The Caves

A network of shallow caverns and swim-throughs cut into the Sharm el-Sheikh coastline, sheltering glassfish, lionfish, and moray eels in a reef broken by dramatic reef buttresses and sandy gullies.

Overview

The Caves is a dive site on the Sinai coastline south of Ras Nasrani in the northern Gulf of Aqaba near Sharm el-Sheikh. The reef flat here is indented by a series of shallow bays at around 6 metres, and the outer reef wall drops away in a series of coral buttresses and sandy gullies to deeper water. The defining features are the caves, caverns, and shallow swim-throughs carved into the reef structure — sheltered hollows that trap glassfish (silverside) in dense clouds, provide daytime resting spots for moray eels, and offer the dramatic light-and-shadow contrast that makes this site a favourite for cave-style recreational diving without the need for technical equipment. Maximum depth stays around 20 metres. The strong tidal flow through this section of the Gulf of Aqaba brings pelagics to the reef edge.

Site Information

• Location: North of Sharm el-Sheikh, Sinai coast, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt
• Entry Type: Boat dive
• Site Type: Cave/cavern
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 20 meters
• Typical Visibility: 15–30 meters
• Current: Mild to moderate inside bays; stronger at headlands
• Best Time: Year-round; optimal October to May

Marine Life

The caves and overhangs shelter dense glassfish clouds attended by stalking lionfish and groupers. Giant moray eels are reliably found in the cave recesses and between coral buttresses. Blue-spotted stingrays rest on the sand patches between reef buttresses. Schools of anthias and chromis colonise the outer reef wall. Turtle sightings are regular on the reef flat. When current is running at the reef corners, trevally and barracuda hunt along the reef edge. Rare but documented sightings at this stretch of coast include manta rays and hammerhead sharks during spring and early summer.

Dive Profile

Enter the water and descend to the reef flat at 5–6 metres, then explore the series of bays and cavern openings. Swim-throughs can be navigated at relatively shallow depths (5–15 m), making this an accessible cave experience without requiring technical training. Move outward to the reef wall at 15–20 metres for the buttress-and-gully topography. Current, if present, can be used to drift between cave sections. Reserve sufficient air for a safety stop at 5 metres over the reef flat. Avoid silt-stirring in the cave interiors; poor buoyancy reduces visibility to near-zero inside confined spaces.

Entry and Exit

Boat access from Sharm el-Sheikh operators (approximately 20–30 minutes transfer). Entry by backroll or giant stride. The site is accessible in various weather conditions due to the sheltered bays. Deploy an SMB at the end of the dive before ascending from the reef edge.

Tips and Recommendations

• Bring a dive torch for the cave interiors — natural light is limited in the deeper recesses, and a torch reveals the soft coral colours on cave ceilings
• Maintain strict buoyancy control inside the caverns to avoid stirring silt or damaging coral
• Do not enter fully enclosed cave passages without overhead environment training — this site is suitable for cavern diving, not cave diving in the technical sense
• Morning dives offer the best light penetration into the cave openings
• Look under ledges for sleeping whitetip reef sharks on morning dives

Safety Considerations

Cave and cavern environments require solid buoyancy control — the narrow passages and fine sediment mean a single finning error can reduce visibility to zero. This site is for recreational cavern diving, not full cave penetration; stay within the light zone and always maintain a direct view to open water from inside caverns. Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Current at the reef points can be unpredictable; assess conditions before entering at headlands. Always dive with a buddy; cave sections make buddy separation risky.

Photography

The light-and-shadow contrast in the cave openings creates dramatic images — backlit shots from inside the caverns looking toward the open-water entrance are the signature composition. Glassfish clouds cascading through cave openings reward patience with wide-angle glass. Lionfish in the shadows respond well to strobe fill light. Moray eels in crevices are accessible macro subjects. The outer buttress-and-gully topography is ideal for reef environmental wide-angle shots.

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