The coral reefs along the Marsa Alam coast are a real treat for divers.  Here you can get close to spinner dolphins, bottle nose dolphins, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, several species of shark and the enchanting but endangered Dugong, not to mention the vast varieties of colourful corals and fish. 

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A world famous offshore reef, Elphinstone is the jewel of the Red Sea. Sheer walls and sometimes currents at exhilarating speeds make this one for advanced divers only but it will be one you remember.  Anthias smother the walls and large gorgonian fans and black corals hide critters such as the infamous long nose hawkfish. Keep an eye out in the blue for resident schools of snapper, large barracuda and enormous Napoleon wrasse.

The north and south plateaus drop to over 40m in depth but can be a place for very special encounters - manta rays, silvertip, tiger, grey reef and hammerhead sharks have all been seen here, and cruising the shallows at the right time of year can be curious silky and oceanic whitetip sharks.

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The best conditions for diving are during the summer months when the water temperature averages nearly 30° although even in January it's a not unpleasant 24 degrees.  In the  winter months of January to March, tend to have longer periods with higher wind speeds and rougher seas.  Marsa Alam can be a windy location anytime,  more so than Hurghada, although diving is very rarely cancelled but can be limited to close, sheltered spots.