Shark's Bay

Overview

Shark's Bay is one of Sharm El Sheikh's most northern shore dives — an easy, flexible house reef that serves equally as a training ground, a macro-photographer's playground and a relaxed warm-up dive. The freedom of a shore entry means no boat schedule and all the time you want to set up, and despite the name the draw here is gentle reef life rather than big predators, with the occasional springtime surprise from the open water.

The Dive

A coral plateau begins around 5m and steps down in a series of ledges to a drop-off near 20m, which makes the gradient ideal for skills practice and for divers finding their feet. From the plateau you can drift the reef edge looking for glassfish-packed pinnacles along the drop, then work back through the shallows. To the right of the bay a deep canyon falls away well beyond recreational limits — over 100m — and draws technical divers, but recreational dives stay up on the reef and the plateau. The site is rarely troubled by strong current, which is exactly why it works so well as a shore dive and a place to slow down and look closely.

Marine Life

This is a macro-rich reef: gobies, blennies and juveniles crowd the coral, and stonefish and scorpionfish reward a patient, careful eye. Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, giant grouper and octopus are regular sightings out toward the drop-off, and the shallows come alive again after dark with crustaceans, echinoderms and cephalopods, making this a popular night dive. In spring, whale sharks and mantas occasionally pass through the bay — the encounters that gave the site its name.

Good to Know

Shark's Bay dives year-round and is suitable for every level, from first open-water dives to night dives and macro photography. Visibility is typically good, in the 20-30m range. Access is straightforward from the shore at the bay, with several dive operations based right on site, so no boat is needed — just walk in. Easy, forgiving and endlessly re-divable, it is one of Sharm's most useful all-rounders.