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Sharm El Sheikh · Egypt · Red Sea
Max. depth · 20 mAnemone City, Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea's Clownfish Metropolis
Descend into Anemone City where hundreds of clownfish animate a vibrant reef shoulder, a true spectacle for any diver.
What makes this site special
- Maximum depth of 20 metres
- Large reef shoulder topography
- Hundreds of clownfish
- Abundant anemones
- Large schools of jacks in current
- Strong currents frequently present
- Excellent for underwater photography
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Anemone City about the site
Anemone City greets you with a wide reef shoulder, a geological extension that juts out from the majestic wall of Ras Mohammed. As you descend, the topography unfolds, revealing a gently sloping plateau that bottoms out at approximately 20 metres. The very shape of this shoulder acts as a natural magnet for marine life, particularly influenced by the prevalent currents that sweep across this exposed face.
The defining feature of Anemone City, and indeed its namesake, is the truly staggering abundance of anemones. Far from a scattered few, these pulsating hosts carpet vast sections of the reef in the shallower zones. This density creates an unparalleled living tapestry, providing shelter and sustenance for the site's most celebrated inhabitants.
Within the protective embrace of these anemones, hundreds of clownfish (Amphiprioninae) establish their territories. You'll find entire families bustling within single host anemones, their vibrant orange and white contrasting against the flowing tentacles. This close relationship and sheer numbers make Anemone City an exceptional location for underwater photographers seeking to capture intimate portraits of these charismatic fish.
When the current intensifies, Anemone City truly comes alive with pelagic action. Large schools of jacks (Carangidae) sweep in from the open water, patrolling the edge of the reef shoulder, often presenting a dramatic underwater spectacle. Their streamlined forms move in synchronicity, offering a potent contrast to the more static, colourful life closer to the reef.
Navigating Anemone City often means understanding the flow of water. The site is characterised by potentially strong currents, particularly when the jacks make their appearance. This dynamic environment, while challenging for some, is precisely what enriches the dive, bringing nutrients and attracting the larger predators that frequently sweep through the area.
This reef shoulder offers a diverse profile beyond just the anemone fields. While the pinnacle of activity is often in the shallower depths, exploring the full extent of the shoulder to its 20-metre maximum provides further opportunities to observe resident reef fish and perhaps other opportunistic visitors drawn in by the current and the rich ecosystem.
Diving conditions
Anemone City is accessible for divers holding a DIVER LEVEL 2 certification. Expect to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres here. The site is known for its strong currents, which can amplify the experience and bring in pelagic life.
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Frequently asked questions about Anemone City
What certification level do you need for Anemone City?
You can dive Anemone City if you hold a DIVER LEVEL 2 certification. The site combines a wide reef shoulder with current-affected terrain, so your certification level should match the conditions you are prepared to manage. The reef slopes gently and offers opportunities to explore down to its stated maximum depth.
How deep is Anemone City?
Anemone City reaches a maximum depth of 20 metres. Its reef shoulder forms a gently sloping plateau that bottoms out at approximately this depth. You can explore shallower anemone-covered areas before following the shoulder toward its deeper sections, where resident reef fish and other visitors may be drawn by the current.
What currents should you expect at Anemone City?
You should expect strong currents at Anemone City, particularly when large schools of jacks arrive. The flow sweeps across the exposed reef shoulder, bringing nutrients and pelagic life toward the site. This dynamic water movement can make the dive challenging, while also creating activity along the reef edge.
What can you see while diving Anemone City?
At Anemone City, you can see a wide reef shoulder covered in abundant anemones, with hundreds of clownfish living among them. Large schools of jacks may sweep along the reef in the current, while resident reef fish and other visitors occupy the shoulder. The anemones and clownfish also suit underwater photography.
