Abu Seif
21.7861°N 37.0024°E · reef
Abu Seif is a remote reef site in the southern Red Sea at approximately 21.79°N, 37.00°E, placing it in the open waters south of the Egyptian-Sudanese border zone. The site is accessible only on extended southern liveaboard itineraries.
Overview
At this latitude, Abu Seif lies in one of the most rarely visited stretches of the Red Sea. The reef sits in genuinely remote open water where the effects of ocean circulation from the Indian Ocean begin to be felt in water temperature and pelagic species composition. Reefs this far south from the main Egyptian tourist infrastructure are in excellent condition — hard coral coverage is typically very high, large predators are more commonly encountered, and fish behaviour is noticeably wilder and less habituated to divers. Visibility at remote southern Red Sea reefs is consistently outstanding, often exceeding 30 meters.
Site Information
- Location: Southern Red Sea, approximately 21.79°N, 37.00°E
- Entry Type: Boat dive
- Site Type: Reef
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Maximum Depth: 20 meters
- Typical Visibility: 25-40 meters
- Current: Moderate to strong; open-ocean conditions
- Best Time: November to April
Marine Life
Southern Red Sea reefs at this latitude host the full complement of top predators in significant numbers. Grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks are common. Large humphead wrasse, substantial groupers, and barracuda schools are characteristic of this level of isolation. The coral community on a rarely-visited reef reflects decades of undisturbed growth: large table corals, dense gorgonian sea fans, and walls covered in brilliant soft corals. Sea turtles are present throughout the broader Red Sea and visit clean reef sites regularly.
Dive Profile
Descend the anchor or mooring line to the reef and orient to the site structure. Explore the outer reef slope at 10–20 meters, where current-influenced fish activity is highest. Monitor the blue water beyond the reef edge for pelagic visitors. Ascend conservatively and deploy SMB before the open-water portion of the ascent. Boat pickup is drift-style at this remote site.
Entry and Exit
Access exclusively by extended liveaboard operating southern or Sudanese itineraries of 10+ days. Entry via giant stride. Full self-sufficiency required. The captain will assess conditions before any dive.
Tips and Recommendations
- This site rewards experienced divers with the patience to fully appreciate a pristine, unhurried reef environment
- Carry full safety kit — SMB, signal mirror, whistle, and audible device — for every dive
- Photography opportunities here are outstanding given the fish density and clarity; bring extra memory and batteries
- Winter months offer calmer seas and the best conditions for extended diving
Safety Considerations
The extreme remoteness of southern Red Sea sites means complete self-management in any incident. Dive conservatively within your limits, manage gas carefully, and maintain close buddy contact throughout. Currents in the open Red Sea can be stronger and more variable than at nearshore sites. Always surface with a deployed SMB.
Photography
The combination of exceptional clarity, very high fish density, undisturbed coral growth, and natural fish behaviour at this remote site creates some of the finest conditions for underwater photography in the Red Sea. Wide-angle reef panoramas and intimate fish portraits alike benefit from the extraordinary visibility and light.
Sources: Divezone - Red Sea, Dive the World - Egypt Red Sea, Red Sea Scuba Diving, PADI - Diving in Egypt. Last updated 2026-04-04.
Sea-surface temperature and wave height from Open-Meteo Marine (ERA5 reanalysis, monthly averages).
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