Elphinstone Reef

Reef/Wall

Depth: 5–60 mLevel: AdvancedApril-November

An isolated, spindle-shaped reef some 600 m long, with plateaux to the north and south and walls that fall sheer. The coral community is dominated by soft corals of the genus Dendronephthya. It is one of the most reliable places in the Red Sea for the oceanic whitetip shark, which patrols the shallow part of the reef.

Depth

5–60 m

Recommended level

Advanced

Average visibility

30 m

Did you know?

The reef was charted around 1830 by Robert Moresby during the British survey of the Red Sea, and is named after John Elphinstone, 12th Lord Elphinstone. Its Arabic name is Sha'ab Abu Hamra. There is a memorial at the site to divers who have died there, a reminder that the current here is not open to negotiation.

Sources consulted: Wikipedia (Elphinstone Reef) · Blue Planet Liveaboards

Location

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