Banana Reef, Sharm El-Sheikh: Crescent-shaped Red Sea reef

Banana Reef earns its name from its distinctive crescent form, a prominent feature shaping the dive profile. Moorings are typically set on the south side of this main reef, serving as a starting point. From here, you move into a thriving coral garden that slopes gently towards the northwest, transitioning into a sandy bottom at a maximum depth of 22 metres. The reef wall itself, while not the primary attraction, provides a reliable navigation reference, especially when drifting.

The southern corner of the reef, at a depth of 14 metres, holds an extensive anemone city. This area buzzes with life, hosting hundreds of anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus) guarding their territories. Nearby, two majestic pinnacles rise from depths of 14 to 17 metres, reaching close to the surface. These ergs are densely covered in soft corals and gorgonian fans, creating a vibrant ecosystem that shelters a variety of smaller reef fish.

Currents at Banana Reef can be strong, often dictating a drift dive approach. This flow influences visibility, occasionally reducing it even in shallower sections. Despite this, the current brings in consistent pelagic activity. You'll likely encounter eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) and feather-tail rays (Pastinachus sephen) gliding over the coral gardens. Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and trevally (Caranx ignobilis) are also common, hunting among schools of glassfish (Parapriacanthus ransonneti) and silversides (Atherinomorus lacunosus) that congregate around the pinnacles.

Beyond the anemone city and pinnacles, the reef ecosystem supports a diverse range of marine life. Keep an eye out for turtles (Chelonia mydas) moving through the corals. Groupers (Epinephelus coioides) and scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis venosa) are resident figures, often camouflaged against the reef structure. The site also attracts bannerfish (Heniochus acuminatus) in large colonies, particularly around a fan-shaped rock.

While the reef wall provides a good visual marker, the sloping coral gardens and the isolated pinnacles offer the most dynamic diving. The soft corals and gorgonians on these formations create micro-habitats, home to various glassfish and silversides. These schools, in turn, draw larger predators such as barracuda and trevally, offering consistent action for observant divers.