Marsa Alam Excursions
Elphinstone Reef

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Elphinstone Reef

One of the Red Sea's most legendary dive sites, a deep-water reef famous for oceanic whitetip sharks.

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Best Time to Visit

Year-round (best sharks Oct-Dec)

Currency

EGP

Time Zone

Africa/Cairo

Available Tours

1 experiences

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TOP 10 TOURS IN ELPHINSTONE REEF

Our best-selling tours and experiences curated by local experts

Your Local Guide In Elphinstone Reef

Elphinstone Reef is a world-renowned offshore reef about 12 km north of Marsa Alam, considered one of the top dive sites in the entire Red Sea. This cigar-shaped reef rises from deep water and features dramatic walls covered in soft corals, gorgonian fans, and sponges. The north and south plateaus are famous for encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and other pelagic species. The reef is exclusively a boat-access dive site and is suitable for experienced divers due to the currents and depths involved.

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Expert Local Guides

Our experienced local guides know all the hidden gems and stories of Elphinstone Reef.

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We offer you the best experiences in Elphinstone Reef, handpicked by our experts.

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Your safety is our priority. All tours are carefully vetted and insured.

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Why Visit Elphinstone Reef?

Oceanic whitetip sharks

Dramatic reef walls

Soft coral gardens

Pelagic fish encounters

World-class diving

Travel Tips & Essential Info

Everything you need to know before you go

Best Time to Visit

Year-round (best sharks Oct-Dec)

Currency

EGP

Languages

English widely spoken

Emergency

Local emergency services

What Travelers Say About Elphinstone Reef

4.8/5 from 1,000+ reviews

Highly recommend!

Five stars all the way! Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable. The pace was perfect - not too rushed, not too slow. Every moment was enjoyable.

S

Sarah Johnson

Verified traveler

Decent experience

Good tour overall. The guide was nice but the group was quite large. Still enjoyed the experience though.

M

Michael Chen

Verified traveler

Decent experience

Good tour overall. The guide was nice but the group was quite large. Still enjoyed the experience though.

A

Ahmed Hassan

Verified traveler

Wonderful day out

Very nice experience overall. Well organized with professional staff. The highlights were even better than expected.

H

Hans Mueller

Verified traveler

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know about visiting Elphinstone Reef

The best time to visit Elphinstone Reef is during the cooler months from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather is ideal for exploring attractions and participating in tours.

We recommend spending at least 3-5 days to experience the main attractions comfortably. However, a week or more allows for a more relaxed pace and exploration of hidden gems, local neighborhoods, and day trips to nearby areas.

Yes, Elphinstone Reef is generally safe for tourists. As with any destination, exercise normal precautions like being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and following local guidance. Our tours prioritize your safety with professional guides.

Pack comfortable walking shoes, light breathable clothing for daytime, a light jacket for evenings or air-conditioned spaces, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and any necessary medications. Don't forget your camera to capture the amazing sights!

While not mandatory, having a local guide significantly enhances your experience. Guides provide insider knowledge, historical context, help navigate crowds efficiently, and ensure you don't miss important details about the attractions.

For religious sites and certain attractions, modest clothing is required (covering shoulders and knees). It's best to carry a light scarf or shawl. Most restaurants and hotels have no specific dress code, but smart casual is appreciated.

While we recommend booking in advance for popular tours, many experiences can be booked last minute subject to availability. However, skip-the-line tours and special experiences often sell out, so early booking is advisable.

Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Some special events may have different policies. Please check the specific tour details for exact cancellation terms.

It varies by tour. Some tours include meals or snacks, while others don't. Each tour description clearly states what's included. Food tours naturally include multiple tastings as part of the experience.

All tour confirmations include detailed meeting point information with maps and directions. Most meeting points are at central, easy-to-reach locations with good public transport access. Our team is available 24/7 if you need assistance.

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