Aquarium Reef (2)

Aquarium Reef (2) is a dive site in Red Sea, Middle East.

Overview

Aquarium Reef (2) is one of five documented dive sites in the Ain Sokhna area on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, approximately 55 km south of the Suez Canal. The “(2)” suffix in the OSM data indicates this is a second node recorded for what appears to be the same or a closely adjacent reef to the primary “Aquarium Reef” site — both records share the same geographic area. The site records a maximum depth of 23 m and average depth of 15 m, making it the deepest of the Ain Sokhna sites and suitable for a drift, deep, or standard reef profile. Aquarium Reef is named for the concentration and visual variety of its reef fish, reflecting the characteristic shallow coral-reef diving style of the Ain Sokhna area. As with all Ain Sokhna sites, the Gulf of Suez supports a more limited coral community than the main Red Sea coast further south, but provides accessible diving within easy reach of Cairo.

Marine Life

Ain Sokhna reef sites host fish species typical of the northern Red Sea: groupers, wrasse, anthias, triggerfish, and various coral-dwelling species. The Aquarium name implies relatively colourful and dense reef fish communities at this site compared to its neighbours. Dolphins are occasionally encountered in the bay. The Gulf of Suez’s limited coral diversity (approximately 35 of the Red Sea’s 335+ species) means reef coverage is patchier than further south.

Dive Profile

Average depth 15 m, maximum 23 m. Suitable for drift, deep, and standard reef diving configurations. Water temperature 18–28°C seasonally; a wetsuit is advisable year-round, particularly in winter. Visibility variable — typically better in summer.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive or shore entry via Ain Sokhna resort facilities. Local dive centres (e.g., Egypt Sunmarine Adventures) organise site access.

Duplicate Note

This entry carries the “(2)” suffix, indicating it is a second OSM node for what may be the same reef as “Aquarium Reef” in this dataset. Both nodes plot within the same small geographic area. The two entries likely represent the same dive site recorded twice in OSM.

Tips and Recommendations

Best visited April–October for warmest water and best visibility. Combine with neighbouring Ain Sokhna sites (Dolphin Reef, Harris Rock, Turtle Reef, Kurkle Reef) for a full day programme.

Safety Considerations

Gulf of Suez winter water (Dec–Feb) can fall to 18°C — a 5 mm wetsuit is essential. Visibility can be reduced by turbid Gulf of Suez conditions. Boat traffic in the resort area requires careful ascent with an SMB.

Site Information

• Location: Ain Sokhna, Gulf of Suez (55 km south of Suez)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 23 m

Sources: Wannadive — Ain Sukhna Dive Sites. Last updated 2026-05-17.