Manta Point.

Manta Point is a reef dive site in the El Quseir area of the Egyptian Red Sea, positioned at approximately 27.42°N, 33.88°E in the coast south of Hurghada. The name is the primary draw — sites named “Manta Point” across the Red Sea earn the designation from documented encounters with reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), which visit specific reef locations for feeding or cleaning station activity.

Overview

Manta rays in the Egyptian Red Sea are associated with specific reef features — particularly cleaning stations where wrasse and small cleaner fish remove parasites from the mantas’ skin, gills, and mouths. At Manta Point, the name reflects historical and ongoing manta sightings in this area of the coast, though encounters are never guaranteed and frequency varies by season and oceanographic conditions. Outside of manta encounters, the reef here offers solid intermediate diving on healthy coral formations with the mix of fish and invertebrate life characteristic of this stretch of the Egyptian coast. The site is accessible from both El Quseir and liveaboards passing through the area.

Site Information

• Location: El Quseir area, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-30 meters (50-100 feet)
• Current: Moderate; can concentrate planktonic food for mantas
• Best Time: October to May; manta encounters most likely November to March

Marine Life

Reef manta rays are the headline species and the reason for the site’s name. When present, mantas follow predictable circuits between cleaning stations and open-water feeding areas. Divers who descend calmly and hover neutrally without chasing have the best chance of extended manta company — mantas will approach divers who are still and unthreatening. Outside manta encounters, the reef supports humphead wrasse, grey reef sharks on the outer edges, schools of barracuda, and dense populations of Red Sea reef fish. Moray eels, lionfish, and sea turtles are regular sightings. The current that makes this area productive for manta feeding also brings good pelagic activity.

Dive Profile

Descend to the reef and assess conditions before proceeding. If mantas are present at the surface or near-surface, the guide will direct divers to settle at the reef edge and wait rather than chase. If conditions are calm and manta activity is detected, hover at 10-15 meters and maintain absolute stillness. For the general reef dive, follow the contour at 10-20 meters, monitoring the blue water for open-ocean visitors. Ascend conservatively with adequate reserve for a safety stop and blue-water pickup if required.

Entry and Exit

Day boat access from El Quseir dive centres or liveaboard anchorage. Entry via giant stride. The combination of current and open-water conditions may require a drift pickup by the boat. Deploy SMB before ascending and wait for the boat crew to manoeuvre for pickup.

Tips and Recommendations

• The single most important tip for manta encounters: remain still and horizontal in the water — mantas that approach divers will leave immediately if chased
• Ask the dive operator about recent manta sightings and the specific cleaning station locations at this site
• If no mantas are present, the site still offers a quality reef dive — enjoy the broader marine life
• Mornings are generally best for manta cleaning station activity
• A 5mm wetsuit is comfortable year-round; the current can make it feel cooler even in summer

Safety Considerations

The enthusiasm for manta encounters can lead to loss of situational awareness — monitor depth, air supply, and buddy position even when distracted by manta activity. Current at this site can be moderate and variable; deploy SMB well before completing the safety stop for open-water pickup. Fire coral is present on the reef structure; avoid contact.

Photography

Manta ray photography requires patience, correct positioning (below the animal, shooting upward toward the light), and a wide-angle lens to capture the wingspan. Do not use flash directly at mantas — the light can startle them. Natural ambient light at 5-12 meters typically provides sufficient exposure. For the reef portion, wide-angle and reef portrait techniques apply throughout.

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