Bluff Point Barge, Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea drift and wreck

Your dive at Bluff Point begins on the eastern side of Gubal Island, where you'll drop onto a steep wall. The initial phase is often a drift, with the Red Sea current dictating your pace. This requires careful buoyancy control and an awareness of your position relative to the reef. Early morning light frequently illuminates the gorgonian forests clinging to the wall, creating a vivid backdrop as you move with the flow, a common experience when diving these exposed points.

As you progress along the wall, the current typically transitions from a strong push to a more manageable flow, guiding you towards a protected, shallower plateau. This shift in conditions offers a varied dive profile, moving from the exhilaration of a wall drift to the tranquility of a reef exploration. Keep an eye out for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) or hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) that frequent this area, often seen gracefully gliding, as Gubal Islands are known nesting grounds.

The topography here is defined by this transition: a steep, current-swept wall gives way to a sprawling plateau. This creates diverse habitats, supporting a range of marine life. Beyond the wall's face, the plateau allows for a slower pace, giving you time to observe the smaller inhabitants of the reef. The structure here is alive with endemic Red Sea species, their activity a constant presence in such rich ecosystems.

Central to the site is the 'Barge,' a shallow, fragmented wreck resting on the plateau. Its history is uncertain, with local rumors suggesting it could be a casualty of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, a vessel lost in tow, or even the remnants of a forgotten dive charter boat. Regardless of its origin, the Barge adds an element of exploration and historical curiosity, inviting closer inspection of its remaining structure.

The Barge itself lies in the sandy bottom, close to the point's wall, and is a magnet for marine life. Moray eels find shelter within its crevices, while lionfish and scorpionfish often camouflage themselves among the debris. Crocodilefish are frequently spotted on the surrounding sand, and at night, the wreck becomes particularly active, drawing in octopus and even the occasional Spanish dancer.

This site is compact, allowing for a focused dive. While the wreck is a highlight, the surrounding reef also holds interest. You'll find nudibranchs crawling on the corals and cuttlefish moving through the water column. Giant groupers patrol the deeper sections, and schools of glassfish often congregate around the reef structure, providing a dynamic visual experience.

Bluff Point is also a common mooring stop for boats waiting to cross the Straits of Gubal. This means conditions can vary, with currents sometimes running in either direction, though the site is generally considered a sheltered stop once you are on the plateau. The variability in current, particularly during the initial wall phase, is a defining characteristic of the dive.

The site's appeal extends beyond its daytime offerings; it is especially known for night dives. The fragmented structure of the Barge, combined with the surrounding reef, provides ample hiding spots and hunting grounds for nocturnal creatures. This makes it a different experience after sunset, with species like the Spanish dancer becoming more active, offering a unique perspective on the site's ecosystem.