Shaab Ini

An offshore reef in the Fury Shoals cluster south of Marsa Alam — a liveaboard or day-trip site with pristine hard coral gardens, grey reef sharks on the outer slope, and the undisturbed character of a reef that sees a fraction of the traffic of the main Marsa Alam sites.

Overview

Shaab Ini sits at approximately 24.22°N, 35.60°E in the Fury Shoals complex of the southern Egyptian Red Sea — an area of small offshore reefs and shoals that runs south from the Marsa Alam area. The Fury Shoals collectively represent some of the most pristine reef diving in Egyptian waters, and Shaab Ini shares the general characteristics of this region: clear water, high coral integrity, and limited commercial dive traffic. The reef has a main structure with a fringing slope and sandy passages, typical of the Fury Shoals reef pattern. It is accessible as a day trip from Marsa Alam or on liveaboard itineraries that include the broader Fury Shoals complex.

Site Information

• Location: Fury Shoals complex, south of Marsa Alam, southern Egyptian Red Sea (~24.22°N)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Mild to moderate
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

Grey reef sharks patrol the outer reef slope, particularly in afternoon dives when current is flowing. The hard coral coverage in the Fury Shoals is among the best in the Egyptian Red Sea, and Shaab Ini is no exception — dense table corals, brain corals, and soft coral in the deeper sections. Schools of barracuda patrol in open water off the reef. Moray eels are numerous in the reef crevices. Hawksbill turtles are a reliable sighting on the reef platform. Eagle rays cross the sandy passages between reef structures. The fish diversity is high across the full range — anthias, chromis, butterflyfish, and fusiliers throughout.

Dive Profile

Descend on the sheltered side and work to the outer slope at 12–18 metres to assess current and scan for sharks. Work along the outer slope with the current before transitioning to the upper reef at 8–12 metres for the coral coverage section. The sandy passages between reef structures provide natural corridors to navigate through the dive. Safety stop at 5 metres over the reef crest.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Marsa Alam (60–80 minutes for the full run to the Fury Shoals area) or liveaboard. Giant stride entry. Often combined with other Fury Shoals sites — Shaab Malahi, Shaab Maksour, and Fandera Hemera are in the same geographic zone. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• The outer slope in the afternoon, when current is most active, provides the best chance of grey reef shark activity
• The hard coral coverage here rewards photography above all else — bring a wide-angle lens setup
• Combine with nearby Fury Shoals sites for a comprehensive southern reef itinerary
• The relatively limited dive traffic at this site means fish are less desensitised — approach slowly for close-range reef fish encounters

Safety Considerations

Current on the outer slope can be moderate — assess before extending the dive into exposed sections. SMB mandatory before ascending. Standard reef hazards: fire coral, lionfish, and urchins.

Photography

The pristine hard coral gardens of Shaab Ini — coral tables, brain corals, and gorgonian fans in excellent condition — are outstanding wide-angle subjects in the clear Fury Shoals water. Grey reef shark portraits at the outer slope provide the signature pelagic image. The undisturbed nature of the reef allows closer approach than mainstream Marsa Alam sites.

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