North Long Reef

North Long Reef is a remote offshore reef site in the central-southern Red Sea at approximately 22.34°N, 38.85°E, situated adjacent to the Middle Reef site (22.37°N, 38.85°E) in open Red Sea waters midway between the Egyptian and Saudi Arabian coasts. The name is descriptive — this is the northern section of an elongated reef structure, with Middle Reef designating the central or southern portion.

Overview

North Long Reef and Middle Reef form a connected reef complex in some of the most rarely visited open waters of the Red Sea. At this latitude, the sea is open and influenced by broader oceanographic patterns, with excellent water clarity and little evidence of the sedimentation or coastal runoff that occasionally affects nearshore sites further north. The reef rises from deeper water to create a productive platform with diverse dive environments from the shallow reef top to the sloping edges at 15-20 meters. The remote location and very limited diver visitation mean the reef and its fish populations are essentially undisturbed — a genuine wilderness diving experience within the Red Sea.

Site Information

• Location: Open Red Sea (approximately 22.34°N, 38.85°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 25-40 meters (80-130 feet)
• Current: Variable; can be strong at open reef edges
• Best Time: November to April

Marine Life

Undisturbed reefs in the open Red Sea support large, visible populations of the region’s apex species. Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and potentially silvertip or oceanic whitetip sharks are expected at remote reef edges like North Long Reef. Large humphead wrasse and groupers, unusually tame due to minimal human exposure, regularly approach divers. Barracuda and trevally schools are consistent at offshore sites. Sea turtles are possible throughout the Red Sea at clean reef sites. The coral community on a pristine reef of this type demonstrates what Red Sea reefs look like without decades of intensive diver traffic: dense hard coral coverage, well-developed sea fans, and undisturbed encrusting communities on all available hard substrate.

Dive Profile

Descend to the reef edge and explore the outer slope at 10-20 meters, where current-fed fish concentrations are highest. The elongated reef structure allows an extended drift dive along the north-south reef axis if current is cooperative. Work the reef edge systematically, monitoring the open water column for pelagic visitors. Ascend conservatively from the reef and deploy SMB well before surfacing — the open water setting requires early SMB deployment for boat tracking.

Entry and Exit

Exclusively liveaboard access. Surface conditions in this open stretch of the Red Sea can be variable. Entry only on captain’s confirmation of safe conditions. Giant stride entry; drift pickup by the boat. Full safety equipment complement is mandatory.

Tips and Recommendations

• Pair with the adjacent Middle Reef for a complete exploration of this reef system
• The reef’s elongated shape rewards a drift dive along its axis — plan dive direction with current assessment at the surface
• This is a site for experienced open-water and drift divers who are self-sufficient in remote conditions
• Consider this a career-highlight dive: a pristine Red Sea reef in genuinely remote waters

Safety Considerations

Open Red Sea at 22°N represents maximum remoteness within the Red Sea system. Divers must be fully self-sufficient: redundant safety signalling, comfort with open-water ascent and pickup, and briefed abort procedures. Currents can be unpredictable around open reef structures. Fire coral on all hard surfaces. No rescue services within practical reach.

Photography

North Long Reef provides conditions for exceptional underwater photography: the combination of outstanding clarity, pristine coral, large and approachable fish, and potential shark encounters creates opportunities available at very few places. Plan to spend significant time at depth — the subjects are here if conditions allow. A rectilinear wide-angle lens covers the full range from intimate reef portraits to panoramic reef scenes.

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