Elphinstone – Red Sea Diving Marsa Alam Dive Sites

Elphinstone is deservedly considered one of the most popular dive sites in the Red Sea. The approximately 450 m long reef (excluding the length of the plateaus to the north and south lies 11 km east of the mainland and 26 km north of Marsa Alam. Because of its often strong currents, which also prevent night dives, big fish gather here regularly, and the chance to observe sharks and dive at the beautifully overgrown reef walls attract divers here. On account of its proximity to the mainland, daily boats can easily sail to it, which is why it is common to find ten or more boats competing for the best moorings to the south of the reef-you will seldom be on your own

In addition to its stunning reef walls A, Elphinstone has plateaus richly covered with corals to the north and south. The northern plateau A descends in steps from the top of the reef to a depth of 40 m, where it forms a protrusion with a deep cleft before sloping to another ledge at a depth of 60 m and dropping into the depths of the sea. There is a good chance to encounter sharks above the protrusion, however the current here is usually very strong making it occasionally impossible to reach the tip of the plateau.

Below the moorings 3 to the south, the reef first drops to a depth of 20 m before forming the southern plateau A, which slopes slowly and at a slight bearing of 110° into the depths. On the western side of this plateau, you will find the mouths of several caves A at a depth of about 30 to 35 m, the best known of which is the Arch A, a 10 m high tunnel connecting the eastern and western walls of the plateau, which unfortunately lies far below the depth limit for recreational diving. Here it must be stressed that some divers have lost their lives while trying to dive through the Arch without proper training.

Elphinstone is deservedly considered one of the most popular dive sites in the Red Sea. The approximately 450 m long reef (excluding the length of the plateaus to the north and south lies 11 km east of the mainland and 26 km north of Marsa Alam. Because of its often strong currents, which also prevent night dives, big fish gather here regularly, and the chance to observe sharks and dive at the beautifully overgrown reef walls attract divers here. On account of its proximity to the mainland, daily boats can easily sail to it, which is why it is common to find ten or more boats competing for the best moorings to the south of the reef-you will seldom be on your own

In addition to its stunning reef walls A, Elphinstone has plateaus richly covered with corals to the north and south. The northern plateau A descends in steps from the top of the reef to a depth of 40 m, where it forms a protrusion with a deep cleft before sloping to another ledge at a depth of 60 m and dropping into the depths of the sea. There is a good chance to encounter sharks above the protrusion, however the current here is usually very strong making it occasionally impossible to reach the tip of the plateau.

Below the moorings 3 to the south, the reef first drops to a depth of 20 m before forming the southern plateau A, which slopes slowly and at a slight bearing of 110° into the depths. On the western side of this plateau, you will find the mouths of several caves A at a depth of about 30 to 35 m, the best known of which is the Arch A, a 10 m high tunnel connecting the eastern and western walls of the plateau, which unfortunately lies far below the depth limit for recreational diving. Here it must be stressed that some divers have lost their lives while trying to dive through the Arch without proper training.

Duration: about 50 min. Difficulty: *** This route is ideal for early morning dives. Go by RIB to the entry point, where big waves may be found. If the flow of the current permits it, descend along the northern plateau A to a depth of 35 m and look for sharks. Then turn around and ascend along the plateau towards the south with the reef on your right shoulder. If the current flows here, you should make it back to the moorings 1, and if not simply surface and return by RIB.

Duration: 35-50 min. Difficulty: ** Dive straight from the liveaboard and explore the southern plateau A below the moorings 1, where you should keep an eye out for big fish in the blue. Make sure to stay in the shelter of the reef, otherwise, you risk being swept out by the current into the open sea

Duration: about 50 min. Difficulty: ** Just as with route, go by RIB to the northern plateau A. However, this time do not dive to the tip, but rather dive along the reef towards the south, keeping the reef on your left shoulder. Because of the better angle of light, this route is suitable for afternoon dives.