El Aruk - Aruk Diana

El Aruk - Aruk Diana is a dive site in Red Sea, Middle East.

Overview

El Aruk - Aruk Diana is one of three named zones within the broader El Aruk erg field, located north of Gota Abu Ramada and approximately 45–75 minutes by boat from Hurghada. The El Aruk complex is a wide sweep of ergs — mushroom-shaped coral pinnacles — standing on a sandy seabed at 12 m depth, arranged from southwest to northeast. Aruk Diana is the most southerly of the three zones and is composed of seven ergs centred around a large central split erg. The pinnacles at this depth carry multicoloured hard and soft corals, with typical maximum depths of 15 m. The site is described as an easy dive suitable for all certification levels, with a sandy bottom between the ergs providing safe navigation. A 35-minute boat ride from Hurghada makes this a popular half-day trip.

Marine Life

The ergs host parrotfish, triggerfish, rabbitfish, and schooling goatfish. Blue-spotted stingrays are regularly found on the sand between pinnacles. Snowflake moray eels are described as unusually abundant at this site. Lionfish and scorpionfish lurk under overhang sections of the ergs. One of the smaller ergs at Aruk Giftun (the adjacent zone) harbours a cavern packed with glassfish, with lionfish and scorpionfish hunting at the cavern mouth — this feature may be visited on the same trip. Turtles are occasionally observed, and blue-tip reef sharks have been reported at depth.

Dive Profile

Boat dive from Hurghada (35 min). Sandy seabed at 10–12 m with erg tops at 3–8 m. All diving is shallow — maximum depth approximately 15 m. Navigation is easy; ergs are clearly visible from one to the next. Low current typical. Duration 45–60 minutes. Excellent for beginners and underwater photographers due to the shallow depth and excellent light.

Entry and Exit

Boat dive from Hurghada day-trip operators. No shore access. Suitable for all certification levels including beginners.

Tips and Recommendations

Survey each erg systematically from top to base — marine life is densest in the overhangs and at the sand-erg interface. Early morning when the light is overhead gives excellent visibility between ergs. Bring a torch to peer into crevices for lobsters and moray eels.

Safety Considerations

Shallow depth makes decompression risk minimal. Fire coral may be present on erg surfaces — avoid contact. Check current direction before beginning the dive; occasional moderate current can carry divers off the erg field.

Site Information

• Location: North of Gota Abu Ramada, ~45–75 min from Hurghada, northern Red Sea
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 15 m

Sources: RedSea Creatures — El Aruk, Scuba World Divers — El Quseir Dive Sites (El Aruk context). Last updated 2026-05-17.