Diamond Red Sea - Diving in Hurghada
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11 km away as the crow flies
Hurghada · Egypt · Red Sea
Max. depth · 15 mTurft El Shahed (Ben el Gebel): Marsa Alam's Coral Pinnacles
Descend into a submerged garden of soft corals and gorgonians, where vibrant reef life thrives between the Giftun Islands.
What makes this site special
- Sheltered location for calm diving
- Pinnacles covered in soft corals and gorgonians
- Abundant glassfish and anthias
- Encounters with crocodilefish
- Gobies and shrimp in symbiosis
- Sightings of eagle rays and jacks
- Turtles feeding on soft corals
Turft El Shahed about the site
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.
Diving conditions
This site is accessible to divers of all levels, offering a welcoming experience. Depths range from a minimum of 5 metres to a maximum of 15 metres, providing ample time to explore the vibrant reef formations. Being sheltered from the winds, Turft El Shahed generally offers calm conditions, enhancing the enjoyment of the intricate macro and wide-angle scenery.
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Board a liveaboard from Hurghada
53 liveaboards depart from Hurghada another way to explore the region, over several days at sea.
Frequently asked questions about Turft El Shahed
What level of diver is Turft El Shahed suitable for?
Turft El Shahed is accessible to divers of all levels, so you can choose it whether you are building experience or already comfortable underwater. Its sheltered setting supports a relaxed exploration of the reef, while the pinnacles, soft corals, gorgonians, and abundant marine life offer plenty to observe at an unhurried pace.
How deep is Turft El Shahed for your dive?
At Turft El Shahed, you can explore depths from 5 to 15 metres. This relatively shallow profile gives you ample time to examine the reef formations, including pinnacles covered in soft corals and gorgonians. You can focus on both broad reef scenery and small creatures living among the coral gardens, overhangs, and crevices.
What current and water conditions should you expect at Turft El Shahed?
Turft El Shahed is sheltered from the winds, and you can generally expect calm diving conditions. The protection between Big and Small Giftun helps create a relaxed environment for moving around the pinnacles and coral gardens. These conditions suit careful observation of reef life, from tiny gobies and shrimp to passing eagle rays and jacks.
What can you see while diving at Turft El Shahed?
At Turft El Shahed, you can see pinnacles covered in soft corals and gorgonians, with glassfish and anthias filling the reef. Look for crocodilefish, gobies living in symbiosis with shrimp, eagle rays, and jacks. Turtles may also be seen feeding on the soft corals, adding larger wildlife to the detailed reef scenery.
