Elphinstone Reef

Elphinstone Reef Diving Guide

Elphinstone Reef, a legendary offshore reef in the southern Red Sea near Marsa Alam, Egypt, is renowned for its breathtaking wall dives, strong currents, and incredible shark encounters. This iconic destination attracts experienced divers seeking thrilling underwater adventures and close encounters with apex predators.

Dive Details

Key Information

• Typical Depth Range: 5-40+ meters (15-130+ feet)
• Average Visibility: 20-40 meters (65-130 feet)
• Water Temperature:
  • Summer (June-August): 28-30°C (82-86°F)
  • Winter (December-February): 22-24°C (72-75°F)
• Difficulty Level: Advanced. Strong currents are common. Experience in drift diving is highly recommended.

Marine Life

Elphinstone Reef is a hotspot for pelagic life. Divers can expect to see:

• Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (particularly from September to November)
• Hammerhead Sharks (often seen in the early morning)
• Grey Reef Sharks
• Barracudas
• Tunas
• Mantas (less frequent but possible)
• A vibrant array of reef fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish.
• Soft corals adorn the walls, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

Best Time to Visit

While Elphinstone can be dived year-round, the best time to visit depends on what you want to see:

• September to November: Prime time for Oceanic Whitetip Sharks.
• April to June: Good conditions and a chance to see Hammerhead Sharks.
• Diving in winter months is possible, but you will require thicker wetsuits due to lower water temperatures.

What Makes It Special

Elphinstone's unique characteristics make it a world-class dive site:

• Dramatic Walls: Steep walls plummeting into the abyss offer exhilarating drift dives.
• Strong Currents: The currents attract large pelagic species and create dynamic diving conditions.
• Shark Encounters: Elphinstone is one of the best places in the Red Sea to encounter sharks.
• North & South Plateaus: The north and south plateaus are famous for shark sightings and stunning coral formations.

Practical Tips

Before diving Elphinstone, consider the following:

• Experience: This site is not suitable for beginners. Ensure you have experience in drift diving and dealing with strong currents.
• Dive Briefing: Pay close attention to the dive briefing provided by your dive operator. They will explain the currents, entry and exit points, and safety procedures.
• Reef Hook: A reef hook can be useful in strong currents, but use it responsibly and avoid damaging the coral.
• Nitrox: Nitrox can be beneficial to extend your bottom time, especially on deeper dives.
• Safety Stop: A mandatory safety stop is crucial due to the depth and potential for strong currents.
• Liveaboard: Consider booking a liveaboard trip for the best access to Elphinstone and other remote dive sites in the area.