Siyul Soraya

Siyul Soraya (also known as Small Siyul or Shaab Sheer Soraya) is a compact, rounded reef north of Hurghada, well suited to beginner and intermediate divers seeking a relaxed, visually engaging dive at a manageable depth.

Overview

The reef is a small, roughly circular structure reaching a maximum depth of approximately 18–20 m. It sits north of Hurghada in the offshore reef zone and is accessible by boat as part of day trips or liveaboard itineraries from Hurghada and El Gouna. The compact size allows divers to explore the full perimeter of the reef in a single dive.

The reef top is at snorkelling depth and the sloping sides support a typical northern Red Sea coral community with good fish life.

Marine Life

Reef-associated fish species typical of the northern Red Sea: anthias, damselfish, wrasses, butterflyfish, and parrotfish on the coral slopes. Larger visitors including eagle rays and occasional reef sharks may be encountered in the blue water around the reef. The shallow reef top supports dense shoals of smaller reef fish.

Dive Profile

Maximum depth 18–20 m. The compact reef can be circumnavigated in a single tank dive. Suitable for Open Water divers. The sheltered top (3–8 m) provides a good safety stop zone and is accessible for snorkellers.

Tips

• An excellent second or third dive of the day due to the shallow maximum depth
• Good choice for newly qualified divers building confidence on offshore reefs
• Often paired with Siyul Kebira (Greater Siyul) in the same boat trip

Sources: ScubaDiving.place — Siyul Soraya / Siyul Saghira, PADI — Shaab Sheer Soraya. Last updated 2026-05-17.