Erg Gubar

Erg Gubar is a pinnacle dive site in the southern Red Sea of Egypt, with coordinates (24.66°N, 35.13°E) placing it in the Hamata area, south of Marsa Alam. “Erg” is the Arabic word for pinnacle or pointed rock formation, describing an isolated coral structure rising from the seabed — a site type common throughout the southern Egyptian Red Sea. “Gubar” is the local place name for this particular pinnacle.

Overview

Erg (pinnacle) dive sites in the southern Red Sea are characterised by isolated coral towers rising from a sandy seabed, typically starting from around 25–40 metres depth and ascending to within a few metres of the surface. The pinnacle’s exposed position in open water means it attracts both reef fish, which use it as a habitat anchor, and pelagic species that sweep past in the blue water surrounding it. Erg diving in this region is known for encounters with large schooling fish and, at the best sites, sharks and rays.

Marine Life

The Hamata / southern Red Sea zone is among Egypt’s richest diving areas. Pinnacle sites in this region attract barracuda schools, trevally, and grey reef sharks that use the structure as a reference point. The pinnacle itself is typically encrusted with soft corals, sea fans (gorgonians), and hard corals, providing habitat for moray eels, groupers, anthias, and smaller reef fish. Sea turtles and eagle rays are frequently sighted around ergs in this area.

Dive Profile

Boat drop at the pinnacle; divers descend the mooring or the structure itself, circling the pinnacle at progressively different depths. The shallowest sections at 5–10 metres beneath the surface have the richest coral growth; the deeper sections toward the base (30–40 metres) tend to have more pelagic encounters. Drift conditions can develop around isolated pinnacles; experience with current diving is an advantage.

Site Information

• Location: Hamata area, southern Red Sea, approximately 120 km south of Marsa Alam
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Maximum Depth: 40 metres
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Additional Resources

• Last Updated: 2026-05-17

“Erg Gubar” was not found by that exact name in major English-language dive databases. The “erg” (pinnacle) site type and Hamata-area coordinates are used to provide a contextually appropriate description. General regional context from: Emperor Divers — Port Ghalib Diving, Marsa Alam Dive Sites — Scuba Diving Place. Last updated 2026-05-17.