Gabu El Bint

Gabu El Bint is a reef dive site in the northern Egyptian Red Sea near Sharm el-Sheikh, located in the sheltered waters of the Straits of Tiran corridor.

Overview

“Gabu” translates roughly as “bottom” or “base” in local usage, and this site sits at the southern entry of the reef-rich Sharm el-Sheikh area. The reef structure here is typical of the northern Red Sea: a healthy fringing reef with a shallow coral garden on top descending to a sandy floor at 18–20 meters. Hard coral coverage is good, with tabulate Acropora and massive Porites corals forming the backbone of the reef. The site is frequently used as a second dive in combination with deeper neighbouring sites, offering a gentler profile to round out a day of diving in the Tiran area.

Site Information

• Location: Northern Egyptian Red Sea, Sharm el-Sheikh area
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Moderate; tidal currents influence the area
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

Schools of bannerfish and pyramid butterflyfish are a constant presence above the coral. Giant moray eels occupy the larger coral crevices, and bluespotted ribbontail rays rest on the sandy patches. Small reef sharks and humphead wrasse cruise the deeper sections of the reef slope, while hawksbill turtles are regularly spotted grazing on sponges. Sergeant major fish defend egg patches on the flat reef surfaces, and the occasional barracuda patrols in the open water just off the reef edge.

Dive Profile

Descend to the sandy floor at 18–20 meters and follow the reef slope back toward shallower water. The mid-depth range of 8–15 meters holds the densest coral coverage and most diverse fish life. Finish the dive on the reef top for a shallow safety stop with good viewing of the coral garden from above.

Entry and Exit

Access is by dive boat from Sharm el-Sheikh or Naama Bay operators. Entry by giant stride or back roll. Ascend on the lee side of the reef, deploy an SMB, and surface for the pickup boat.

Tips and Recommendations

• Combine with a deeper dive at nearby Tiran reefs for a well-rounded day trip
• Excellent site for practising air management before tackling more demanding sites
• Early morning boat departures from Sharm el-Sheikh avoid surface traffic
• Watch for hawksbill turtles feeding on coral sponges in the mid-depth range
• The sandy patches between coral heads are good spots to look for garden eels

Safety Considerations

Tidal currents are an ever-present factor in this area. Always check conditions with the dive guide before descending. Carry an SMB and be prepared to ascend in open water away from the reef. Fire coral is common on the shallower reef sections. Boat traffic in the Sharm el-Sheikh corridor can be heavy.

Photography

The mid-depth reef slope produces attractive wide-angle compositions combining hard coral, reef fish, and the deep blue backdrop. Macro subjects including blennies, gobies, and nudibranchs are present in the coral rubble. Morning light penetrates well to 15 meters for natural-light photography.

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