Elphinstone Reef is a legendary dive site consistently ranked among the top ten in the world.
Location and Structure: Situated in the southern Red Sea, near Marsa Alam, Elphinstone is a massive offshore reef stretching over 375 meters. Imagine a cigar shape rising from the deep sea with walls plunging over 100 meters!
Currents and Experience Level: Due to its location and the reef’s angle, Elphinstone experiences constant currents. This makes it ideal for drift dives, but also means it’s best suited for experienced divers who can navigate currents comfortably.
Marine Life Spectacle: The strong currents are a magnet for pelagic fish and large predators. Elphinstone is famous for encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and other reef sharks. The entire reef is teeming with life, from colorful soft corals to schools of fish and vibrant reef inhabitants.
Here are some additional details about Elphinstone Reef:
Highlights: Oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks, abundant soft corals, diverse marine life
Depths: The reef wall reaches depths exceeding 100 meters, while dives typically range from 10-40 meters.
Access: Elphinstone is usually accessed by boat trips from Marsa Alam, with a boat ride of around 40 minutes to the dive site.
Considerations: Due to currents and depth, Elphinstone is best suited for advanced divers with proper drift diving training.
If you’re an experienced diver seeking an adrenaline rush and a chance to encounter iconic marine life, Elphinstone Reef is a must-visit dive site