out for where the current branches. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the other side. If you dive to the south, watch for black coral trees. There is also a cave at 8m, just behind the projecting column under the reef top.
Underwater life
The most common fish are crescent moonfish and peacock groupers, nose-doctor fish, Arabian and yellow-bellied nasal doctor fish, and pennant and mask butterfly fish. The reef is special for one thing - Spanish dancers by day. These are usually between 15 and 20m, but come up to 4m.
Umm Gamar Hurghada
Umm Gamar is a narrow, elongated reef in north-south direction 90 minutes from Hurghada. In the north and south there are narrow plateaus in the 20m range. On the east side, a vertical wall falls down to the silent depths. Diving is mostly on the southern plateau (near the buoys) and on the east wall. Umm Gamar means "mother of the moon" - probably an allusion to the moon-shaped island over the reef.
sea conditions
Again, it is restless on the way there. Once arrived Umm Gamar offers good protection. Currents are usually not a problem. If there is one, you will find it at the southeast corner.
dive plan
Where the eastern edge merges with the plateau are three coral towers. First and second (larger) coral tower are hollow, round and filled with glass fish. The third has a large, sandy cave at 27m. All three are richly decorated with purple soft corals and a cloud of glass fish.
Underwater life
On the plateau you will certainly find Napoleon, morays, flute fish, batfish and banner schools. Whitetip reef sharks interbreed from time to time. In February / March, sometimes mantas look past and in September, the giant presses guard their nests. The coral towers allow you to observe the natural enemies of glassfish - stonefish, scorpionfish and lionfish.
Shaabruhr Umm Gamar Hurghada
Like Umm Gamar, which is 1km north, Shaabruhr Umm Gamar is a narrow reef (Arabic: Shaabruhr) with a north-south axis. However, there is no island or signal fire to mark the location. That's why three ships ran aground there. At the southernmost point are the remains of an ancient Egyptian boat used as the army's liaison to Shadwan Island. At depth there is a liveaboard, as well as the now famous Colona IV, which sunk not too long ago. Around the reef there is a plateau 15 to 30m deep, narrow in the south and east and broad and sandy in the west. The north side is crossed over several hundred meters by a crest to 25 to 30m depth.
sea conditions
Shaabrahr offers less protection than Umm Gamar. Usually, they can calmly moor and dive at the moorings. On the east side quite strong currents can occur!
dive plan
Here you can do two good dives. Either a drift dive along the east wall or a dive on the southern plateau to the wreck and the steep slope behind it. For this dive, it is advisable to dive on the shallow part of the reef with its countless small caves and overhangs and finish it on the mushroom-shaped Erg.
Underwater life
On the plateau, you will often encounter moray eels, napoleons, big groupers and blue spotted stingrays. Along the steep slope you can observe white tip reef sharks, mackerel and big tuna. Shaabruhr is the best place in Hurghada to watch for gray reef sharks (in the afternoon!).
Carless Reef Hurghada
About an hour northeast of Hurghada, a high-sea reef ascends plateau-shaped from the abyss. It is located mainly in the 12 to 25m range and drops slowly to the outside to 22 to 24m - there begins a steep drop. On the plateau are two ergs. The first is to the northwest, the other to the southeast. Both are surrounded by a coral forest surrounded by large shoals of fish.
sea conditions
The ergs offer no protection against the sea and the current is difficult to predict. On the surface it is usually perceived as coming from the north. Under water it usually looks completely different. It is precisely these "uncertainties" that have preserved this beautiful reef in the past; it can only be dived on special days.
dive plan
Two dives are recommended. The first begins north of both ergs and follows the eastern steep slope to the southern erg. The second dive offers the possibility to dive both sides of the plateau from the anchorage and to circle the ergs in an eight.
Underwater life
This dive site offers plenty of everything. Look out for free-swimming moray eels, white tip reef sharks, turtles on the plateau. In the north you will find banner schools. At the end of the steep drop you will find tuna, thick-headed mackerels and big groupers. Early risers may even find hammerhead sharks here.
Erg Somaya Hurghada
About 75 minutes outside of Hurghada, east of Giftun Soraya, lies Erg Somaya. South of it is the tower of Giftun Police Station, north of it a small ridge. The reef falls quickly to a sandy ledge between 15 and 24m and then down to 50m depth. There are two towers on the ledge. The first tower is located at a depth of 18 to 10m; a buoy line is attached to it. The northern, second tower is between 20 and 12m. It is shaped like a pyramid and overgrown with purple soft corals. Below the ledge, between the two ergs, are two caves (at 25m and 32m) that unite to form a chimney.
sea conditions
In good weather, the berths near the reef are easy to reach. If the weather is bad, it is precisely this proximity that makes it difficult to dock. Erg Somaya usually has strong currents; Drift dives are the easiest in this situation.
dive plan
Start in the north, if you want to make a drift dive and finish it at the berth.
An alternative is the connection to "Small Giftun Drift". This dive begins at the buoys and follows the wall south to the southern plateau of Small Giftun. There you leave the steep slope and swim towards the shallow reef. If you turn around the corner, you can easily see the buoy lines and thus the mooring of the boat.
No matter which way you choose, be sure to visit the cave. The billowing curtain of glass fish has something mesmerizing ... If you have enough experience, swim in and out. Along the steep slope you can admire the deep colors of the soft and fan corals.
Underwater life
Batfish, barracuda, tuna, mackerel, napoleons, moray eels, turtles, groupers and, with a bit of luck, white tip reef sharks.
Small Giftun (Drift) Hurghada
About 75 minutes east of Hurghada, in front of the small police station on Small Giftun, the area is very popular with divers Small Giftun (drift). Here is dived along a gorgonian-strewn wall along a plateau along with the current. The plateau varies between 15 and 25m depth. The wall seems to fall off to infinity.
sea conditions
At the entry point, there can sometimes be a slightly restless sea. Therefore, the exit point and thus the boat is in the calm waters south of the blue lagoon. The currents mostly come from the north and are very different: sometimes you are easily carried, sometimes you seem to fly.
dive plan
Choose the point of entry depending on the maximum air consumption of your group and the planned depth. Good entry opportunities offer opposite the two beaches and also opposite the tower. From there you swim reef right shoulder south. There are several caves at 35m depth and there is a tunnel from 40m up to 45m (note the depth limit!). If the plateau begins, you can continue along the steep wall. But do not get too far away from the reef, otherwise you will have to swim against the current back to the reef.
Underwater life
Almost always moray eels and napoleons are on the plateau because in the past (!) They were fed. There are also many blue spotted stingrays, picasso pushers and crocodile fish. Turtles and mackerel visit the reef on the steep slope. Early birds can see sharks. Watch out for the big hitters in September!
North Abu Ramada Hurghada
Abu Ramada is approximately 75 minutes from Hurghada. At the end of the island is a long plateau at 20 to 30m depth, which continues slowly away from the island away. The plateau turns into a wall in the south. It drops steeply on its eastern side. As with Umm Gamar, there is also a Halg here (Arabic "neck"). It is located on the east side and offers the boat an opportunity to create.
sea conditions
Normally, North Abu Ramada, with the exception of the Halg, is too restless to dock. The current is very strong and therefore it makes sense to do a drift dive. In south wind, the boat can moor on the plateau.
dive plan
Do a drift dive if the boat can not moor on the plateau. Go directly north of the reef into the water and then go purposefully east to the steep wall. On this way you encounter a large coral head at a depth of 15 to 20m. The wall itself can be found at 25m. A bit further there is an inconspicuous hump (top 20m). The hump not only looks hollow, but it is.
At 31m depth you will find a spacious cave, which leads to a fireplace to 25m. The cave is slightly north of where the plateau merges into the wall. After the caves, the dive continues south along the wall. At the end of the small beach, the pier of the boat, the dive ends.
Erg Abu Ramada Hurghada
On the southeast side of Abu Ramada, about 75 minutes from Hurghada, there is a wide sandy plain, which spreads from here to the east. At the end of this plateau rise three large ergs from the bottom of the sea (18m) and reach almost to the water surface. The ergs form a line from the largest in the south to the smallest in the north.
sea conditions
Erg Abu Ramada is exposed to the sea and is therefore not regularly dived. This has preserved his untouched beauty. The current is sometimes strong, sometimes weak and very changeable.
dive plan
It is not worth the steep drop (30m to the east) to dive. Instead, it's a good idea to dive the ergs spiraling from the bottom up. On the eastern side of the largest erg as well as on the north side of the middle are small caves. For all three ergs, they are exceptionally overgrown with purple soft corals - a dive for photographers.
Underwater life
Moray eels, napoleons, tunas, barracudas, surgeon schools, bass fish and a cloud of thousands of small harem flagpoles are just a few of the many species that are represented.
South Abu Ramada Hurghada
In about 75 minutes away from Hurghada is Abu Ramada. South of Abu Ramada is a small island and three large rocks. The dive site is the reef, south of this island. East of the moorings a wall drops to 35m depth. A little further away is a bubble-shaped cavern with several entry points. The cavern is filled with a large variety of soft corals, beetle, cardinal and soldier fish. In the southwest are numerous towers with large fish population. The reason for South Abu Ramada itself is sparsely vegetated and reminiscent of lunar surfaces.
sea conditions
Except for south wind, which occurs very rarely, South Abu Ramada is very quiet. If anything, there is only current at the east or west corner.
dive plan
From the pier it is recommended to dive west to about 25m depth, because at this level is also the deepest of the towers. Split in the middle, it reminds of the opening of a shell and offers soldier and glassfish as well as sweet lips protection. Dive further into the flatter part of South Abu Ramada. There are the other towers. Then return along the reef to the dock.
Underwater life
Numerous free-swimming moray eels, bannerfish, napoleons, angelfish, sweetlips, nose-doctor fish, mullet, sandeels and squid inhabit South Abu Ramada.
Gota Abu Ramada Hurghada
Gota Abu Ramada, also known as "Aquarium", is about 70 minutes from Hurghada. The reef is ellipsoidal and is surrounded at 12 to 15m depth by a sandy bottom. On its west side are two large ergs. In the east are three small towers. From there spreads a coral garden.
sea conditions
Usually the sea at the reef is very quiet. Rarely, there are light swells on the east and west sides of the reef. This also applies to the current, which divides on the north side of the reef and can then be perceived on the east and west sides.
dive plan
Two dives are offered:
Ideal for photographers is the east side. The area is full of mullet, which are around the characteristic for the reef holes and grottos. About 20m to the southwest lie the three small towers that are home to a large number and variety of fish.
Underwater life
On the whole reef, especially in the west, you will find red mullet. Pennant, mask butterfly fish, yellow snapper and sweetlips occur in small and large schools. Large moray eels, mackerel, and crocodile fish are also on display, as well as turtles, eagle rays and leopard sharks, which are more frequent guests here. In September, the big hitters defend their nests very aggressively!
Al Aruk (Aruk Tweil, Shaab Kweiss, The Magic Mushrooms) Hurghada
North of Gota Abu Ramada (between 45 and 75 minutes from Hurghada) there is a greater number of ergs like a field of mushrooms. They extend from 12m depth (seabed) from southwest to northeast and are divided into three dive sites: Aruk Diana (southwest), Aruk Giftun (center) and Aruk Gigi (northeast). The illustration shows Aruk Diana.
sea conditions
Lying in the shadow of Giftun Kebir, the ergs are well protected from sea weather. At times, there is a strong current.
dive plan
The many ergs make it easy to lose your bearings. Therefore, select one of the central ergs (for example, the split erg) as the reference point at the beginning. Near the water surface, the ergs and their inhabitants are especially beautiful and colorful.
Aruk Diana consists of seven ergs; the illustration shows only six. The center is the split erg.
Aruk Giftun consists of seven ergs; they are standing on stony seabed. One of the smaller ergs there has a grotto full of glass, lionfish and scorpionfish.
Aruk Gigi is made up of 11 ergs; they lie in a line so close together that one can see from one to the other.
Shaab Sabrina (Shaab Sabena, Fufuleya) Hurghada
Shaab Sabrina is about 60 to 90 minutes away from Hurghada. It is easy to find through a reef tongue that sticks out of the water on the east side of Giftun Kebir. While the south side of this reef tongue is almost dead, on its north side is an attractive hard coral garden. This extends to the northwest and consists alternately of coral walls and sandy areas. An attractive, shallow lagoon is 150m after the reef tongue.
dive plan
Start a drift dive 200 to 300m west of the Ostecke. On the way to the mooring you pass the hard coral garden. The shallow lagoon is located at 2 to 3m depth.
Underwater life
Shaab Sabrina impresses above all with its impressive coral landscapes. Nevertheless, you can observe puffer fish, turtles, filiform, pennant, flute, masks, various doctors and countless parrotfish. In the lagoon, flute fish, giant clams, Griffelseeigel as well as yellow chromis are found in an oasis of antlers and fire corals.
Erg Sabrina (Erg Sabena) Hurghada
Just 150m from Shaab Sabrina is Erg Sabrina. Erg Sabrina is a small isolated reef in the middle of the Giftun road and rises from a sandy bottom between 10 and 12m depth. East and west is a fire coral garden; Towards the north is a small Erg, which is very well suited for taking pictures because of its many glass fish.
sea conditions
The sea is calm. Currents, on the other hand, are frequent and pronounced.
dive plan
Visit the northern Erg and also the west side of the sand area. There are many mullet on.
Underwater life
Turtles, large puffer fish, red mullet, Arabian and imperator angelfish, nudibranchs, langoustines and a variety of reef fish.
Hamda (Na Hamda, Umm Dom, Hamata, Stone Beach) Hurghada
Hamda is located on the northeast side of Giftun Kebir. It lies below a series of rocks opposite a white pebble beach. Hamda is a small plateau, which drops to 15 to 35m depth. On its outer sides, the plateau drops rapidly to great depth; at the two ends the plateau goes over in a steep wall, which drops to 50m depth.
sea conditions
In wind from the north or northeast Hamda is exposed to swell. Currents are generally negligible.
dive plan
Look for a large, green and tortuous crater coral. Floating northwards, they come close to two larger sandy areas at 15 and 18m depths. The wall does not start far from it. It's worth taking a look down the slope, down and out into the blue water. On the way back you should ascend to the shallow area of 3 to 4m depth.
Underwater life
In the open water above the plateau are large schools of blue fusiliers, redtooth triggerfish, single tuna, as well as snappers and nose-doctor fish. On the plateau, you can see moray eels, scorpionfish, barracuda, sometimes even sharks and turtles. Many fish wait here at one of the innumerable cleaning stations with open mail on a Putzerlippfisch. Here Wailhaie have been spotted several times.
Fanous West Hurghada
At the western end of Fanous Reef, a narrow "fossma" or channel through the reef wall leads to a lagoon at 9m and a coral garden at 12 to 14m depth. In this garden are two large ergs and many coral towers.
sea conditions
Within the fossma, the boat is protected in any weather. Outside, in the dive area, a current runs from northeast to southwest.
dive plan
In strong currents, a drift dive is recommended, which begins north of the Ergs and returns to the boats in the fossma.
At normal Strömunng you start the dive at the pier (4m deep). Swiftly swim through the lagoon to 9m and at the corner make the decision either to follow the reef further to the northeast or to leave the reef towards a coral head. It is easily recognizable in about 20m distance and leads from there to the outer and very attractive Erg (about 50m reef distance).
Underwater life
Typical are Picasso backfish, moray eels, snowflake morays, octopuses, cuttlefish, butterfly fish and also turtles. Afternoon dolphins regularly come along on their way from north to south.
Fanous East Hurghada
(Torfa el Fanous, Dolphin Reef, Dolphin Playground)
Fanous East [arab. "Reef with Beacon"] is a narrow reef band around a large lagoon about 45 to 60 minutes away from Hurghada. It is located in the northwest of Giftun Kebir. On the east side of Fanous East, a canal separates the reef from the mainland. There it begins to fall off to a coral garden in which three towers are.
sea conditions
The lagoon is calm in any weather. The north side, however, is exposed to the weather. Here also the current divides and runs on the east and west side along the reef.
dive plan
Who wants to use the current, begins his dive at the beacon and can drive back through the channel.
Otherwise, swim about 15m out to Erg "A" then to the coral garden and then to Erg "B". Before you can return, you can dive the fan corals on the corner.
Underwater life
It is not uncommon to find a school of five or six dolphins here. Turtles, blue-spotted, eagle rays, mackerel and barracudas are spotted now and then. Exceptional for this place are rarities such as large winged fish in the sand, fishing fish on the erg and star gazers.
Shaab El Erg Hurghada
Depending on the weather conditions, the journey takes between 90 and 120 minutes. Shaab El Erg is a sprawling reef in the shape of a horseshoe. This formation opens to the south and reveals a shallow lagoon full of ergs. The whole lagoon is dived. Popular are the northern tip, the eastern wall or the southwestern tip - Gota Shaab el Erg. Between the big Erg and the main reef a small canal runs; on the Süf- and west side is a large sandy plateau with countless turrets and coral heads.
sea conditions
The journey is long and typically a bit restless. Once arrived, you will be rewarded with very good anchorages in all weather conditions. Currents are weak in Gota.
dive plan
The turrets are much more interesting than the main reef. For photographers especially the coral heads are interesting. They are not part of the illustration and are located in a southerly direction at 16m depth.
Underwater life
Dolphins can be seen throughout the year in the lagoon. Mantas are observed at the northern tip between January and March. On the plateau that surrounds Gota you will find scorpionfish, groupers, snowflake morays, blue spotted rays and many triggerfish. Under the table corals one can occasionally see white tip reef sharks. In the sand you will find cone snails (!), Pointed gastropods and sole. Along the shallow reef are nose-doctor fish, angelfish, bream and snappers.
Shaab Abu Nugar Hurghada
About 60 to 90 minutes north of Hurghada, Shaab Abu Nugar is made up of a T-shaped reef to the west and a flat plateau with many ergs to the east. Diving is on the southeasternmost ergs (Shaab Iris), on the two large middle ergs (Gota Abu Nugar) and on the north side of the tongue, which faces west from the main reef. The name Abu Nugar literally means "father of ponds" as an allusion to several clear lagoons in the reef top.
sea conditions
The approach is typically a bit restless. Once arrived, you will be rewarded with very good anchorages in all weather conditions. Currents are in only weak form.
dive plan
Interesting are the shallow dives on the almost untouched reefs. Especially recommended are the three ergs north of the tongue.
Underwater life
The reef is made up of a large variety of hard corals: table, brain coral and other species. The fish life is ordinary; File, parrot and nose doctor fish are to be emphasized.
El Fanadir Hurghada
El Fanadir is a narrow, elongated reef just north of Hurghada. It can be dived at the southern end, on the east side or, in good weather, at the northern end. The illustration shows the east side, which is very popular because it offers good protection against weather conditions. Four flat, rocky islands characterize the area. A flat hard coral wall drops (at an angle of about 60 °) to a sandy ledge at 12m. This Sims is about 50m wide and narrows to the north. At 20 to 25m it begins to drop to a greater depth.
sea conditions
Currents come from the north and are usually weak. The southern end and the east side are protected by north or northwest winds. Most of the time you lie here well.
dive plan
The steep slope is sandy without coral and not very attractive. It is recommended to dive on the way back in the flat area of 12 to 15m and 3 to 4m on the way back. Just north of the islands there is a small and very photogenic coral head at 14m depth. There you will find glassfish, cardinalfish, soft corals and much more such. a stone fish based there. Only 100m further north are some very impressive fan corals.
Underwater life
The area is full of pipefish and thus the ideal food source for stonefish, scorpionfish and false stonefish, which are equally abundant here. Close to the surface it is full of silverback. From time to time, small swarms of tuna or mackerel can be seen hunting.
Shaab Ishta Hurghada
Shaab Ishta is 45 to 60 minutes from Hurghada. It is composed of two ergs, a smaller one in the north and a larger, cloverleaf-shaped one in the south. At a depth of 9 to 12m Shaab Ishta [arab: cream (here: first cream!)] Surrounded by seagrass fields.
sea conditions
The sea is mostly calm and the currents are weak except in the channel between the ergs.
dive plan
Shaab Ishta is a small dive site and therefore it is easily possible to circle the ergs twice in a dive during a dive.
Underwater life
In seaweed, look out for lionfish groups, stingrays, turtles, seahorses and ghost pipefish. In the channel between the ergs are sweetlips, mullets and snapper in the current. On the screes there are stone fish, scorpionfish and crocodile fish. There is a small cave here, where a turtle finds shelter at night. A large Malabar grouper patrolled in the area.
Shaab Petra Hurghada
Just 45 minutes from Hurghada, two ergs rise from the 8m deep sandy bottom. They are located in an east-west axis and are about 50m apart. East of the Ergs is a small, especially beautiful coral head.
sea conditions
Usually the place is quiet. A faint current drifts from northeast to northwest.
dive plan
Spend your time around the eastern erg and the coral head. The latter knows an incredible number of living things.
Underwater life
The coral head has some larger holes in the glassfish and gastropod fish. Above the coral head you will find a flock of silverback and small mullet. Goldspotted and Bluefin mackerels are hunting around them. The ergs are less eventful and have some larger caves where soldier fish, cardinal fish and hussars reside.
Ras Disha Hurghada
About 90 minutes south of Hurghada on the coast, there is a wide bay in the middle of an island (Abu Hashish) is located. This bay is bounded on the north by a promontory called Ras Disha. Ras Disha consists of a sandy plateau and a steep drop, behind the beacon to the north, together. Three ergs lie south of the reef.
sea conditions
The dive site is well protected from swell and currents. These come mainly from the north.
dive plan
The main reef has largely died and therefore not particularly attractive. The best route around the Ergs, rising from the sandy bottom at 10 to 12m. The northernmost Erg has a grotto with many glassfish.
Underwater life
At the Ergs are due to the glass fish also the typical hunters of glass fish available: mackerel, lionfish and red muzzle grouper. There are also very many bottom dwellers such as crocodile fish, sole stonefish, filament devil fish, blue spotted stingray and sand fleas. It is reported again and again, that should have a reef shark at home on the northern wall. Between the ergs there are barracuda schools.
Abu Hashish Hurghada
Abu Hashish is an island in the middle of the wide bay about 90 minutes north of Hurghada. The island gets its name because it used to be used by drug smugglers as a landing pad. South of the island is a 1km long reef tongue. The dive site is at its southernmost point. The plateau, between 15 and 22m deep, leads outwards. In addition, there is a steep and bare wall, which offers exceptionally good visibility. Within the reef tongue are several elongated ergs.
sea conditions
Abu Hashish can only be reached from Hurghada in good weather. The dive site itself is well protected. Currents mostly come from the north and are strongest along the steep slope.
dive plan
Leave the lagoon through the coral covered with table corals, swim over the plateau to the steep slope and follow it northwards. In the 30m area there are some very attractive caves. Return along the reef and complete the dive in the lagoon surrounding the Ergs.
Underwater life
Along the cliff, there are deep-sea fish such as mackerel, barracudas, white tip reef sharks and sometimes hammerhead sharks and brown stingrays. Turtles, blue spotted stingrays, Spanish dancers, moray eels and various groupers perch on the plateau. In the lagoon you can see cuttlefish and baby barracuda schools.
Ben el Gebel (Shaab Torfa, Shaab village, Torfa el Shait) Hurghada
About 90 minutes from Hurghada between Giftun Soraya and Giftun Kebir is a small road. An arched reef runs along the north side of Giftun Soraya - this is Ben el Gebel [Arabic: between the mountains]. At the end of the arc at five ergs lies the dive site.
sea conditions
Even in bad weather, the lagoon is quiet. The whole area is always traversed by currents.
dive plan
Float through the channel at 8m depth. You can easily visit the three nearby Ergs on the north side of magnificent fan corals gedeien. Sportier divers swim to the farthest erg. He is rarely dived and therefore offers many fish. Its overhangs are impressive and surrounded by glass fish.
It happens again and again that divers go too far out onto the street and lose their orientation. Mostly they appear then in neighboring Gota Ben el Gebel or Banana Reef. The way back is usually long and exhausting.
Underwater life
Picasso backfishes, puffer fish, yellow-bellied nasal surgeonfish, napoleons, and snappers populate the reefs. Gold-spotted mackerels chase the glass fish under the overhangs. On the far north side there are barracuda and occasionally white tip reef sharks and eagle rays. Anemone fish live in large groups near the reef.
Banana Reef (Gota Ben el Gebel, Gota Torfa el Shait) Hurghada
Right on the side of Ben el Gebel in the middle of the street of Giftun lies Banana Reef. The reef has the shape of a Ypsilon and lies on a flat ground with 15m.
sea conditions
In the south by the berths it is quiet and protected. Here the current is often quite strong. When the weather is bad, underwater visibility deteriorates considerably, because the bottom is shallow and sandy at the same time.
dive plan
You can dive both sides of the reef from the mooring. The northeastern point has a few shallow caves. On the other side, on the northwestern part of the reef is an exceptionally attractive erg. The leeward (south) of the reef is dead and uninteresting.
Swim towards the outer reef. At the corner there is a fan-shaped rock which is the home of a school of bannerfish. From here you should swim west to the reef. 20m away is the Erg. An overhang juts out on the south side over coral fragments. The north side falls off slightly and is also covered with purple and purple soft corals. Farther away you will find a cliff lined with fan corals. Toward the north, the ground drops to over 20m depth.
Underwater life
Mainly bannerfish, but also street sweepers, nose-doctor fish, emperor angelfish and puffer fish. In the spring you can observe eagle rays as well as scattered turtles and white tip reef sharks.
Carnatic Hurghada
Between the Chrisola K and the Ghiannis D is the Carnatic. In 1869, the Carnatic hit the reef and sank after a day of bad weather. As a passenger and mail ship in the service of the P & O company, it is said that £ 8,000.- of their £ 40,000.- gold freight has not yet been salvaged. The sister ship, Pera Alma, experienced the same fate. It is today due to the reef of Musahjirah (Yemen).
sea conditions
The Carnatic is located in a weather-exposed position near the reef. Here, the waves break and if the weather is not very quiet, the Carnatic must be dived from the Schluchboot. It is recommended to start and end the dive on your bow at 15m.
dive plan
The Carnatic lies on the port side at an angle of 45 ° to the reef at 15 to 30m depth. Broken down in the middle, the bow and stern are intact. Their decks have broken in over time and are now surrounded by a dense growth of tubular sponges, soft corals and - occasionally - table corals.
Ghiannis D Hurghada
The Ghiannis D sank in April 1983 in two weeks after it was previously broken into two pieces. She is still in very good condition and is not only one of the best wreck dives in the Red Sea. The Ghiannis D can be found by leaving the lagoon through the channel to the west. If you move about 50m to the reef in a northerly direction, you can see the Ghiannis D after about 200m from the water surface.
sea conditions
The current is usually weak. Due to its sheltered location, the Ghianis D can be dived in almost any weather compared to the other wrecks on site.
dive plan
Interesting in many ways is the rear of the Ghiannis D,
its deepest point is at a depth of 28m on sandy soil. The stern itself is at an angle of about 45 ° on the port side and offers a wealth of entry and exit options.
DANGER
Once you are in the Ghiannis, the bevels and angles can cause irritation in your perception! For example, you can dive up a flight of stairs while your sense of balance tells you they are diving down. A look at your exhaled air will show you where up and down are!
If you want to dive the engine room, you need a lamp. Sexy is a big bubble in the middle of the engine room. However, do not immerse (!) In it, to avoid that oil residues from the engine room pollute their equipment!
On the way to the bow there are soft coral covered masts, railing and other boat objects. A little further away in the shallows you reach the bow. Here you can make a safety stop while looking at the rigging and masts.
El Mina Wreck Hurghada
Not far from the port of Hurghada, in an easterly direction, lies since about 1969, the El Mina. Its bow is 25m deep and drops from south-west to north-east to 32m depth in the stern area. Completely on the port side, the ship has come to rest on stony ground.
The El Mina is a testimony to the warfare between Egypt and Israel. Time and again, El Mina tries to sell it to the curious as "The Israeli Torpedo," turning the defeat into a glorious victory. On closer examination, however, let neither the discharged stern anchor on starboard side with good 100m anchor chain close to completed war maneuvers, nor the superstructures of the boat to this conclusion. The El Mina was a minesweeper; She has never had any options for firing torpedoes.
sea conditions
As calm as the sea is, the visibility is so bad. Because of its importance, the El Mina is still a good bad weather alternative to the wrecks of Abu Nuhas. At times, strong currents can be seen from the north, and the wreck offers good protection even underwater.
dive plan
The El Mina can be explored in peace, because the area is just 60m long. Starting at the lowest point, it can be clearly seen from the antiaircraft guns that the El Mina was not intended for passenger transport. On the starboard side you approach the explosion point in the bow area. Here is the only recommended entry into the El Mina given. On the foredeck is the base of a gun that was sheared off.
DANGER
All around the El Mina scattered on the sea bottom is live ammunition! Do not touch them under any circumstances!
© Diving Hurghada - Diving Course Padi - Cmas - Ssi.