Big Stone

Big Stone is a reef dive site in the central Red Sea between Hurghada and the Brothers Islands, named for a prominent large coral block that rises conspicuously from the reef platform and serves as a landmark for divers and liveaboard navigators.

Overview

Big Stone is characterised by its central feature — a massive coral bommie or isolated coral head standing several meters high from the reef floor. The surrounding reef is a mix of coral garden, sandy channels, and smaller scattered formations. The site is accessible in moderate to favourable conditions and is visited by both liveaboard circuits and day-trip operators. The “big stone” itself is heavily encrusted with soft corals and sea fans, and serves as a focal gathering point for fish life. Visibility is typically 20–30 meters; water temperatures range 24–29°C.

Site Information

• Location: Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters (65–100 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

The central coral block attracts a rich community: schooling anthias cloud the upper surfaces, humphead wrasse circle the mid-section, and moray eels occupy the lower crevices. Turtles regularly rest on the top of the formation. The surrounding reef supports parrotfish, surgeonfish, and bannerfish, while barracuda and trevally patrol the blue water around the pinnacle. Occasional eagle ray sightings reported by regular divers.

Dive Profile

Descend directly to the base of the central bommie and work around it in a circular pattern, ascending progressively. The feature rises from around 18–20 meters to 5–8 meters, giving a natural ascent structure. After completing the main pinnacle, explore the surrounding reef and sand channels before a safety stop on the reef crest.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive with mooring or shot line to the reef. Descent line is recommended in any current. Use the central bommie as a reference point for navigation. SMB for safety stop and pick-up.

Tips and Recommendations

• Circumnavigate the bommie multiple times — each pass reveals something new
• Look on top of the coral block for turtles resting in shallow water
• Check the deep water around the base for larger pelagic visitors
• The formation photographs well from multiple angles throughout the dive
• Good site for divers transitioning from shallow beginners’ reefs to deeper profiles

Safety Considerations

Current can channel around the isolated formation. Monitor air consumption on the deeper section. Maintain distance from the coral surface to prevent accidental contact with the soft corals. Always carry an SMB for open water ascent.

Photography

The isolated pinnacle format lends itself to dramatic wide-angle compositions, particularly shooting upward from the base toward the surface. Schools of anthias and humphead wrasse against the coral provide strong subjects. Macro opportunities exist in the crevices and overhangs.

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