Shaab Nenad

An offshore reef in the Hurghada zone named for a local diving personality — a productive pinnacle system with gorgonian fans, resident cleaning stations, and reliable grey reef shark sightings in the outer reef section.

Overview

Shaab Nenad sits at approximately 27.23°N, 33.94°E in the offshore zone between Hurghada and El Gouna, accessible as a day-boat site from Hurghada operators. The name follows the Red Sea tradition of naming dive sites for local dive guides and personalities — Nenad is a Slavic name associated with dive guide communities working in the Hurghada area. The reef structure follows the pattern of central Egyptian Red Sea offshore reefs: a main reef body with sheltered inner faces and an exposed outer slope dropping to 18–20 metres, with a sandy floor beyond. It is not among the most heavily promoted Hurghada sites but maintains good coral coverage and consistent marine life.

Site Information

• Location: Offshore Hurghada, central Egyptian Red Sea (~27.23°N, 33.94°E)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–25 meters
• Current: Mild to moderate; stronger on the exposed outer face
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May optimal

Marine Life

Grey reef sharks patrol the outer reef slope and are visible from the reef edge when current is running. Cleaning stations on the mid-reef section attract resident groupers and moray eels for extended sessions. Gorgonian fans are established on the outer slope at 15–18 metres. Schools of anthias cover the reef crest. Barracuda patrol in open water off the reef tip. Moray eels are abundant in the reef crevices. Blue-spotted stingrays rest on the sandy areas adjacent to the reef base.

Dive Profile

Descend on the sheltered inner face and work to the outer slope at 12–18 metres. Scan the outer edge for sharks before ascending to the cleaning stations at 8–12 metres. The upper reef at 5–8 metres provides the best natural light and fish density for the safety stop section. The full dive covers the inner face, outer slope, and upper reef in a multi-level profile.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Hurghada (30–50 minutes). Giant stride entry. Often combined with adjacent Hurghada offshore sites for a two-dive day. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• Afternoon dives provide the best shark activity on the outer slope
• The cleaning stations reward extended stationary observation — budget 10+ minutes in this zone
• Gorgonian fans at 15–18 metres on the outer slope warrant a wide-angle lens for portraits against the blue water

Safety Considerations

Current on the outer slope requires monitoring. Scorpionfish on the reef edges. SMB before ascending.

Photography

Gorgonian fan portraits on the outer slope in natural light are the signature wide-angle subjects. Grey reef shark portraits at the reef edge suit a wide-angle approach from the reef surface. Cleaning station macro portraits at 8–12 metres reward patience.

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