Temple Reef is a well-known and easily accessible dive site situated near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, in the Red Sea. It’s known for its unique underwater formations that resemble an ancient temple, making it a captivating dive for both beginners and experienced divers.
Temple Reef is typically explored as a mooring dive, which means divers descend and ascend from a single anchor point attached to the seafloor. This makes it a suitable option for divers of all levels, particularly those new to diving due to the absence of complex navigation or strong currents.
The reef starts at a depth of around 10 meters (33 feet) and gradually slopes down to a maximum depth of 18 meters (59 feet). This relatively shallow depth allows divers to enjoy the underwater scenery for extended periods and makes it suitable for divers who are not yet comfortable venturing deeper.
The reef’s namesake feature is its collection of massive coral blocks that rise from the seabed, resembling the remnants of an underwater temple. These formations create swim-throughs, crevices, and overhangs, offering exciting opportunities to explore the diverse marine life inhabiting the reef.
Rich marine life: Temple Reef boasts a vibrant array of marine creatures, including anemonefish (clownfish), giant morays, blue-spotted stingrays, lionfish, scorpionfish, and various colorful soft corals. Divers can observe these fascinating creatures amidst the intricate coral structures.
Easy accessibility: Temple Reef is conveniently located close to the shore and can be accessed from several dive centers in the Naama Bay area. This proximity makes it a convenient choice for divers staying in nearby hotels and resorts.
Visibility: Visibility at Temple Reef is generally good, ranging from 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet) depending on weather conditions.
Currents: Currents at Temple Reef are usually mild, making it a good option for divers who are not comfortable with strong currents.
Marine life: The reef is home to a variety of fish species, crustaceans, and other marine life. Divers can expect to see a diverse range of colorful creatures throughout the dive.
Overall, Temple Reef offers a delightful and accessible dive experience suitable for divers of all levels. Its unique underwater formations, diverse marine life, and convenient location make it a popular choice for exploring the wonders of the Red Sea.