Pharao s Island Pinnacle

Pharaoh’s Island Pinnacle (also called Coral Island Pinnacle) is described as the best pinnacle dive in the entire Taba area, located on the southwest side of Pharaoh’s Island (Jazirat Fara’un) in the Gulf of Aqaba at approximately 29.46°N, 34.86°E.

Overview

Pharaoh’s Island is a small island approximately 300 m long by 100 m wide in the northwest corner of the Gulf of Aqaba, 7 km south of Taba and 11 km south of Eilat. The island is topped by a restored 12th-century Crusader castle, captured by Salah ad-Din in 1170. The pinnacle extends from the island toward the southwest shore as an underwater reef structure running from 3 m to 30 m depth.

Divers are dropped onto the top of the pinnacle and descend along its sides. The dive site is described in sources as the best pinnacle in the whole Taba area, with very rich fish life. The lack of current makes it accessible to a range of divers, and the site supports both training and photography activities.

Dive Profile

• Average depth: 13 m
• Maximum depth: 18–30 m (varies by source/section)
• Current: None to minimal
• Visibility: Good (10–30 m)
• Entry: Boat (dropped on pinnacle top)
• Suitable for: Open water certification and above

Marine Life

Frogfish, large clouds of glassfish, stonefish, devil scorpionfish, stingrays, blue-spotted rays, and occasionally small Napoleon wrasse are recorded at this site. The rich fish life is concentrated by the isolated pinnacle structure, which attracts and shelters species in higher densities than flat reef areas.

Sources: Wannadive — Pharaoh’s Island Pinnacle, Egypttoursplus — Pharaoh’s Island, Red Sea Diving — Pharaoh’s Island. Last updated 2026-05-17.