Ras Ghamila Reef

A headland reef near the Strait of Tiran with steep walls, garden eel colonies on the sandy slope, and the strong tidal currents that sweep the Tiran corridor past diverse reef ecosystems.

Overview

Ras Ghamila Reef sits at approximately 27.98°N, 34.44°E — in the southern Sinai coastal zone south of Sharm el-Sheikh, near the entrance to the Strait of Tiran. The name “Ghamila” (جميلة) means “beautiful” in Arabic — a description applied to several Red Sea sites. This headland reef experiences the tidal current flow characteristic of the Tiran area, with water movement that drives nutrient cycling and supports productive reef communities. The reef structure follows the southern Sinai pattern: a shallow fringing flat dropping to a steep outer wall, with a sandy slope below. Garden eel colonies are documented on the sand adjacent to the reef.

Site Information

• Location: Southern Sinai coast, near Strait of Tiran (~27.98°N, 34.44°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Moderate; tidal flow in the Tiran corridor
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May optimal

Marine Life

Garden eels occupy the sandy slope adjacent to the reef base, extending from 15 to 20+ metres in well-established colonies. The current-swept outer wall supports large gorgonian fans and soft coral assemblages. Schools of barracuda and jacks patrol in open water off the reef edge. Grey reef sharks are present in the Tiran corridor area and are occasionally sighted at the reef edge. The upper reef carries the standard southern Sinai assemblage: anthias, chromis, moray eels, and groupers. Cleaning stations are distributed across the middle reef section.

Dive Profile

Descend to the sandy slope at 15–18 metres and approach the garden eel colony slowly — stop 3–4 metres from the colony edge and observe without advancing further. After 10 minutes observing the eels, ascend to the outer reef wall and work along it at 10–15 metres. The upper reef at 5–8 metres provides the highest fish density. Safety stop at 5 metres over the reef flat.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Sharm el-Sheikh (30–50 minutes). Giant stride entry. Pair with Tiran Island sites or Thomas Reef for a two-dive day. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• Garden eels are extremely sensitive to vibration and current changes — approach the colony from the shallower side and stop well before reaching the colony edge
• Current days produce the best barracuda and jack activity on the outer reef wall — plan the dive to take advantage of flow direction
• The Tiran corridor’s tidal flow can be used to advantage as a drift dive element on the outer wall

Safety Considerations

Current in the Tiran corridor can develop rapidly on tidal changes — assess before entry and monitor throughout. Garden eels should be observed from a distance without descent toward the colony. SMB before ascending.

Photography

Garden eel portraits from a prone position at 3 metres distance — using a long lens or macro — reward the patient approach required. The outer wall in current provides wide-angle conditions for school and shark shots.

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