Elphinstone Reef

Overview

• Center: JAZ Neo Reef Marsa
• Center: Marsa Mares
• Center: Lagoon View Hotel

Elphinstone Reef: The Legendary Deep Dive of Marsa Alam

There are dive sites, and then there is Elphinstone. This is not just another reef; it is a legend. Rising from the deep blue of the open sea, Elphinstone is a mythical, cigar-shaped reef that has called to advanced divers for decades. It is a sheer-walled mountain submerged in the Red Sea, famous for its thrilling drift dives, stunning coral walls, and, above all, its powerful encounters with pelagic sharks.

A trip to Elphinstone is the pinnacle of a Marsa Alam dive holiday. This is an adrenaline-fueled experience, a true adventure dive that demands respect and rewards you with some of the most dramatic underwater scenes in the world.
The Dive Experience: A World of Sharks and Coral
Your dive begins with a drop into the deep blue. The currents here can be strong, making this a spectacular drift dive along the reef's sheer walls. These walls are a vertical explosion of life, completely covered in a vibrant carpet of purple and pink soft corals, massive gorgonian fans, and fiery anthias.

But the real stars of Elphinstone are the sharks. This reef is a world-famous hotspot for pelagics. Keep your eyes on the blue for:

Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Longimanus): Especially from September to December, these bold and curious sharks often patrol the plateaus, giving divers an unforgettable, up-close experience.

Scalloped Hammerheads: Often seen in the early morning, schools of hammerheads cruise in the deep water off the northern plateau.

Grey Reef Sharks & Thresher Sharks: Also common visitors to this nutrient-rich, high-current environment.

Beyond the sharks, you will encounter giant trevally, schools of barracuda, massive Napoleon wrasse, and sea turtles. For technical divers, the legendary "Elphinstone Arch" sits on the southern plateau at a depth of over 50 meters—a challenge reserved only for the most experienced.

A dive at Elphinstone is not for beginners. Due to its open-sea location, potential for strong currents, and deep plateaus, this site is strictly for advanced divers.

Minimum Requirement: PADI Advanced Open Water (AOWD)

Minimum Experience: 50 logged dives