El Fanous West

Overview

El Fanous West is an easy, dolphin-famous reef a short boat ride north of Hurghada, named for the beacon (fanous) perched on top of the main reef. The western side is the gentler, sandier half of the Fanous reef complex: a sheltered lagoon, coral pinnacles and a couple of soft-coral ergs that make it a relaxed dive for all levels and a regular training site. Its real claim to fame is the dolphins that stop here to feed and play.

The Dive

Dropping in over a seabed of around 6–7m beside the boat, the dive crosses a canal into a sandy lagoon, passing small coral pinnacles on the way. Heading northwest you reach an erg dressed in hard coral at the northern edge of the lagoon, then loop back along the far side past the second main reef. On the eastern flank a shallow wall rises from a sloping sandy bottom, decorated with coral blocks and two attractive ergs densely carpeted in soft coral. Most of the dive stays shallow, in the 6–18m range, with the deeper sand sloping to around 30m for those who want it.

This is calm, forgiving diving — gentle current, easy navigation, plenty of shallow time — which is what makes it such a good site for beginners, courses and check dives. The pinnacles are natural fish magnets and reward a slow, patient circuit.

Marine Life

The sandy western character brings blue-spotted stingrays, the occasional larger sand ray, and stonefish lurking on the bottom. Around the ergs and pinnacles look for giant moray eels, silversides, jackfish hunting, lionfish, Picasso and other triggerfish (nesting and aggressive in August–September), butterflyfish, octopus and even squid. Turtles feed in the coral gardens here, and pods of dolphins regularly pass through to play.

Good to Know

El Fanous West is roughly 30 minutes by boat from Hurghada. Visibility is variable depending on conditions and the sandy bottom, commonly 10–25m. With its calm lagoon, shallow profile and dolphin reputation it is a favourite gentle dive and snorkel site, and a dependable choice for newer divers. Best in calm weather; the triggerfish are best given a wide berth in late summer.