Saint John North

Saint John North is a reef dive site within the St. John’s reef complex in Egypt’s far southern Red Sea, on the Tropic of Cancer in Foul Bay south of Ras Banas, accessible only by liveaboard.

Overview

St. John’s reefs lie approximately 210 km south-southeast of Marsa Alam, making them the southernmost dive sites in Egypt and among the most remote. The reef complex covers roughly 290 km² and features a mix of gotas (reefs breaking the surface) and habilis (submerged reefs with peaks below the surface). St. John’s North refers to the northern section of this reef system, characterised by the relatively sheltered topography typical of the northern groupings — coral walls, gardens, overhangs, and swim-throughs in excellent condition due to low diver traffic.

Because no day-trip boats reach St. John’s, the sites experience far fewer divers than any other Egyptian Red Sea destination, resulting in coral in outstanding health and marine life that is significantly bolder and less disturbed than at northern sites. Visibility is typically 20–35 m, and water temperature ranges from 23–30°C depending on season.

Dive Profile

• Depth range: 5–40+ m depending on dive point
• Current: Can be strong; intermediate to advanced recommended
• Entry: Liveaboard only (departing Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib)
• Visibility: 20–35 m

Marine Life

Spinner dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, barracuda, tuna, grouper, and parrotfish are regularly encountered throughout the St. John’s complex. The undisturbed reef walls support dense coral growth including both hard and soft corals, gorgonians, and sea fans.

Tips

• Intermediate to advanced divers only due to potential for strong currents and surface swells
• Allow 2–3 days minimum at St. John’s to dive the full range of sites; most liveaboards include 15–20 dives
• Early morning dives reward with the best chance of calm conditions

Sources: Dive the World — St. John’s Diving, Egypt Liveaboard — St. John’s Reefs, ZuBlu — St. John’s, Rocky Island & Zabargad. Last updated 2026-05-17.