Resta Reef
25.6008°N 34.6144°E · reef
Resta Reef is the house reef associated with the Resta Grand Resort and Resta Reef Resort in the Marsa Alam area of Egypt’s southern Red Sea. Coraya Reef Divers, an SSI dive centre with PADI-certified instructors also available, operates from the Resta Reef Resort and provides access to this and surrounding dive sites. The coordinates (25.60°N, 34.61°E) place the site in the Coraya Bay / Marsa Alam zone.
Overview
House reefs in the Marsa Alam area follow a characteristic pattern: a fringing reef runs parallel to the coast in front of the resort, beginning in the shallows and dropping to a coral garden and wall at depth. The southern Red Sea in this zone is noted for excellent water clarity, minimal boat traffic compared to northern resorts, and healthy coral coverage. The reef provides convenient, flexible diving for resort guests without requiring a boat.
Marine Life
The Marsa Alam zone, where Resta Reef is located, is one of Egypt’s richest diving areas. Sea turtles (hawksbill and green) are common throughout the region’s house reefs. Dugongs have been recorded at several protected bays in the vicinity. Reef fish communities are diverse and include groupers, Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, barracuda, anthias, and butterflyfish. The hard and soft coral formations typical of southern Red Sea house reefs attract lionfish, crocodilefish, and scorpionfish on the reef base.
Dive Profile
Shore or jetty entry directly from the resort beach or dive centre. Flexible diving at times to suit the diver; depths range from a shallow reef top at 3–5 metres to approximately 25 metres on the outer reef edge. The dive centre offers guided dives, courses, and equipment rental.
Entry / Exit
Shore entry from the Resta Grand Resort / Resta Reef Resort beach. The Coraya Reef Divers centre is on site.
Site Information
- Location: Coraya Bay / Marsa Alam area, southern Red Sea, Egypt
- Entry Type: Shore entry
- Site Type: Reef
- Maximum Depth: 25 metres
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Dive Centre: Coraya Reef Divers (SSI/PADI)
Additional Resources
- Last Updated: 2026-05-17
Sources: Tripadvisor — Dive Company at Resta Grand Resort, Coraya Divers — Marsa Alam dive spots. Last updated 2026-05-17.
Sea-surface temperature and wave height from Open-Meteo Marine (ERA5 reanalysis, monthly averages).
6 verified species observations (3 species) logged within ~11 km of this site between 1999 and 2007, from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System.
- Tursiops aduncus · Indian ocean bottlenose dolphin
- Stenella longirostris · Spinner dolphin
- Haliotis pustulata
Scientific survey records skew toward sampled taxa (molluscs, corals) and do not reflect what you are guaranteed to see on a dive.
Source: OBIS (obis.org), aggregated Darwin Core occurrence records.
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