Banana Reef

Banana Reef is a coral reef dive site near Hurghada, Egypt, named for its characteristic curved, elongated shape that when viewed from above resembles a banana. It is one of the day-trip reefs frequently visited by Hurghada operators.

Overview

Banana Reef features a gently curving reef formation with a mix of hard coral gardens, sandy patches, and small coral bombies. The reef slopes from a shallow crest at around 5 meters down to a sandy base at 28–30 meters. The curvature of the reef creates sheltered corners where fish congregate in high numbers, and the variety of micro-habitats across the profile supports diverse marine life. Visibility is typically 15–25 meters, with water temperatures of 22–29°C.

Site Information

• Location: Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters (50–82 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

A good spread of Red Sea reef species is present throughout the profile: anthias, chromis, and damsels on the upper reef; parrotfish and wrasse at mid-depth; and larger predators including trevally and barracuda patrolling the lower reef edge. Moray eels occupy crevices throughout. Turtles are a regular sighting, and blue-spotted rays are found on the sandy sections near the base. Crocodilefish are sometimes spotted camouflaged on the sand.

Dive Profile

Descend to 25–30 meters along the outer curve of the reef, then work back along the reef face, progressively ascending as the dive continues. The inside curve of the reef at 10–15 meters offers the most sheltered conditions and densest fish populations. Complete the dive with an extended shallow reef-crest section and a safety stop at 5 meters.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive from Hurghada day-trip operators with mooring available. Giant stride entry. Follow the reef plan from the dive leader. SMB deployment for safety stop pick-up.

Tips and Recommendations

• Swim the full length of the reef to appreciate the shape and variety of habitats
• Check the sand at 25–30 meters for garden eels and rays
• Look in overhangs at mid-depth for resting sharks
• The curved inner face of the reef in the 8–15 meter range is the most photogenic section
• Bring a dive torch for the darker overhangs

Safety Considerations

Currents can run along the reef, particularly at the northern and southern tips. Monitor air consumption on the deeper section and ascend with a minimum of 50 bar reserve. Boat traffic requires SMB use on all open-water ascents.

Photography

The reef’s curve creates natural compositional frames for wide-angle photography. Schools of bannerfish and anthias against hard coral backgrounds are classic subjects. The deeper sand at 25+ meters offers crocodilefish and ray encounters for wide-angle close focus.

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