Ghazala Beach Housereef

Ghazala Beach Housereef is a dive site in Red Sea, Middle East.

Overview

Ghazala Beach is a dive site on the northern outskirts of Sharm el-Sheikh — approximately 12 km north of the main resort area and 15 minutes north of Na’ama Bay. The housereef is associated with the Ghazala Beach Hotel and features a headland with a characteristically complex reef structure: the reef flat is cut into a series of shallow bays at around 6 m, outside of which the reef drops away through a wall of buttresses and sandy gullies to approximately 60 m. The best diving is generally done shallow, among the coral heads between the bays and through the caves and short swim-throughs connecting them. The headland is exposed enough to catch current from the north, which brings in pelagic species not commonly seen on calmer inshore sites.

Marine Life

Strong tidal currents at the headland periodically attract jacks, tuna, barracuda, and on rare occasions manta rays and even whale sharks, according to local dive accounts. The shallow coral heads and swim-throughs support a typical Sharm el-Sheikh reef community: moray eels, lionfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Night dives reveal crabs foraging on the reef, Spanish dancers (Hexabranchus sanguineus), cone shells on sand patches, and squid. Blue-spotted stingrays rest on sandy gully floors.

Dive Profile

The structure offers choices: shallow reef exploration through the bays and swim-throughs at 3–10 m, or deeper wall diving to 30–60 m. Inside the headland the current typically runs northward at low speed; drift diving is possible from the outer wall. Night dives are particularly rewarding. Visibility 15–25 m typically.

Entry and Exit

Shore entry from the Ghazala Beach Hotel beach. Boat diving from the hotel’s marina is also available. Sinai Divers operates a dive centre at the property. Suitable for Open Water and above.

Tips and Recommendations

Keep dives shallow in the 3–15 m zone for the richest coral life and the most rewarding cave and swim-through exploration. Evening and night dives are highly recommended. If a current is running at the headland, take advantage of it with a drift dive along the outer wall.

Safety Considerations

The headland catches stronger currents than the enclosed bays — check conditions before committing to the outer wall. Fire coral is present throughout. Boat traffic in the area requires surfacing away from the headland and using an SMB. Sun protection is essential during surface intervals.

Site Information

• Location: ~12 km north of Sharm el-Sheikh / 15 min north of Na’ama Bay, Sinai Peninsula
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 60 m (recreational sections to 30 m)

Sources: Ghazala Dahab — Diving page, Scuba World Divers — Sharm el-Sheikh area dive guide (contextual). Last updated 2026-05-17.