Turtle Bay, Sharm El-Sheikh: drifting over coral pinnacles

Turtle Bay is situated off the north tip of Grand Giftun island, forming a sheltered horseshoe reef. The site is characterized by significant sandy plateaus, interspersed with vibrant coral formations. This topography creates a diverse environment, allowing for a relaxed dive profile where you can explore the different sections at varying depths, always with a clear reference to the reef structure.

The dive often begins as a drift, dictated by the prevailing current, which typically remains mild, allowing for an effortless crossing of the sandy landscape. As you move across the plateau, large coral pinnacles rise from the sand, acting as natural magnets for marine life. These formations are frequently blanketed in glassfish, creating shimmering clouds around the coral structures, which are also often visited by stingrays resting on the sandy bottom.

Beyond the main plateau, a shallow swim-through guides you into a bowl-shaped reef, where the concentration of marine life intensifies. This section is particularly rich in fish and features a well-preserved coral garden. It's a less-known part of the site that offers a different perspective on the reef ecology, inviting closer inspection of the smaller, resident species.

The site's name is well-deserved; turtles are a regular sight, often found along the plateau grazing on soft corals. While primarily a reef and plateau dive, the open sandy expanses and the reef's proximity to deeper water can occasionally bring larger pelagic species such as manta rays and even whale sharks into view, offering unexpected encounters.

Despite its generally calm nature, understanding the current is key for planning your entry point, ensuring an optimal drift across the site. The variability allows for a dive that can be tailored to different preferences, whether you prefer to linger over coral gardens or to cover more ground along the plateau to spot larger fauna. Visibility at Turtle Bay is consistently good, contributing to clear observations of the varied marine inhabitants.