Fury Shoals is a chain of reefs in the southern Red Sea, located about 30 km off the coast of Marsa Alam. It is a renowned diving destination, famous for its pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear waters. The area consists of several individual reefs, each offering its own unique underwater landscapes and marine species.
What makes this route special is the short travel time, no rush, and the chance to dive at sites that are often skipped due to tight schedules. This tour is ideal for underwater photographers, offering plenty of time for detailed shots and relaxed exploration of the reefs.
Beginners diving in the Red Sea for the first time will feel right at home here, as most dives do not require advanced experience. At the same time, returning divers won’t get bored – familiar spots can be explored more thoroughly and from new perspectives.
If you’re looking for a dive destination with untouched reefs, rich marine life, and exciting challenges, Fury Shoals is a perfect choice. Stretching along 30 km of coastline, it features some of the Red Sea’s most beautiful and pristine coral formations.
Lagoon dives, drop-offs, wrecks, and breathtaking reefs will keep you exploring for hours. Fury Shoals is suitable for divers of all experience levels, especially for those who are confident with currents, deeper dives, and variable conditions.
Top Dive Sites at Fury Shoals:
Sha’ab Sataya (Dolphin House)
The main reef of Fury Shoals, also known as “Sataya Dolphin House”, is in southern Egypt near Marsa Alam. This horseshoe-shaped reef is home to a large pod of spinner dolphins. There’s a chance to snorkel and swim with them in their natural habitat – they often come playfully close to the boats.
For divers, Sataya offers easy access to dive spots. Along the outer reef walls, you’ll find drop-offs reaching depths of up to 40 meters, where large pelagic marine life might appear – even whale sharks, with a bit of luck. In the remote bays, shallower sites offer great opportunities to encounter turtles.
You’ll also find exciting plateaus and slopes, where sharks, barracudas, tuna, and other big fish are often spotted.
Please note diving directly with the dolphins in the bay is not permitted – these are wild animals and choose how close they want to get.
Abu Galawa Kebir
A large reef in the northern Fury Shoals, known for its spectacular hard and soft corals. Massive mountain corals tower high above the reef’s cape. A lagoon lush with marine life invites you to explore. Overhangs, caves, and small canyons make this site especially diverse. The average depth ranges from 20 to 25 meters.
A small cargo shipwreck rests on a coral block at depths between 0 and 17 meters. It’s heavily encrusted and photogenic, and divers can even swim underneath it. Batfish schools are often seen nearby.
The sandy seabed between the main reefs is dotted with smaller and larger coral blocks.
From giant creatures like turtles and moray eels to tiny crabs and nudibranchs – Abu Galawa Kebir is a paradise for underwater photographers. With luck, you may spot dolphins or whitetip reef sharks. Night dives here are especially rewarding.
Abu Galawa Soraya
A small, round reef just 15 minutes from Abu Galawa Kebir. Its pinnacles are beautifully covered with vibrant hard and soft corals. The average dive depth is around 20 meters, usually with little to no current.
A highlight is the small, well-preserved wreck of a sunken sailing boat at around 12 meters – easily accessible and perfect for small groups. The wreck is nicely encrusted with corals. With some luck, frogfish can be found here too.
Another highlight is the coral channel, through which you can dive between colorful walls. At the end, more coral blocks invite further exploration. Night dives are especially worthwhile here.
Sha’ab Malahi
A small, rugged reef with lots of canyons and swim-through caves. The average depth is about 20 meters, but dives are often shallower. You’ll dive through narrow passages between towering coral blocks, with dramatic light effects depending on the time of day.
This site invites slow and mindful diving – countless marine creatures await discovery. The caves are spacious, easy to navigate, and always open on at least one side.
Sha’ab Claudia
A round reef with impressive canyons and easy-to-explore caves. This is a relaxed dive, perfect for enjoying the light effects and peaceful atmosphere.
In the southern section, there’s a small, straightforward cave where you won’t get lost. The average depth is around 20 meters. The caves are shallow, with entrances and exits hidden behind coral formations between 4 and 8 meters.
On the west side, you’ll find a stunning coral garden. Sha’ab Claudia is also excellent for snorkeling and night dives.
Sha’ab Maksour
This long, freestanding reef is reminiscent of Elphinstone – but a bit larger. Depending on the weather, strong currents may occur.
To the south, there’s a plateau that drops down to 40 meters, while two large coral towers rise in the middle section. Currents make it worthwhile to keep an eye on the blue for large marine life.
In the north, another plateau sits at 40 meters before the reef plunges steeply. The east and west walls are steep and lead back to the boat at the southern plateau.
Thanks to its exposed location and currents, encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks (Longimanus), hammerheads, dolphins, and whale sharks are possible.
Sha’ab Maksour is not suitable for snorkeling or night diving.
Abu Diab Reef
Not far from Fury Shoals and easily included in the route. This rounded reef offers relaxed diving conditions, with an average depth of around 20 meters.
Depending on the current, you can enjoy a drift dive by Zodiac – especially toward the coral garden on the west side or the small cave system in the south.
Abu Diab is also suitable for night dives. Depending on the conditions, the caves may also be explored at night.