Reeks Reef

A named reef on the northern Sinai coast in the Gulf of Aqaba zone — an offshore reef structure with clear water, established coral coverage, and a character shaped by the Gulf of Aqaba’s typically calmer and cleaner conditions.

Overview

Reeks Reef sits at approximately 28.56°N, 34.53°E on the northern Sinai Peninsula — in the Gulf of Aqaba coastal zone south of Aqaba and north of Nuweiba. The name “Reeks” appears to be an anglicised local toponym. This section of the Sinai coast provides accessible day-trip diving from Nuweiba and Aqaba operators, with reefs that benefit from the Gulf of Aqaba’s characteristically higher visibility than the main Red Sea. The reef structure at this latitude is a fringing reef with a wall element on the outer face — the typical configuration for this section of the Sinai eastern coast.

Site Information

• Location: Northern Sinai, Gulf of Aqaba zone (~28.56°N, 34.53°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Generally mild in the Gulf of Aqaba
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May optimal

Marine Life

The Gulf of Aqaba reef carries a diverse community: moray eels in the reef crevices, groupers on the outer face, and dense anthias schools over the reef crest. The clear Gulf of Aqaba water allows appreciation of the full reef structure. Cleaning stations in the 8–12 metre zone attract resident fish. Schools of fusiliers and chromis throughout. Blue-spotted stingrays on the sandy floor adjacent to the reef base.

Dive Profile

Descend on the outer reef face and work along at 10–15 metres. The fringing reef structure suits a standard wall dive profile — descend, work horizontally, ascend progressively to the safety stop at 5 metres.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Nuweiba or Aqaba (15–40 minutes depending on departure point). Giant stride entry. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• The Gulf of Aqaba’s clear water is a highlight in itself — dive with wide-angle in mind for the reef panoramas
• Combine with Dahayla North and South for a comprehensive northern Gulf of Aqaba reef day

Safety Considerations

Mild conditions typical. Fire coral on the reef crest. SMB before ascending.

Photography

Wide-angle reef panoramas in Gulf of Aqaba clarity are the primary photographic opportunity. The clear water allows full reef structure shots from a single position.

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