Turft El Shahed (Ben el Gebel): Marsa Alam's Coral Pinnacles

Nestled between the majestic forms of Big and Small Giftun, Turft El Shahed offers a sheltered embrace from the open Red Sea winds. Known more colloquially as Ben el Gebel, which translates to 'between the mountains,' this site is an extension of Small Giftun's northern tip, creating a unique underwater landscape. As you descend, the immediate sense of protection is palpable, allowing for a relaxed exploration of its rich topography, a stark contrast to some of the more exposed sites in the region.

The heart of Turft El Shahed lies in its incredible pinnacles, sculptural formations that rise from the seabed, completely draped in soft corals and vibrant gorgonians. These living structures are the architectural marvels of the reef, providing shelter and sustenance for an astonishing array of marine life. You'll find yourself navigating through a kaleidoscope of colour, where even at a shallow maximum depth, the density of life is truly immersive, inviting close inspection of every crevice and overhang.

Among the coral gardens, a diverse community has made its permanent home. Swirling schools of glassfish create shimmering curtains, while countless anthias paint the reef in hues of orange and red, fluttering around every coral head. Keep your eyes peeled for the masters of camouflage: crocodilefish lay perfectly still beneath the shade of a coral table, their textured skin blending seamlessly with their surroundings, a testament to the intricate adaptations of reef dwellers.

The smaller inhabitants also demand attention; look closely and you'll spot tiny gobies diligently tending to their shared burrows with their shrimp partners, a classic symbiotic relationship playing out before your mask. As you drift among the pinnacles, larger pelagic visitors often make an appearance, adding a thrilling dimension to the dive. Graceful eagle rays glide by with powerful, silent strokes, and schools of jacks (carangues) patrol the blue, darting in coordinated hunting patterns.

A continuous highlight of Turft El Shahed is the frequent presence of turtles, which can be seen gracefully cruising or often feasting directly on the soft corals that carpet the bottom. Their serene presence adds a touch of ancient wisdom to the energetic reef, reminding you of the site's rich biodiversity. The sheer abundance of soft corals literally covers the seafloor, providing an endless buffet for these gentle giants and painting the underwater world in dynamic, flowing colours.