Bluff Point

Bluff Point is a wall dive site near Gubal Island in the northern Red Sea, Egypt. The site is characterised by a dramatic vertical reef wall exposed to open water, subject to strong currents that fuel the exceptional coral growth and attract a wide range of pelagic species.

Overview

Bluff Point marks a prominent headland or point on the reef system near Gubal Island, where the reef drops away in a near-vertical face into deep water. The wall is carpeted with sea fans, soft coral branches, and encrusting corals in vivid colours. The exposure to prevailing Red Sea currents means the wall receives high nutrient input, supporting dense invertebrate life and the larger fish species that feed on it. Visibility is typically 20–30 meters; water temperatures average 22–28°C. This site is rated Advanced due to the depth potential and current conditions.

Site Information

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

Marine Life

The current-swept wall hosts large sea fans and whip corals occupied by pygmy seahorses and longnose hawkfish. Schools of anthias blanket the upper sections of the wall. Trevally, barracuda, and napoleons cruise the blue water adjacent to the wall. Grey reef sharks and occasional hammerheads are possible sightings in the pelagic zone. The wall base and crevices contain moray eels, grouper, and sleeping turtles.

Dive Profile

Descend to 18–20 meters at the base of the recommended recreational section and drift along the wall face, maintaining depth or allowing the current to carry you progressively. The key technique is mid-water hovering close to the wall, using it as a windbreak from the current while observing marine life at eye level. Ascend gradually and complete a safety stop at 5 meters before surfacing for pick-up.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive. Current conditions typically make this a drift dive — the tender boat follows divers along the surface. Blue water entry and SMB-based pick-up are standard. The dive leader will assess current direction and plan the appropriate entry point.

Tips and Recommendations

• Always drift with the current rather than fighting it — go with the flow
• Wide-angle lens for sea fans and pelagic fish in the blue water
• Advanced buoyancy control is essential to hover at wall depth in current
• Ascend the wall to shallower depth if current increases beyond comfort
• Dive torch useful for illuminating sea fans and crevice life

Safety Considerations

This is an advanced site due to current and wall depth. Never descend below your planned maximum without purpose. Current can be unpredictable around the point — listen carefully to the pre-dive briefing. SMB must be deployed before ascending in open water. Buddy diving is essential at this exposed site.

Photography

Bluff Point rewards wide-angle photography. Sweeping shots of the coral-encrusted wall descending into blue water are the signature image. Sea fans with associated fish life (hawkfish, pygmy seahorses) suit macro-to-wide close-focus. Pelagic subjects including sharks and jacks appear at any moment — always be ready.

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