Marsa Elmugabila

Marsa Elmugabila (also spelled Marsa El Mugabila) is a bay dive site in the Taba area of the northern Gulf of Aqaba, on the northeastern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The site is reached by boat from Taba, with the journey taking approximately one hour from the Hilton jetty. It is suited to a range of experience levels and offers both diving and snorkelling.

Overview

The site is centred on a reef characterised by prominent finger coral formations, which grow into distinctive shapes described as resembling castle walls. These hard coral columns and ridges provide the main structural feature of the reef. Fish life is diverse across depths, with the most productive zone around 20 metres.

Marine Life

Glassfish shoal in large numbers at around 20 metres depth among the finger coral formations. Yellowtail barracuda patrol the mid-water column. Eagle rays cruise along the reef, and stonefish occupy camouflaged positions in rubble and broken coral zones. The finger corals and overhangs shelter a range of smaller reef fish typical of the northern Red Sea — butterflyfish, anthias, wrasse, and damsels are all present.

Dive Profile

Boat entry from the Taba area; the reef is explored at depths primarily between 10 and 20 metres, with the canyon/drop-off sections reaching around 25 metres. Surface currents may be present in the Gulf of Aqaba but typically diminish at depth, making the bottom sections manageable. The site suits divers at all certification levels.

Entry / Exit

Boat only from the Taba/Hilton jetty area, approximately one hour by RIB or day boat.

Site Information

• Location: Taba area, Gulf of Aqaba, northern Sinai
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Maximum Depth: 25 metres
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Additional Resources

• Last Updated: 2026-05-17

Sources: Red Sea Diving — Marsa El Mugabila. Last updated 2026-05-17.