Zabargad Reef & Rocky Island Reef.
(South/Deep South Red Sea).

Intro: Zabargad & Rocky Island are located far offshore of the Egyptian coast, about 150 km South of Marsa Alam and about 50 km north of the Sudanese border. Zabargad is the larger island, with a large lagoon bay, and is only about 5km from Rocky Island. These sites are accessed by liveaboard from Marsa Alam. The islands were created by the coming together of continental shelves and they has long been mined for their extremely rich mineral and jewel deposits.

Description: Zabargad Island has some of the most beautiful coral gardens and soft corals in the shallows at less than 10 metres. Rays, Moray Eels and Crocodile fish can be found amongst the coral blocks and Octopus and cuttlefish, nudibranches are present here. There are a few small wrecks to dive too. All in all, this place deserves a lot more attention than simply as an overnight stop for Rocky Island.

The desolate Rocky Island is a legendary dive site, which can also be a bit challenging if the weather is not kind. The North reef has absolutely sheer vertical walls and a rugged profile. Strong currents can make this a bullet-like drift dive, and the strong surge can often be felt even at 25m or more. The isolation of the island combined with the nutrient rich currents offers a good possibility of seeing almost any sea creature you can think of, from the little reef fish up to the tuna, mackerels and barracuda’s. The big reef fish such as Gray sharks and Silky sharks are also frequent visitors. Hammerheads, Thresher sharks, Dolphins and Mantas are not rare, even little whales are seen occasionally. The south of Rocky Island is easier to dive and lots of corals and fish can be found.

Best bits: Rocky is surely a divers dream dive. Fantastic walls, huge corals and frequent shark sightings.

Suitability: These are remote dive sites, and weather can be rough and currents strong. These sites are only suitable for experienced divers i.e. with 50+ logged dives. Best time to visit is during the summer, seas can be rough in the winter.

St. John's Reef
(Deep South Red Sea).

Intro: St. John's Reef is 14 square miles of splendidly diverse coral atolls and offshore reefs, located 40km north of the Sudanese border and 20km South West of Zabargad / Rocky Island. This is the most remote diving from egypt, and is commonly called 'deep south' live-aboard diving. St John's reef is accessed by liveaboard from Marsa Alam.

Description: The extensive reef system has over a dozen known dive sites and many more unexplored experiences. In view of its sheltered nature it is accessible all year round and offers great dives in winter and summer. There are many tiny circular reefs which come to just below the surface, such as Four Metre Reef. Huge shoals of fish congregate around spectacular vertical underwater gardens full of soft corals. Fusiliers, surgeon fish and unicorn fish often swarm together, in one big feeding frenzy. Look out for the curious and impressive Bump-head parrot fish, that are typical to the St Johns area. Turtles are common as are Napoleons and gray reef sharks. Hammerheads, Gray sharks, Silvertip Sharks and White tip Reef Sharks can often be spotted out in the blue. Barracudas, Tuna and Mackerel are also often sighted here, as well as rare sightings of Manta Rays and Dolphins.

Best bits: St. John's reef is as remote and unspoilt as you can get in the Egyptian Red Sea. Excellent corals, fish and shark sightings likely.

Suitability: These are remote dive sites, and weather can be rough. These sites are only suitable for experienced divers i.e. with 50+ logged dives. Best time to visit is during the summer, seas can be rough in the winter.

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