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Marsa Alam · Egypt · Red Sea
Max. depth · 12 mAnse Paul Thomas, Marsa Alam: A Shallow Reef Exploration
Descend into the gentle embrace of Anse Paul Thomas, a vibrant shallow reef teeming with a host of petite marine life.
What makes this site special
- Exploring a shallow reef ecosystem.
- Abundance of small fascinating creatures.
- Maximum depth reaching 12 metres.
- Just a six-minute boat ride.
- Healthy and diverse coral formations.
Anse Paul Thomas about the site
Anse Paul Thomas presents you with a classic Red Sea reef, but with a unique focus on the intricate details of its inhabitants. Located just a short six-minute boat ride from shore, this site immediately immerses you into a world of discovery. The reef structure itself provides numerous nooks and crannies, forming perfect micro-habitats for the smaller denizens of the sea, inviting a slower, more deliberate exploration than many of the region's larger, deeper sites.
Your descent into Anse Paul Thomas is a gentle affair, moving from a minimum depth of 3 metres down to a maximum of 12 metres. This range makes it an ideal spot for divers looking to extend their bottom time and truly absorb the environment without the pressure of deep-water considerations. The light penetration at these depths is superb, illuminating the corals and highlighting the vibrant colours of the resident marine life, allowing for excellent visibility and photography opportunities as you navigate the reef's contours.
What truly sets Anse Paul Thomas apart is the sheer volume and diversity of its small creatures. As you drift along, keep your eyes peeled for camouflaged invertebrates clinging to corals, small reef fish darting between anemones, and juvenile forms of larger species finding refuge. This site isn't about grand pelagic encounters, but rather the quiet satisfaction of spotting a rare nudibranch or observing the complex behaviours of a tiny gobies, making it a macro photographer's quiet delight.
The reef itself is a living, breathing entity, showcasing the resilience and beauty of Egyptian corals. You'll find a healthy mix of hard and soft corals forming a colourful substrate, each swaying gently with the subtle movements of the water. Take your time to hover at eye level with the reef, observing how the small creatures interact with their coral homes, a constant ballet of feeding, territorial displays, and mimicry that unfolds before your mask.
Diving conditions
Anse Paul Thomas is a shallow reef dive with depths ranging from 3 to 12 metres. The site is accessible for all certified divers. The best period to dive here is year-round, except for August.
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Board a liveaboard from Marsa Alam
16 liveaboards depart from Marsa Alam another way to explore the region, over several days at sea.
Frequently asked questions about Anse Paul Thomas
When should you dive Anse Paul Thomas?
Anse Paul Thomas is suitable for diving throughout the year except August. Planning your visit outside that month lets you explore its shallow reef, healthy coral formations, and small marine life. The site is only a six-minute boat ride from shore, making access straightforward during its suitable diving period.
What certification level do you need for Anse Paul Thomas?
Anse Paul Thomas is accessible to all certified divers. Its shallow reef profile, from 3 to 12 metres, supports a relaxed exploration of coral formations and small creatures. You can focus on the reef’s details and move through its nooks and crannies without the pressure associated with deeper-water diving.
How deep is Anse Paul Thomas?
Anse Paul Thomas ranges from 3 to 12 metres deep. You descend gently through a shallow reef environment, with depths that let you spend time examining coral formations and their inhabitants. The maximum depth is 12 metres, while the reef begins at only 3 metres below the surface.
What can you see at Anse Paul Thomas?
At Anse Paul Thomas, you can explore healthy hard and soft coral formations filled with small marine life. Look for camouflaged invertebrates, small reef fish among anemones, juvenile larger species, rare nudibranchs, and tiny gobies. The reef’s nooks and crannies create micro-habitats where feeding, territorial displays, and mimicry unfold.
