Sha ab Sheer - Coral Paradise

Sha’ab Sheer — Coral Paradise is the western dive site on Sha’ab Sheer, a large horseshoe-shaped offshore reef located just south of Safaga in the northern Egyptian Red Sea.

Overview

Sha’ab Sheer is a substantial reef system stretching over a kilometre, offering two distinct dive areas: Shark Point at the eastern end and Coral Paradise at the western end. Coral Paradise, as the name implies, is characterised by the exceptional quality and density of its coral formations — brain corals, table corals (Acropora), and extensive hard coral gardens are the defining feature here.

The western face is more sheltered than the exposed eastern point, with depths ranging from around 5 m on the shallow reef top to 30 m along the wall. Visibility is typically excellent at 20–30 m, especially in spring and autumn. The site is accessible on both liveaboard itineraries (overnight anchoring is common in the sheltered sections) and day trips from Safaga.

Dive Profile

• Depth: 5–30 m
• Current: Variable; generally moderate on western side
• Visibility: 20–30 m
• Entry: Boat

Marine Life

Blue-spotted stingrays (Taeniura lymma), scorpionfish, and moray eels inhabit the reef crevices. Macro life includes nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, and juvenile fish sheltering in coral heads. The western orientation and shelter allow the coral gardens to reach their greatest density and variety on this section of the reef.

Sources: Egypt Liveaboard — Sha’ab Sheer, Zentacle — Sha’ab Sheer Coral Paradise. Last updated 2026-05-17.