Pinkie's Wall, Sharm El Sheikh: Red Sea Drift Dive

Dropping into Pinkie's Wall, you immediately feel the current take hold, guiding you along an impressive underwater landscape. This site is exclusively a drift dive, meaning there are no permanent moorings; you enter the water and let the flow carry you. The current, typically a gentle push, allows for an effortless survey of the extensive wall, its contours disappearing into the deep blue. This unanchored approach means you cover a significant stretch of reef, offering continuous exploration without the need to swim against the prevailing flow.

The sheer face of Pinkie's Wall is a vertical canvas, draped in life that seems to drop endlessly beneath you. Your attention will be drawn to the vibrant palette of soft corals, predominantly in the namesake pink and purple hues, coating every available surface. These living tapestries are particularly dense and lush around the 15-meter mark, creating an ideal cruising depth to absorb the full beauty of the site for an extended period. The interplay of light and shadow on these undulating corals provides a constantly changing spectacle as you glide past.

As you drift along, navigating the current's gentle persuasion, the connection to the adjacent Amphoras site becomes clear. Pinkie's Wall is often approached as a natural extension of a dive initiated there, allowing for a seamless transition between two distinct, yet complementary, ecosystems. This combined drift offers a varied dive profile, moving from the more sheltered formations of Amphoras into the exposed grandeur of Pinkie's Wall, enhancing the overall exploration of this vibrant section of Red Sea reef.

While the wall appears to descend into an endless void, the most rewarding experience at Pinkie's Wall unfolds at shallower depths, particularly around 15 metres. Here, the soft corals thrive, benefiting from the nutrient-rich currents that nurture their growth and intensify their coloration. This zone allows for a leisurely pace, giving you ample opportunity to observe the intricate details of the coral structures and the smaller reef inhabitants that seek refuge and sustenance within their branches. The shallower depth also means longer bottom times, allowing for a more thorough appreciation of the wall's beauty.

The topography of Pinkie's Wall features a vertical to slightly undulating coral face that drops far beyond recreational depths, with the diving conducted on the upper section of the drop-off. Along this section, you'll find chimneys, crevices, overhangs, and small coral outcrops. These formations are heavily covered in soft corals, especially the pink Alcyonarian soft corals that give the site its name, creating a rich habitat for various reef species.

Among the dense coral formations, you'll encounter a variety of reef inhabitants. Look for anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) darting among the corals, glass sweepers (Parapriacanthus ransonneti) schooling in crevices, and lionfish (Pterois miles) often hovering near overhangs. Clownfish (Amphiprion bicinctus) are resident in their anemones, while pufferfish (Tetraodontidae) and octopus (Octopus vulgaris) can be spotted in the more sheltered areas of the wall. Rays (Myliobatiformes) are occasionally seen gliding past in the blue.

Visibility at Pinkie's Wall typically ranges from 10 to 30 metres, offering clear views of the extensive coral formations and marine life. The current, while variable, is generally manageable, making it suitable for a drift dive. Operators check current direction and strength before entry, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience as you are carried along the wall. This site is accessible year-round, with water temperatures typically between 22 and 28°C, making it a consistent dive destination.