Abu Ramada Island Carlsons Corner Divespot Red Sea

Abu Ramada Island Carlsons Corner Divespot Red Sea

About 60 to 90 minutes out of Hurghada we hit Abu Ramada, comprising a northern plateau, a big three-peaked erg going by the name of camel reef, a coral garden and a terrace-profiled plateau. The Gota part of Abu Ramada is called the aquarium after the overwhelming amount of marine life.

Abu Ramada, exposed as it is, has retained much of its untouched beauty. There are better places than the drop-off here. Your air is more wisely spent circling the three ergs at ascending depths. Visit the small eaves on the east side of the largest erg and north side of the middle one.

Diving in Abu Ramada

The island of Abu Ramada is surrounded by excellent dive sites, well protected from most weathers and Abu Ramada East has caves full of glass fish and lionfish. As marine life you will find schools of groupers, barracudas, tunas and Napoleons. Abu Ramada is suitable for all levels of divers.

Gota Abu Ramada

Gota Abu Ramada consists of a huge coral block, located close to Abu Ramada from which the name gota, piece, has been derived. This small site, on a group of coral pinnacles just offshore from Abu Ramada, is an incredibly dense collection of the best in coral growth and reef fishes. The pinnacles are carpeted in rich layers of coral, with colourful soft corals predominating, along with some gorgonians. 

This place is famous for its huge amount and variety of soft and hard corals with dominance of brain corals, the largest and most beautiful in the region.

Erg Abu Ramada 

Erg Abu Ramada located on the south-eastern side of Abu Ramada Island. At this dive site, you will find a lot of pinnacles, close together and forming a line, on a sandy plateau at a depth of 18 meters. The biggest pinnacle is fully inhabited with glassfish and lionfish. All pinnacles are covered with pretty gorgonians. As marine life, you will find schools of groupers, barracudas, tunas, and Napoleon. Erg Abu Ramada is suitable for all levels of divers.

Abu Ramada South 

Abu Ramada South situated on the southern side of Abu Ramada Island. It is a popular dive site and it is sheltered. In this area, there is also a caveat about 20 meters depth, where you can spot a sea star, an octopus or lionfish. South-west of the reef you will find a steep drop off with pinnacles where moray eels and sweetlips are permanent residents.

On the west side of Abu Ramada South, you can go through a nice coral garden where you may encounter turtles. There is a long coral formation with on the other side an amazing marine life, such as lionfish and Glassfish. There is even an eel garden. Morays, blue-spotted stingrays and Napoleon are regularly passing by. On the way back to the boat, you will go over beautiful coral blocks where you may find crocodile fish or a school of goatfish.

Abu Ramada North 

This is mostly done as a drift dive, due to the rough sea conditions. But if the current is good, it can be done as a normal dive. It is also called “The Aquarium” due to the enormous marine life you can encounter at this side of the reef.

It starts on a beautiful plateau, heading towards a sheer bottomless drop-off.

The wall is covered with gorgonians and soft corals. Into the blue, you can spot barracudas, tuna, jacks and from time to time even eagle rays and reefs.

Carlsons Corner Divespot

Max. depth 30m, 60min journey Dive site at the south west of Abu Ramada Island. On the west side shallow sandy bottom with lots of small, nice covered coral blocks. You can find an eel garden, and also a lot of morays, Blue-spotted stingrays and frequently Napoleons. In the south direction east the plateau is ending up in a steep slope with a lot of small caverns.

Abu Ramada Island is a must-visit destination for scuba divers exploring the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life. With its stunning coral reefs, colorful fish, and diverse range of marine life, it is no wonder that Abu Ramada is considered one of the best diving spots in Egypt.

Abu Nuhas Wrecks Guide Red Sea Egypt

Abu Nuhas Wrecks Guide Red Sea Egypt 

Shaab Abu Nuhas, or Shaʽb Abu Nuħas (Arabic: شعب أبو النحاس, romanized: Shaʿb Abū an-Nuḥās), is a triangular-shaped coral reef northwest of Shadwan Island in the northern Red Sea off Hurghada. The reef is a navigation hazard because it projects into the shipping channel, as evidenced by (at least) seven shipwrecks 65 kilometres southeast of Hurghada.

 This includes the SS Carnatic (1896),Kimon M (1978), Olden (1987), Chrisoula K (1981) and Giannis D (1983). The reef and the wrecks are popular for scuba diving; four of the wrecks are at a depth of more than 30 metres (98 ft). The name of the reef is Arabic for "reef of father of copper", after the cargo of one of the wrecks.

This diving area, just north of Shadwan Island, is a slightly triangular shaped fantastic site to submerge into the sea with five shipwrecks to explore. The main attraction is the wreck of the Carnatic, a UK cargo ship sunk in 1869, which is still in incredibly good condition with its skeletal remains home to flourishing coral and abundant fish life.

Abu Nuhâs is a wreck divers dream come true boasting four vastly different wrecks in very close proximity to each other and all within comfortable diving depths of 30 metres or less. The wrecks are located on the north side of the reef .

Back in the early 90s when we used to bring day boats here from Hurghada we often had no choice but to moor in less than ideal conditions, however, these days most boats which come here have a RIB or boat tender. This means that the main dive boat moors behind the reef near a sand lagoon or behind Woodvalley Reef (a small reef piece on the west end)

What are the wrecks of Shaab Abu Nuhas? 

At least four complete wrecks lie here. They are the Chrisoula K, the Kimon M, the Carnatic and the Giannis D. Abu Nuhas is exposed to current and wind, so swelling waves may be inconvenient for the inexperienced divers. The Carnatic is widely recognized as the most beautiful wreck on Abu Nuhas.

The Giannis D, a 100m general cargo vessel built in Japan but under Greek ownership, hit the Abu Nuhas Reef at full tilt on 19 April 1983. The ship, laden with timber, sank to 24m with the stern and bow still intact but amidships is now a crumpled mess. The engine room at a depth of 13m offers easy and superb penetration through clouds of glassfish. You can investigate the multilevel rooms and passageways here for octopus and giant moray eel. 

The bow mast extends out horizontally from the boat, creating a great spot to search for scorpionfish, gobies and nudibranchs. To end your dive you can simply climb the main mast up to the shallows at 4m and perform your safety stop there.

The British built Carnatic is one of the oldest wrecks in the Red Sea and is many scuba divers favourite at Abu Nuhas. It hit the reef here on 12 September 1869, laden with gold, wine and cotton on route to India. The cargo ship initially balanced on top of the reef but after 36 hours it succumbed to the elements and its fate, snapping in two and sinking parallel to the reef at 24m. The crew and passengers managed to make use of the delay by escaping on lifeboats to Shadwan Island, 3 km to the south. However, 31 lives were lost on the island due to the cold nights whilst waiting for rescue to arrive. All the gold was remarkably salvaged some 2 months later by another British ship.

The Chrisoula K was a 98m Greek registered freighter that sank on 31 August 1981, laden with floor tiles. The ship lies with its stern and propeller at 26m and its bow in shallow water at only 3m. It sits more or less upright but the stern is slowly separating. The wreck offers plenty of swim-throughs and penetration diving opportunities but beware of the numerous obstructions such as fallen beams and poles. Its superstructure is now encrusted with a layer of hard corals, and is home to flatworms, lionfish, Arabian Picasso triggerfish, and clown sand wrasse. Dolphins also pass by here occasionally.

The Kimon M is the deepest of the Red Sea wrecks within recreational scuba diving depths here. Its stern lies on the seabed at 32m, with its bow shallower at 15m. This 120m German cargo vessel sank on 12 December 1978, laden with lentils. Initially the boat sat upright on the reef but later currents and wind pushed the ship into deeper water on its starboard side. Much of its cargo and engine were recovered after its sinking. The wreck harbours several different species of pipefish.

The Seastar is the 5th shipwreck at Abu Nuhas, but since it lies in water 90m deep, it is not frequently dived, and certainly not by recreational divers .

Shedwan island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt

Shedwan island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt

Shadwan (Egyptian Arabic: جزيرة شدوان) is a barren rocky island 30 miles southwest of the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula and 20 miles northeast of El Gouna. It is the largest of a group of islands in the mouth of the Gulf of Suez in the northern Red Sea and measures 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) in length, and between 3 and 5 kilometres (1.9 and 3.1 mi) wide. It was formerly also called Shaker Island and features a lighthouse. The island is famous as a touristic site for underwater diving and fishing.

Tourist Activities Near Shedwan

Shadwan Island is famous for coral reefs. Many tourists visit it annually to enjoy the scenic view and practice diving and fishing. For the sake of marine beauty, trips head from Hurghada and Safaga to this island. However, the Egyptian government does not allow landing on this island or doing tourists activities on it.

Shedwan Island is situated in the northern Red Sea. It is not far from Hurghada. This island is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers, with an abundance of coral formations and marine species. It’s also popular for its historic lighthouse, which adds to the island’s charm.

Islands near Hurghada offer all kinds of fun and excitement. Take a day trip to Giftun Island for snorkeling and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine! When you’re not in the sea you can shop in the boutiques, relax in the luxury holiday villages or visit the Roman Mons Porphyries (mountain of porphyry) remains at nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan (Father of Smoke). 

Day-trips or safaris to explore the Red Sea Mountains by camel or jeep are also available. Other nearby islands and destinations include the Shedwan Island (Diving, snorkeling, fishing but no swimming), Shaab Abu Shiban (Diving, snorkeling and swimming), Shaab el-Erg (Diving, fishing and snorkeling), Umm Gammar Island (Diving and snorkeling), Shasb Saghir Umm Gammae (Diving), Careless Reef (Diving), Abu Ramada Island (Diving), Shaab Abu Ramada (Fishing), Dishet el-Dhaba (Beaches and swimming), Shaab Abu Hashish (Beaches, diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing), Sharm el-Arab (Diving, swimming and fishing and Abu Minqar Island (Beaches and swimming).

The battle of Shedwan

The island witnessed a famous epic. The people of the Red Sea Governorate shared with the soldiers of the armed forces to withstand the occupation forces. Furthermore, historical information about the Battle of Shadwan indicates that the Israeli enemy forces launched a massive attack on the island by air and sea. They also attacked the homes of civilians who run the lighthouse. A small Egyptian sea and land thunderbolt guard the lighthouse, located south of the island. Despite the interception of Israeli planes by air and their “launch” by sea, the governorate’s people did not abandon their forces and delivered ammunition, supplies and weapons on fishing boats from Hurghada Beach to Shadwan Island.

The battle of Shedwan began from January 22, 1970, until January 26. This battle took place on Shadwan Island at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez, 35 km from Hurghada, when the Israeli aggression tried to occupy Shadwan Island to respond to the successful and painful strikes of the Egyptian armed forces during the war Attrition.

Accordingly, the army ordered the Thunderbolt men to prevent the enemy from occupying the island. The battle began with an aerial bombardment on the island for more than two hours. Next, on January 23, 1970, the air force attacked the enemy on the island and forced it to withdraw. This year is a national holiday for the Red Sea Governorate. Besides, Shadwan became the most valuable marine island for the people of the Red Sea.

The Egyptian Thunderbolt members fought the Israeli Parachute Battalion bravely and caused heavy losses to the enemy forces. The Egyptian air defence units were able to shoot down two enemy planes, Mirage and Skyhawk, and the enemy kept advancing to storm the guard force positions in the south of the island. Moreover, they were asking the Egyptian force to surrender. Furthermore, despite the violent aerial bombardment, the Egyptian troops refused to surrender and fought valiantly and bravely. Then, the enemy continued its attempts to control the island and prevent the supply to the Egyptian soldiers through the sea. Still, they failed despite their numerical superiority, violent aerial bombardment, and many stores.

Diving near Shedwan Island

Shedwan Island is also the largest reef island in the Strait of Gobal, Shaker Island. In the northern part of the island, you will find a massive semi-vertical reef wall at a depth of more than 40 meters .

The current is usually moderate; its direction is from south to north. Therefore, divers go downstream to explore the cliff with drift snorkels. The reefs abound with coral and finfish, but a more extensive and more exciting selection is available for visitors regularly frequent the site. Divers often meet with whitefin reef sharks and reef sharks, the grey fin and hawksbill turtles, but most of all, the beautiful shoals of dolphins.

Gubal Island Hurghada Red Sea Diving Site

Gubal Island Hurghada Red Sea Diving Site

Gubal Island Close to Tawila Island is Gubal Island, a popular snorkeling and diving spot due to the Straits of Gubal. The Straits of Gubal is where the water from the Gulf of Suez meets the Red Sea, leading to lots of nutrient-rich currents over shallow areas, which attracts tons of marine life. Besides the underwater action, Gubal also has pristine white beaches where you can set up BBQs and beach activities for the day.

Bluff point is a steep wall dive that follows the coastline. There are plenty of small passages and inlets in the rock that hides away a lot of marine life. The reef is full of glass fish, butterflyfish, crocodile fish and a flat-headed scorpionfish. The wreck itself isn't much to look at, but it serves as an attraction for marine life. 

Gubal Island is one of the most popular diving sites in Hurghada, located in the northern part of the Red Sea. The island offers a variety of dive spots, from shallow coral gardens to deep wrecks. The most famous wreck is the SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship that sank in 1941 after being bombed by German planes. The ship is now home to a rich marine life, including barracudas, snappers, groupers, and moray eels. Divers can also explore the nearby barge, which is covered with soft corals and sponges. Gubal Island is a great destination for divers of all levels, as it has something for everyone.

Gubal Island: An Underwater Paradise Red Sea

Gubal Island, located in the Red Sea near Hurghada, is a hidden gem for divers and snorkelers. This uninhabited island is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and underwater exploration opportunities. Here's what you need to know about Gubal Island and why it's a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts.

Gubal Island is part of the Giftun Islands group, situated in the Red Sea. It's located approximately 30 kilometers (about 18.5 miles) north of Hurghada, one of Egypt's most popular resort towns along the Red Sea coast.

The channel through which ships pass into the Strait of Gubal – which is much wider than the Strait of Tiran – is flanked to the northeast by two outcrops, Beacon Rock and Shag Rock, both of which have beacons as well as the wrecks of the Dunraven and the Kingston respectively. To the southwest the channel is delimited by the southern tip of Shadwan Island (also known as Island on British maps), which also has a beson sited 15.2 miles from the one on Beacon Puck.

The southeastern section of the strait characterized by the presence of two massive, hats outcropping coral formations (called shaob Arabic) that create a coral reef, inside w is shallow lagoons with sandy floors: Shado Mahmud and Sha’ab Ali.

Diving and Snorkeling

The primary draw of Gubal Island is its exceptional underwater world. The island is surrounded by coral gardens, and the clear, warm waters provide excellent visibility, making it a haven for divers and snorkelers.

Diving around Gubal Island is accessible via boat from nearby dive centers in Hurghada or other Red Sea resort towns. Most dive operators offer day trips to the area, allowing divers to experience multiple dive sites around the island in a single outing.

Divers should note that the currents around Gubal Island can be strong and unpredictable, so it’s essential to have the proper training and equipment before diving. Many dive sites are suitable for divers of all levels, but some may require more experience or advanced certifications.

Snorkeling at Gubal Island offers a chance to explore the shallow reefs, where you can encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful coral, schools of fish, and the occasional sea turtle.

At the gate of the Straits of Gubal is ‘Bluff Point’, which gets its name from the turbulence created by strong currents that beat the eastern wall of the island. The wreck of the ‘Ulysses’ lies on the reef 300m north of the lighthouse, starting at 5m and sloping to 25m. ‘The Barge’ wreck, south of the lighthouse, provides divers with a fun and unusual night dive. The wrecks skeleton creates protection for all types of night creatures.

For certified divers, Gubal Island offers some fantastic dive sites, such as the "Barge" and the "Ulysses," both shipwrecks that are now covered in coral and teeming with marine creatures.

The island is also famous for encounters with pelagic species like barracuda, reef and dolphins.

Marine Life

The Red Sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity, and Gubal Island is no exception. Divers and snorkelers can spot a wide range of marine creatures, including parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and moray eels.

Gubal Island is an excellent place to observe hard and soft coral formations, which serve as a habitat for many of these species.

Accessibility

To reach Gubal Island, you can typically join a dive excursion or boat trip from Hurghada. Many dive centers and tour operators in Hurghada offer day trips to the island, which often include multiple dives or snorkeling sessions and lunch on board.

Conservation and Responsible Tourism

It's crucial to practice responsible tourism when visiting Gubal Island to protect its delicate marine ecosystems. Follow local guidelines, avoid touching or damaging coral, and refrain from feeding marine life.

Best Time to Visit Gubal Island 

The Red Sea offers excellent diving and snorkeling conditions year-round, but the best time to visit is typically from April to June and September to November when the weather and water conditions are most favorable.

Gubal Island in the Red Sea near Hurghada is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life, and dive among fascinating shipwrecks. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a snorkeling enthusiast, this hidden gem should be on your list of must-visit destinations for underwater adventures.

Gubal Island and its surrounding reefs are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and diversity of the Red Sea’s underwater world. With its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and breathtaking topography, this area is a wonder of the underwater world and should not be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting, there’s something for everyone around Gubal Island.

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Brother Islands iconic dive site Red Sea Egypt

Brother Islands iconic dive site Red Sea

El Ikhwa Islands (Arabic: جزر الإخوة lit. islands of brotherhood), commonly known as Brothers Islands, are two small Red Sea islands in the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt.

They are situated 67 kilometres (42 mi) from El Quseir on the mainland.The most prominent feature of the islands is the Brothers Islands Lighthouse built by the British in 1883. Small Brother lies one kilometre (0.6 miles) south from the Big Brother.

Brothers islands are a dive site featuring corals and two wrecks: Numidia and Aida. However, they are only suitable for very experienced divers due to the islands' isolated position, the challenging dive conditions, and very strong currents.

During high season there are many dive safari boats around both islands. In 2012, Jade Bremner who? ranked Big Brother ninth in a list of the world's 50 best dive sites, and second in the Red Sea.

El Ikhwa Islands, commonly known as Brothers Islands, are two small Red Sea islands in the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt.GeographyThey are situated from El Qoseir on the mainland.

Underwater diving

Brothers islands are a dive site featuring corals and two wrecks: Numidia and Aida. However, they are only suitable for very experienced divers due to the islands' isolated position, the challenging dive conditions, and very strong currents. During high season there are many dive safari boats around both islands.In 2012, CNN ranked Big Brother ninth in a list of the world's 50 best dive sites, and second in the Red Sea.

Onatti Beach Resort Marsa Alam El Quseir

Onatti Beach Resort Marsa Alam El Quseir

Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Onatti Beach Resort is an award-winning, four-star deluxe resort that has been skilfully built on a modern Nubian style with a wide choice of leisure facilities.  rooms are spacious, fares are competitive and the service is unparalleled.

Onatti Beach Resort located on the shores of the Red Sea, 25 minutes away from Marsa Alam International Airport, 150 km away from Hurghada and 600 km away from Cairo, it is renowned for its long sandy beach and its unique underwater world. While floating on the surface of the house reef, you will find beneath your body all kind of outstanding marine species, from exceptional fishes to vibrantly colorful corals. Onatti promises you a relaxing vacation, all you need to do is to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and indulge in the marvelous diving and snorkeling experiences.

Dive Centre in Hotel Onatti in El Quseir

Dive with you into the beautiful underwater world of the southern Red Sea. Join us on beach excursions around El Quseir and Marsa Alam, spend a day on the dive boat, go snorkeling or just relax and dive with us at the house reef. Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple or as a group, are an experienced diver or just starting out. We will accompany you professionally on your diving adventure .

Onatti housereef 

You can easily reach house reef via the jetty, where you can get ready at your leisure. Explore house reef in the north and south and dive into the wonderful coral world. In the small lagoon, we will show you for the first time how it feels to breathe underwater or start your diving course with you. Please note that diving at the house reef is only possible when conditions permit. These are weather dependent due to the location.

Shore diving around El Quseir Let us show you the best dive sites around El Quseir. The dive sites are suitable for all levels of divers, and most are also suitable for snorkelers. Discover minibus half and full-day tours according to the notice board.

While floating on the surface of  house reef, you will find beneath your body all kinds of outstanding marine species. For divers, this place is heaven! We have a diving center in-house and a lengthy marine jetty that gives you access to both house reef and the deep open sea. Even if the sea is rough with high waves, gear up your snorkeling masks and safely head to protected house reef.

Relax on the beach by day, enjoy the starry dark skies, catch a full moon night if lucky, and maybe spend some time at spa, then you found your perfect escape.