Stone Beach

Stone Beach is a nearshore reef and dive site located in the Hurghada region of the Egyptian Red Sea, in the central section of the Egyptian Red Sea coast. Its coordinates place it near the town of El Gouna or the Hurghada resort strip, where rocky and rubble shorelines give way to reef formations just offshore.

Overview

Stone Beach takes its name from the characteristic rocky, rubble-strewn shoreline that defines this stretch of coast. Below the waterline, the rocky substrate gives way to a coral reef slope with mixed hard and soft coral growth descending to a sandy bottom at around 18-20 meters. This is a well-known local dive site for the Hurghada area, suited to both day-boat visitors and guests staying at nearby resorts. Conditions are typically calm, and the site sees regular traffic from dive operators out of Hurghada and El Gouna.

Site Information

• Location: Hurghada / El Gouna area, Red Sea, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15-25 meters (50-80 feet)
• Current: Light to moderate
• Best Time: Year-round; October to May preferred

Marine Life

The reef supports the characteristic Red Sea mix of reef fish: dense anthias aggregations, parrotfish, various wrasse species, and hawkfish perching on coral heads. Moray eels occupy every suitable crevice, and lionfish hover motionlessly in the shadows. Scorpionfish and stonefish blend into the rubble bottom, making careful fin placement essential. humphead wrasse are occasionally seen, and sea turtles have been reported at this site.

Dive Profile

Begin at the reef crest in 5-8 meters and follow the slope down to the sandy bottom at around 18-20 meters. The reef structure transitions from hard coral coverage in the shallows to coral boulders and rubble at depth. A standard out-and-back or drift profile along the reef contour works well. Allow adequate air for a comfortable 5-minute safety stop at 5 meters.

Entry and Exit

Accessed by day-boat from Hurghada or El Gouna marinas. Entry via giant stride or back roll. Mooring buoys are available at popular sites. Deploy SMB before ascending for boat pickup.

Tips and Recommendations

• Examine the rubble and sand at the reef base for camouflaged species — stonefish and scorpionfish are common
• This is a good site for underwater photography practice given the sheltered conditions
• Combine with other Hurghada area sites for a full day of diving
• A torch helps explore cavities and overhangs where moray eels and lobsters shelter
• Ask local operators about current conditions — winds can occasionally create surge near the shore

Safety Considerations

Stonefish are present in the rubble zones — avoid contact with the substrate and wear boots if doing a shore entry. Boat traffic in the Hurghada area can be heavy; always surface with a deployed SMB. Fire coral is present on the reef; wetsuit coverage is recommended. Dive with a buddy and confirm pickup arrangements with the boat before descending.

Photography

The rubble-rich base of the reef offers excellent macro subjects including well-camouflaged critters, nudibranchs, and small crustaceans. The shallow reef crest in morning light provides pleasing wide-angle reef shots. Lionfish posed against coral backgrounds are a reliable subject throughout the dive.

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