Shaab Maksour North

The northern section of Shaab Maksour in the Fury Shoals — a two-part reef where the northern tip provides open-ocean exposure, current-driven fish aggregations, and the opportunity to observe large pelagics passing through the offshore channel.

Overview

Shaab Maksour North is the northern section of the Shaab Maksour reef at approximately 24.24°N, 35.65°E in the Fury Shoals complex south of Marsa Alam. The northern tip of any offshore reef in this region acts as a current convergence point where fish accumulate — the same principle that makes northern reef points throughout the Red Sea more productive than sheltered leeward faces. Shaab Maksour as a whole is a moderately-sized offshore reef divided by convention into north and south dive sites. The northern section faces open sea and receives the most current and pelagic traffic. It is part of the broader Fury Shoals itinerary that operators from Marsa Alam run as day trips or include on liveaboard schedules.

Site Information

• Location: Northern Shaab Maksour, Fury Shoals, southern Egyptian Red Sea (~24.24°N)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Moderate; stronger at the north tip
• Best Time: October to May

Marine Life

The northern tip concentrates open-ocean species that skirt the reef on the channel between Shaab Maksour and adjacent Fury Shoals reefs. Grey reef sharks are consistently reported at the tip in afternoon dives. Barracuda schools patrol in the open water. Trevally hunt cooperatively around the reef edge. The hard coral coverage on the northern face is healthy and dense, supporting the full complement of Fury Shoals reef fish. Eagle rays pass through the channel north of the reef in the 10–18 metre zone. Hawksbill turtles rest on the reef platform.

Dive Profile

Descend at the north tip and station at 12–15 metres, facing into the current to observe passing pelagics. After 10–15 minutes at the tip, work south along the eastern or western face (depending on current direction) at 10–18 metres. The middle section of the northern dive area transitions the exposed tip character to a more sheltered reef face. Safety stop at 5 metres on the upper reef.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Marsa Alam (60–80 minutes to Fury Shoals area) or liveaboard. Often combined with Shaab Maksour South and other Fury Shoals sites on the same day. Giant stride entry. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• Position at the north tip on descent and hold station — pelagics patrol predictable corridors around the reef point
• Afternoon dives at the tip are more productive for shark activity than morning dives
• Current at the tip can be strong — plan to use the reef as a shelter and drift north only if conditions are controllable

Safety Considerations

Current at the north tip requires continuous monitoring — drift away from the reef can accelerate quickly. Deploy SMB before ascending. Do not drift into the open channel between reefs without the liveaboard tender tracking your position.

Photography

The reef tip in current provides wide-angle opportunities with passing pelagics and the channel as background. Grey reef shark portraits at the tip require pre-positioning at depth with the camera ready. Barracuda school shots in the open water off the northern face are a consistent result in current.

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