Daedalus Reef is one of the most spectacular diving sites in the southern Red Sea. Its dramatic steep walls are often swept by strong currents – a promising sign for thrilling encounters with large pelagic marine life. Regular visitors include hammerhead sharks, tuna, and manta rays.

Located more than 80 kilometers offshore from Marsa Alam, Daedalus Reef is accessible only via liveaboard. This isolated reef, less than one kilometer in diameter, is marked by a historic lighthouse. Its remote location and status as a protected marine park ensure pristine underwater conditions – a true paradise for experienced divers seeking something exceptional.

Similar to the Brothers Islands, powerful currents usually flow from north to south along the steep outer walls of the reef. Surface conditions can be challenging with wind and swell – but the incredible underwater action makes every dive here unforgettable.

North Point

High-Adrenaline Diving

The northern tip of the reef is known as one of the most challenging entry points due to split currents and strong flow. But these very conditions attract large pelagic species: especially during the summer months, divers often encounter schools of hammerhead sharks. Silky sharks, manta rays, trevallies, and tuna are also commonly sighted.

Finding a sheltered spot in the current allows divers to hold position and witness the action up close.

East & West Walls

Colorful Coral and Marine Life

Thanks to the daily movement of the sun, the east wall is best dived in the morning and the west wall in the afternoon. Both sides are ideal for drift dives heading south, and are densely covered in vibrant soft corals, sea fans, and clouds of reef fish.

The west wall offers some unique highlights: at around 10 meters depth, a wide ledge is home to countless anemones, Red Sea anemonefish, and dotty backs. Massive Porites coral formations create stunning underwater architecture, where moray eels find shelter. Numerous cleaning stations can be found along the wall, where wrasses tend to blue spine unicorn fish and groupers waiting their turn.

South Point

With Luck, a Thresher Shark Encounter

At the southern tip of Daedalus Reef, keep an eye on the blue – you might be lucky enough to spot a rare thresher shark making an appearance.