Torombi Pinnacles

Torombi Pinnacles is one of three dive sites at Ras Torombi, a headland named after the local Bishari tribe on the Marsa Ghalib peninsula, approximately 80 km north of Hamata in Egypt’s southern Red Sea. The area is known for its pristine, uncrowded reefs and a genuinely wild feel — Torombi is often visited as one of the few boats in the area.

Overview

The site features several coral pinnacles rising from a sandy bottom, flanked by finger-like coral walls on the eastern side of the largest pinnacle. Divers descend from the boat to the base of the pinnacles at around 18 metres, then ascend the structure while exploring the rich marine life concentrated on and around the coral towers. The surrounding coastline is undeveloped, adding to the sense of remoteness.

A school of barracuda is a reliable summer feature, gathering beneath the dive boat before dispersing as divers descend. Moving around the pinnacles at depth, divers encounter eagle rays and stingrays on the sandy patches, along with lionfish and scorpionfish on the coral. The eastern pinnacle wall is covered in colourful hard corals and hosts thousands of small reef fish — anthias, chromis, and wrasse — at all depths. Sea turtles are occasional visitors.

Two companion sites — Torombi Garden (a small lagoon) and Marsa Torombi (a shallow southern reef drift with table corals) — are typically dived on the same outing.

Dive Profile

• Depth: 5–18 m (relatively shallow throughout)
• Entry: Boat dive
• Currents: Approximately 1 knot; generally manageable
• Visibility: 15–25 m
• Dive style: Pinnacle circumnavigation, coral wall

Marine Life

Barracuda (schooling in summer beneath the boat), eagle rays, stingrays, lionfish, scorpionfish, anthias, chromis, wrasse, groupers, and sea turtles (occasional). The sandy bottom patches support gobies and their cleaner shrimp. Table corals extend across shallower sections.

Photography

The pinnacle structure with ambient light makes this site excellent for wide-angle reef photography. The barracuda school — when present — offers a dramatic subject in the open water column. Scorpionfish and lionfish provide macro opportunities on the coral surface.

Site Information

• Location: Ras Torombi, near Port Ghalib / Marsa Ghalib, southern Red Sea
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 18 metres

Sources: Red Sea Diving — Torombi, Divers Guide — Ras Torombi, ScubaDiving.place — Ras Torombi. Last updated 2026-05-17.