Elphinstone Reef – known for shark encounters, whitetip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gray reef sharks, thresher sharks and of course what Elphinstone is famous for: the Longimanous – the oceanic whitetip reef shark.
Elphinstone Reef – known for shark encounters, whitetip reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, gray reef sharks, thresher sharks and of course what Elphinstone is famous for: the Longimanous – the oceanic whitetip reef shark. The reef was discovered around 1830 by Robert Moresby when he came across the approximately 600 m long, spindle-shaped reef while mapping the Red Sea. This was now named after John Elphinstone (12th Lord Elphinstone), whose son John Elphinstone, 13th Lord Elphinstone later became governor of Madras and Bombay.
Dive Site Facts - Elphinstone - Reef
Description: Reef Depth range: 0-40 Meter + Visibility: 10-40 Meter Water temperature: 19 ° C – 28 ° C
Elphinstone Reef is now particularly known for its rich biodiversity. Due to its location in the open sea and the frequent presence of currents, it is one of the top challenging diving spots in the south of Egypt. Divers particularly appreciate the increased probability of encountering large fish on the reef. Crossings for experienced divers are offered daily.
Description and information
North Plateau and East Wall:
You drop directly above the first plateau here for one of the most beautiful descents into the blue. Due to its isolated position, Elphinstone is well known for encounters with Oceanic white tip and hammerhead sharks. The north plateau is around 80m long and between 10-25m wide. It is covered with colourful soft corals and swarming with life. Clouds of orange anthias, hundreds of fusiliers, trevally and barracuda surround you. If the current allows, you can move to the end of the plateau in the north. Looking down to 45m there are beautiful formations of fan corals. Look out into the blue to spot sharks of all kinds. Returning along the main reef wall, you catch sight of beautiful gorgonians and green wire corals. The wall runs steeply down to possibly hundreds of meter below. There are many cleaning stations on the way to keep you amused and huge amounts of fish stocks – moray eels, butterflyfish, angelfish, large schools of black snappers, goatfish and more.
South Plateau and West Wall:
Depending on the current, it is possible here to either dive from the south and then move in a westerly direction, or drop on the west wall and drift to the south. It is best to dive the west wall in the afternoon for optimal light conditions. Dropping onto the south plateau, close to the reef, you are likely to come face to face with an Oceanic white tip shark or Longimanos. Visit the deep part of the south plateau that is covered with brown soft corals and swarms of anthias. In the sheltered area near the reef are many superb photo opportunities. The west wall is adorned with abundant soft and hard corals. In the shallow part (8-10m), the reef is pitted and the sunlight plays beautifully through the holes. You are bound to see moray eels, lion fish, trevallies and many other species of fish here.
Dreamlike Reefs
Here you can find our current dates diving cruise / liveaboard for single or small groups.
Book your diving cruise, and your choice of safari whether it’s snorkeling or diving. Discover the best coral reefs in the world and get to experience one of the world's most fascinating underwater in the Egyptian Red Sea.
