Abu Bassala

Abu Bassala is a coral reef dive site in the southern Red Sea near the Berenice/Port Ghalib coastline, Egypt.

Overview

Abu Bassala (“Father of the Onion” in Arabic, possibly referring to the rounded dome shape of the reef) is a submerged reef located in the lightly visited southern reaches of the Egyptian Red Sea, south of Port Ghalib. This part of the Red Sea sees comparatively little diver traffic compared to the Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh regions, meaning the reef life is largely pristine. The reef is characterised by healthy hard coral formations, sea fans, and a diverse fish population supported by the nutrient-rich southern Red Sea. Liveaboard vessels are the primary means of access.

Site Information

• Location: Southern Red Sea, near Port Ghalib / Berenice, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–35 meters
• Current: Variable; can be moderate
• Best Time: October to April

Marine Life

The remote southern location supports a well-preserved reef ecosystem. Reef sharks are frequently sighted, along with various ray species crossing the sandy surrounding seabed. Dense populations of anthias, butterflyfish, and wrasse inhabit the coral structure. humphead wrasse and large grouper are present. Sea turtles are commonly encountered on southern Red Sea reefs of this type.

Dive Profile

The reef rises from a sandy bottom to within a few metres of the surface. Begin in the shallower sections (5–10 m), explore the coral ridge, then descend the outer slopes to 15–20 m where sea fans and plate corals become more prominent. Return along the top of the reef for your safety stop in the coral garden.

Entry and Exit

Access is by liveaboard from Port Ghalib, Hamata, or Marsa Alam. Day-trip access from shore is not typically available at this latitude without specialised transport. Mooring buoys may be absent; liveaboards will use anchor or drift-dive procedures depending on conditions.

Tips and Recommendations

• Reserve this site for a liveaboard itinerary that explores the southern Egyptian Red Sea
• Early morning dives offer the best visibility and light for photography
• Bring reef hooks in case of current; carry SMBs at all times
• The pristine condition of southern Red Sea reefs rewards photographers with clean backdrops
• Be prepared for isolated dive conditions — the nearest evacuation facilities are in Port Ghalib or Marsa Alam

Safety Considerations

Remote location means limited emergency support. Dive conservatively within your certification limits. Carry a fully charged dive computer and monitor NDLs carefully. Liveaboard dive guides will brief on site-specific current and entry procedures.

Photography

The undisturbed reef structure and clear water make for excellent wide-angle coral photography. Sea fans on the outer slope offer dramatic framing opportunities. Schooling reef fish and the open blue water beyond the reef edge provide rich photographic subjects.

Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.