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Elphinstone Reef

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description Elphinstone Reef Overview

Elphinstone Reef is an offshore reef located within Egypt’s Red Sea. It's recognized globally as a premier diving destination due to its dramatic vertical walls and frequent sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks, an endangered species. The reef attracts experienced scuba divers seeking challenging wall dives and opportunities for shark encounters.

help Elphinstone Reef FAQ

Where is Elphinstone Reef in Egypt?

Elphinstone Reef is located in the Red Sea, approximately 30 kilometers off the Egyptian coast near Marsa Alam. It is a small, isolated offshore reef reachable by day boats from multiple dive resorts along the southern Egyptian Red Sea coast.

What sharks can you see at Elphinstone Reef?

Elphinstone is famous for oceanic whitetip shark sightings, particularly during autumn months from October to December. Hammerhead sharks are also frequently seen around the reef's deeper plateaus during the summer months.

How deep is Elphinstone Reef?

Elphinstone is a long, narrow reef whose walls drop vertically from the surface to depths exceeding 100 meters. The shallowest point lies just below the waterline, while two plateau areas extend at depths of roughly 30 to 70 meters on the north and south ends.

What dive certification do you need for Elphinstone Reef?

Most Red Sea dive operators require a minimum of 50 logged dives and an Advanced Open Water certification to dive Elphinstone due to its strong currents, deep walls, and open-ocean exposure. Some operators also require recent diving experience within the prior six months.

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