Elphinstone Reef — Marsa Alam Dive Day

Overview

Elphinstone is the dive that draws experienced divers to Marsa Alam — a narrow reef rising from deep water a few kilometres offshore, its two long walls falling away into the blue and dropping to plateaus at either end. This is a full day of boat diving on that wall, with two guided dives for certified divers who are comfortable in open water and mild current. Along the near-vertical reef faces you drift past dense hard and soft coral, gorgonian fans and schooling reef fish, while the deep water off the plateaus is where the reef earns its reputation: grey reef sharks, and in the right season the oceanic whitetip that patrol the drop-offs. Because Elphinstone is exposed and current-swept, it is best suited to divers with some experience rather than first-timers, and dives are run as drifts with the boat following your bubbles. You leave from the Marsa Alam coast by boat in the morning, dive the north and south ends with a surface interval and lunch on board between them, and return in the afternoon. Tanks, weights and a dive guide are included, transfers are arranged, and the crew handle the logistics so you can focus on the wall. Bring your certification card and logbook.

Highlights

• ✦Elphinstone's sheer offshore walls
• ✦Drift diving along the coral drop-off
• ✦Grey reef & oceanic whitetip sharks
• ✦Two guided boat dives
• ✦For experienced certified divers
• ✦Lunch & drinks on board

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1
   Hotel pickup & harbour departure

   Morning pickup from your Marsa Alam hotel and transfer to the boat, with a briefing on the day, the conditions and Elphinstone's dive plan before you cast off.

2. 2
   Dive 1 — Elphinstone north plateau

   Drop in along the reef wall and drift over dense coral and fans, watching the blue off the plateau for grey reef sharks and passing pelagics.

3. 3
   Surface interval & lunch on board

   Return to the boat for a surface interval and lunch while the crew reposition for the second dive.

4. 4
   Dive 2 — Elphinstone south wall

   A second drift along the opposite wall and plateau, taking in the reef's marine life before ascending.

5. 5
   Return to Marsa Alam

   Cruise back to the coast and transfer to your hotel in the afternoon.

Meeting point

📍 Hotel pickup included, or meet at the operator's downtown office.

Frequently asked questions

How long is this experience?

Full day

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.

Where does it start?

Hotel pickup included, or meet at the operator's downtown office.

Will I get instant confirmation?

Yes — your confirmation arrives on your phone right after booking.

What's included?

Boat trip & crew · Two guided dives with dive guide · Tanks, weights & belt · Lunch & soft drinks on board · Hotel pickup & drop-off