Abu Ramada Plateau

Abu Ramada Plateau is a shallow coral reef plateau off Abu Ramada Island near Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt.

Overview

The plateau on the northern side of Abu Ramada Island is one of the most accessible reef dives available from Hurghada, making it a staple of beginner and refresher itineraries. The flat reef top sits between 5 and 12 meters, carpeted with a mosaic of massive porites corals, brain corals, and beds of soft coral that shelter an extraordinary diversity of reef fish. The calm, sheltered conditions on this side of the island mean visibility is usually excellent and currents are minimal, giving new divers ample time to explore without rushing. The plateau edges drop away to sandy substrate, making navigation straightforward.

Site Information

• Location: Abu Ramada Island (North), Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 12 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-25 meters
• Current: Light, usually calm
• Best Time: Year-round (best October to May)

Marine Life

The plateau hosts a dense and diverse reef fish community. Parrotfish, wrasse, triggerfish, and large groupers are constant companions. Clownfish nest in anemones along the coral heads, and schools of glassy sweepers hover in any available shade. Bluespotted ribbontail rays glide across sandy margins between coral formations. Moray eels are abundant in crevices throughout, and blue-spotted groupers patrol their territories. The site is known in the Hurghada area for close encounters with resident humphead wrasse.

Dive Profile

Descend directly to the reef top at 5–8 meters and spend the bulk of the dive exploring the plateau. Navigate toward the northern and eastern edges, where coral density is highest. Keep maximum depth to 12 meters along the plateau edge. A relaxed 45–60 minute dive is easily achievable with conservative air management. Ascend over sandy flat adjacent to the reef and complete a 3-minute safety stop before signalling the boat.

Entry and Exit

Boats moor on the northern side. Entry by giant stride or back roll. The sheltered conditions make exit easy regardless of experience level. Coordinate with the boat crew about the preferred exit point before the dive.

Tips and Recommendations

• Ideal for Open Water divers and those seeking a shallow, relaxed dive after a deeper dive elsewhere
• Take your time — the plateau rewards slow, careful exploration
• Check under coral overhangs for resting turtles and rays
• Night dives on this plateau are spectacular; inquire with local operators
• Snorkelling is also productive on the shallower sections

Safety Considerations

This is a low-risk site with minimal current and shallow depths. Maintain buoyancy to avoid accidental contact with fire coral, which grows on many coral heads. Do not handle any marine life. Monitor air consumption and surface before reaching minimum reserves, as the mooring can require a short surface swim back to the boat.

Photography

The shallow depth and excellent light make this one of the best beginner photography sites in the Hurghada area. Wide-angle shots capturing the coral garden with sunbeams are highly rewarding. Macro photographers will find nudibranchs, shrimp, and small blennies among the coral branches.

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