Middle Reef, also sometimes called Swiss Cheese Reef, is a stunning circular reef located east of Safaga Island in the Red Sea. It’s a popular destination for divers due to its diverse marine life, beautiful coral formations, and options for divers of various experience levels.
Location: East of Safaga Island, Red Sea, Egypt
Access: Boat dive
Depth: 5 – 30 meters (16 – 98 feet)
Currents: Can vary from mild to strong, depending on location
Skill Level: Beginner to advanced (depending on chosen dive profile).
Varied Reef Structure: Middle Reef offers something for everyone. The shallow south side boasts a labyrinth of caves and tunnels, perfect for exploring. The east and west sides feature beautiful hard coral gardens teeming with life. The northeast boasts a deep sloping wall with incredible coral growth and large sea fans.
Rich Marine Life: Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of colorful fish, including pufferfish, grouper, octopus, snappers, parrotfish, morays, and even the occasional reef shark or turtle.
Multiple Dive Profiles: Due to the reef’s size and varied depths, divers can choose different dive profiles. Beginners can explore the shallow areas with their vibrant coral gardens and playful fish. More experienced divers can venture deeper to explore the wall or drift along the reef with the current.
Some dive operators recommend entering the dive via a zodiac on the northeast side, allowing you to drift along the wall with the reef on your right shoulder.
The safety stop can be done in a wonderful coral garden on the south side of the reef.
Visibility is generally excellent, offering stunning underwater views.
Here are some resources for further info:
United Divers Egypt: Middle Reef dive site description: [invalid URL removed]
Scuba World Divers: Brief description of Middle Reef: https://www.scubaworlddivers.com/
Divers Guide: Short overview of Middle Reef: https://united-divers-egypt.com/destinations/middle-reef-2/?lang=en
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, Middle Reef offers a fantastic diving experience with something to discover for everyone