Petra

Petra (also known as Shaab Petra) is a two-pinnacle reef dive site in the Magawish Island area, approximately 45 minutes southeast of central Hurghada by boat. The site is one of a cluster of offshore reefs in this area popular with Hurghada dive centres as a day-trip destination.

Overview

The site features two oval-shaped coral pinnacles (ergs) rising almost to the surface and separated by approximately 50 metres, with an elongated coral garden connecting them. The twin pinnacles sit on a sandy bottom at 8–9 metres. Their east-facing sides carry the richest coral cover, and a tunnel in the smaller pinnacle is packed with shrimp, bannerfish, and glassfish. The figure-of-eight dive route around both pinnacles takes approximately 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Marine Life

The pinnacles host a dense community of small reef fish: humbug damsels, Arabian damsels, blue-green pullers, and bicolour pullers cover the erg surfaces. Large schools of sergeant major fish and goatfish sweep between the pinnacles. Various holes and overhangs shelter squirrelfish, soldierfish, cardinalfish, and glassfish. Larger species include spotted eagle rays, lionfish, Mediterranean moray eels (Roman eels), parrotfish, and sea turtles — the latter particularly active during night dives. Stonefish have been recorded in rubble areas.

Dive Profile

Maximum depth of approximately 9 metres (sandy bottom) makes this an excellent site for Open Water divers, refresher dives, and underwater photographers seeking calm conditions. The mild current from the northeast or northwest means comfortable drift diving is sometimes possible. Night dives are excellent, with turtles as a primary sighting.

Entry / Exit

Boat drop-off at the pinnacles from Hurghada day-boat operators (45 minutes transit). The site is calm and suitable as a training dive.

Photography

The shallow, clear, and calm environment — with colourful pinnacles, diverse reef fish, and night turtle activity — makes this a strong photography site, particularly for wide-angle reef shots and macro subjects in the tunnel.

Site Information

• Location: Magawish Island area, approximately 45 minutes southeast of Hurghada
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Maximum Depth: 15 metres (typical dive 9 m)
• Difficulty: Beginner

Additional Resources

• Last Updated: 2026-05-17

Sources: Divers Guide — Sha’ab Petra, Funnydivers Hurghada — Shaab Petra, Fun Fly Divers — Shaab Petra, Zentacle — Petra. Last updated 2026-05-17.