Sharm el-Naga
26.9000°N 33.9667°E · reef
Sharm el-Naga is a well-established reef dive site situated approximately 40 km south of Hurghada in a protected bay on the Egyptian Red Sea coast. It is one of the most popular shore-dive destinations in the Hurghada/Safaga region, known for its accessible house reef, calm conditions, and diverse reef fish communities.
Overview
The site centres on a protected bay with a fringing house reef accessible directly from shore. The reef is notable for its outstanding coral health — visitors report over 200 coral species — and the bay’s calm, sheltered character makes it suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. The reef drops from the shallows to a sandy bottom at 30 m, with deeper drop-offs reaching approximately 80 m. Boat excursions from the site reach additional nearby dive spots including The Wall, Canyon Reef, Coral Garden, Panorama Reef, and Sadana Drop Off. A Sadana Wreck from the 18th century with amphoras is also accessible by zodiac.
Marine Life
Sharm el-Naga’s reef supports abundant and varied marine life. Regularly encountered species include crocodile fish, nudibranchs, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, and sea turtles. Eagle rays are seen along the reef slope. Whale sharks are occasionally reported in the bay, though sightings are rare and seasonal. Anemonefish (clownfish) are common in shallow reef areas.
Dive Profile
Shore entry from the beach leads directly to the reef. Depth is gradual from the shallows, reaching a sandy plateau at around 25–30 m. The reef can be dived in both directions. Conditions are typically calm with minimal current inside the bay. Visibility is generally excellent. Suitable for all levels from beginners upward.
Tips & Safety
- One of the best shore-dive options in the Hurghada region; no boat required for the house reef
- The site operates a dive centre on-site (Sharm El Naga Resort & Diving Center, operating since 1985)
- Morning dives typically offer the best light and visibility
- Additional boat dive sites accessible by zodiac from the resort
Site Information
- Location: Approximately 40 km south of Hurghada, Red Sea coast, Egypt
- Entry Type: Boat dive
- Site Type: Reef
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
- Maximum Depth: 30 meters
Additional Resources
- Last Updated: 2026-05-17
Sources: Sharm El Naga Resort & Diving Center, Memphis Tours – Sharm El Naga. Last updated 2026-05-17.
Sea-surface temperature and wave height from Open-Meteo Marine (ERA5 reanalysis, monthly averages).
78 verified species observations (60 species) logged within ~11 km of this site between 1992 and 2011, from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System.
- Tursiops aduncus · Indian ocean bottlenose dolphin
- Stenella longirostris · Spinner dolphin
- Branchiostoma
- Balaenoptera omurai · Omurai's whale
- Rhincodon typus · Whale Shark
- Nerita sanguinolenta
- Maculastrombus mutabilis
- Nerita quadricolor
- Atactodea striata
- Pirenella conica
- Quadrans sericatus
- Clanculus pharaonius
Scientific survey records skew toward sampled taxa (molluscs, corals) and do not reflect what you are guaranteed to see on a dive.
Source: OBIS (obis.org), aggregated Darwin Core occurrence records.
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