Sharm Rashid

A bay reef between Hurghada and Safaga where a shallow coral garden transitions to a sandy slope — an accessible dive with diverse reef inhabitants, cleaning stations, and the protected bay character that makes it productive in conditions when offshore sites are less comfortable.

Overview

Sharm Rashid sits at approximately 26.95°N, 33.93°E on the coast between Hurghada and Safaga — in the intermediate zone that operators from both towns can service as a day trip. “Sharm” (شرم) means “bay” in Arabic, and the site’s bay character is its defining feature: sheltered from the predominant northerly winds by the bay geometry, with calmer water than adjacent exposed headland sites. The reef structure follows the bay pattern: shallow fringing coral at 2–6 metres, a sandy slope at 8–15 metres, and a more complex outer reef edge at 15–20 metres. It functions as an accessible alternative to the more exposed offshore sites when wind conditions prevail.

Site Information

• Location: Bay between Hurghada and Safaga, central Egyptian Red Sea (~26.95°N)
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 10–20 meters
• Current: Mild; sheltered bay position
• Best Time: Year-round

Marine Life

The bay reef supports a diverse resident fish community in calmer conditions than exposed offshore reefs: groupers in the outer reef crevices, large moray eels in established dens, and cleaning stations active throughout the 8–15 metre zone. Blue-spotted stingrays rest on the sandy slope. Hawksbill turtles are regularly encountered on the upper reef. The fringing coral at 2–6 metres carries dense anthias and butterflyfish populations. Scorpionfish occupy camouflaged positions on the sandy transition.

Dive Profile

Begin on the fringing coral at 4–8 metres and work outward to the sandy slope at 10–15 metres. Search the sandy slope for stingrays and scorpionfish before ascending to the upper reef for cleaning station observation at 8–12 metres. Safety stop at 5 metres over the shallow coral.

Entry and Exit

Day boat from Hurghada (40–60 minutes) or Safaga (20–30 minutes). Giant stride entry into the sheltered bay. A good option as a second dive after a demanding offshore site. SMB deployment before ascending.

Tips and Recommendations

• The sheltered bay position makes this an ideal option in northerly wind conditions — it works when exposed sites don’t
• Cleaning stations in the 8–12 metre zone reward patient, stationary observation
• The bay’s calm water makes it a good site for less-experienced divers building confidence

Safety Considerations

Mild conditions are typical. Fire coral on the fringing reef. Scorpionfish in camouflaged positions on the sandy transition. SMB before ascending.

Photography

Sandy slope macro work — scorpionfish portraits, blue-spotted ray compositions — in the well-lit shallow bay suits ambient natural light. Cleaning station portraits reward a patient telephoto approach.

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