Ras Banas

Ras Banas is a 50-kilometre peninsula in Egypt’s southern Red Sea, located approximately 160 kilometres south of Marsa Alam, near the town of Berenice. The peninsula contains the largest coral reef cluster in this stretch of the Egyptian coastline and borders the Fury Shoals reef system to the north. The area is largely undeveloped and remains one of the most pristine diving regions in Egypt.

Overview

The Ras Banas peninsula extends far into the Red Sea, creating sheltered bays on its leeward side and exposed walls and slopes on the seaward faces. Conditions are generally mild with both shallow sun-drenched reefs and steep drop-offs with stronger currents. Caves and swim-throughs are present at depths below 10 metres. The site lies in close proximity to the Fury Shoals — a 30-kilometre-long group of approximately 20 reefs running northwest to southeast, about 13 kilometres north of Ras Banas — which together represent one of Egypt’s richest and most diverse reef complexes.

Marine Life

Dolphins are regularly seen in the area. Dugongs are reported, making this part of the southern Red Sea one of the better areas to encounter these rare animals. Colourful reef fish, coral formations, and the full range of Red Sea invertebrates populate the reefs. Occasional wreck diving is possible in the area, including the Tien Hsing tugboat. The remote southern location means considerably lower dive traffic than the north, contributing to healthy and undisturbed reef systems.

Dive Profile

Boat access is required — typically a liveaboard from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, as the distance makes day trips impractical. The terrain varies across the peninsula: shallow lagoons at 3–10 metres, coral garden slopes at 10–20 metres, and exposed wall sections dropping to 30 metres and beyond. An appropriate range of experience levels can be accommodated depending on which sites within the broader Ras Banas area are dived.

Entry / Exit

Liveaboard access from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib on southern Red Sea itineraries. Day trips from Berenice may be possible through local operators, though facilities are limited.

Site Information

• Location: Ras Banas peninsula, approximately 160 km south of Marsa Alam, southern Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Maximum Depth: 30+ metres
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Additional Resources

• Last Updated: 2026-05-17

Sources: Dive the World — Southern Red Sea Egypt, Nileestate — Ras Banas Marsa Alam, Hurghada Travel Guide — Ras Banas. Last updated 2026-05-17.