Egypt - Red Sea · Riff

Shaab Sharm Wadi Gimal

The dive site

Shaab Sharm Wadi Gimal at a glance

The main reef at Shaab Sharm has vertical walls; on the north side, the walls drop off deep and steeply. The coral cover isn't very lush, but the rock formations are impressive. A few years ago, the liveaboard “Moon Dancer” ran aground on the northeast side of the main reef and, unfortunately, sank far below the depth limit for recreational divers.

The eastern plateau begins at 20 meters and ends at a depth of 32 meters. A school of barracuda has called this area home for years. At the northern end of the eastern plateau, near the edge of the drop-off, three large gorgonian fans grow. They are used as a lookout and playground by four long-nosed wrasse. Their favorite game is hiding from divers. With a little patience, however, you’ll find at least one of the four.

Just below the gorgonian fans at the drop-off is the cave entrance. This cave is only suitable for technically trained divers with the proper gas mix, as it lies far below the depth limit for recreational divers.

On the reef wall of the eastern plateau lives what is perhaps one of the most venomous fish in the world—the stonefish. It looks completely harmless, like a piece of coral, but its fin spines and the venomous rays attached to them pack a serious punch. But don’t worry—this voracious predator feeds exclusively on small fish and crabs. Just make sure not to touch anything, and divers will be safe. Furthermore, at a depth of about 23 meters, between the reef wall and the beginning of the eastern plateau, there is a small anemone inhabited by a pair of clown shrimp.

The plateau on the west side is narrower and lies at a depth between 18 and 25 meters. Due to the lighting conditions, this plateau is perfect for an afternoon dive. With a little luck, you might spot a whitetip reef shark there under a table coral.