SHARM EL SHEIKH (dive sites)

This is the most popular site in the Ras Mohammed region, thanks to the luxuriance of its marine life, its unusual reef structure, its permanent network of moorings, and its easy accessibility for dive boats.

The site comprises two huge patch reefs spiralling up to the water surface from the sheer face of the massive wall which joins Ras Za'atir in the north to Ras Mohammed.

Together, these pinnacles define a type of shallow lagoon with average depths of 8-10m (26-33 feet). The northern patch reef, which lies perpendicular to the current, is the more interesting of the two.

If you have time in hand, and if the current permits, pay a visit to Anemone City. This shelf of rock protrudes about 20m (66 feet) into the surrounding water. It is dotted with coral heads and gorgonians, as well as innumerable sea anemones for which it is named. You will be pleased to discover a thermal spring here, although it is likely to give rise to poor visibility in places. Structural uniqueness aside, Shark Reef is also famous for its rich fish population. An enormous resident Napoleon wrasse will do anything for a morsel of food. Large schools of jack cruise in from the open sea. Snappers, emperors and spades also cluster thickly here. Two especially massive groupers live at the base of the slope.

5 Km (3.1 miles) north of Na'ama Bay Shark Bay is easily reached by land. The dirt track leading practically to the water's edge splits off from the main road about 4km (2.5 miles) north of Na'ama Bay.

The powerful flood waters that occasionally burst through the wadi here have cleared away all rocks and debris for particularly easy access to deeper water. As in the case of The Tower and The Eel Garden, the flood waters have created a channel through the reef leading to the canyon characteristic of such sites.

The canyon itself becomes very steep with sudden rapidity - which makes diving it so exciting. Large coral outcrops cluster densely here, set off by stark white sand patches. Once upon a time, you could meet sharks cruising past here on a regular basis.

Ras Um Sid is named for the head or cape which juts out to sea. It is located 7km (4.3 miles) south of Na'ama Bay and borders on Sharm El Moyawhich is where the local fleet of dive-boats anchors, although the neighboring Sharm El Sheikh actually serves as the port of entry here.

Ras Um Sid is easily accessible from land. Consult local dive-operators for their recommendations.

The classic structure of this site - a tongue of land extending out to sea - produces a fascinating environment with ideal conditions for the very rapid growth of gorgonians.

Rays of sunlight filter through their great open fans spread against the direction of the current. The gorgonian garden is a splendid natural photographic studio.This is a good location for snorkeling.

One of the oldest and most famous diving sites in the area, lies in the middle of the bay. Countless divers have performed their check-out dives here before setting out on their trips. Conditions are very appropriate for this purpose: seas are calm, depths are not particularly great, and visibility is good.
The Temple is a massive rock cracked along its length on one of its sides, and surrounded by other smaller coral and rock formations. The top of this boulder practically reaches sea level. The large local fish population seems undeterred by the volume of divers who throng to this site. A friendly Napoleon wrasse is often found among them.

Just past the bend of Ras Um Sid, Fiasco is a moderately rich wall of coral heads and acropora descending to depths of 20m (66 feet).

This site is famous for the unique formations observed here: towering corals, arches and passages, as well as impressive pillar corals.

A couple of hundred years ago, a ship bearing a cargo of two-handled clay vessels or amphoras was wrecked at this spot. Their remains may be seen at depths of 25m (82 feet). If you have patience enough to seek them out, you will also see miniature puddles of mercury in the sand underneath the coral heads.

Another classic drop covered with colorful soft corals and schools of anthias or goldfish, Pinky's Wall may also be reached from the beach.

3 Km (1.9 miles) south of Na'ama Bay, virtually no diving site in the entire region is more conveniently approached by land than The Tower. Here a canyon plunges sharply down, flanked by coral outcrops on its sheer walls.

The structure of this site is dramatic, if not exactly unusual. At every point that wadis meet the fringing reef running along the coast, similar canyons or sand chutes are formed.

Similar canyons are found at Shark Bay and White Night. In the case of The Eel Garden, the same confluence of factors created a massive sand chute, rather than a canyon.

Just north of Na'ama Bay, the bay bordering Na'ama Bay to the north is probably the oldest diving region in the area. Because of its proximity to Na'ama, diving began here, in The Gardens, long before the hotels, commercial dive centers and live-aboards first appeared.

It is perhaps natural that the nearest corner to Na'ama became known as Near Garden and the furthest, Far Garden.

Near Garden had the edge as far as popularity was concerned. A gentle slope curves down to depths of 20 m (66 feet), then falls off more steeply to depths of 50m (164 feet). Coral outcrops cluster around the large sand patch towards the middle of the slope. This is an excellent spot for night dives, as you will no doubt discover.

The central region of the bay, Middle Garden, is a moderate slope reaching depths of 25 m (82 feet). Your preferred dive route takes you between the six largest coral formations which stand out against the background of many smaller ones.

The Far Garden features a narrow slope which becomes a wall just beyond the corner of the reef at depths of about 15 m (49 feet). Five imposing patch reefs are arranged in something approximating a straight line in the upper section of the slope. At the base of the slope at a depth of 40 m (131 feet) lies a cave.