Marsa Egla - Deep South

Phantasea Dome is where the Somosomo Strait truly shows off. Forget one lonely pinnacle, here you get a cluster of four, rising like rocky knuckles from the sandy seafloor. Our favourite, the "dome" itself, is covered in potato coral, big brainy mounds that really make you feel like you're exploring some alien landscape. We love dropping in on an outgoing tide here; that's when the fusiliers mass so thick they can literally dim the light, a silver river flowing past you. Keep an eye out for the small stuff, too. We’ve spotted bluestripe pipefish tucked into crannies, and those flashy flasher scorpionfish, masters of camouflage. The maximum depth is 19m, so it’s a site that gives you plenty of bottom time, letting you really explore the nooks and crannies. You might even catch a glimpse of giant trevally cruising past, a reminder of the bigger hunters in these waters. This site is perfect for divers who appreciate both the wide-angle schools and the macro details. It’s got that vibrant, healthy reef feel, but with enough architectural interest from the pinnacles to make every swim-through a discovery.

Location
Deep South, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
25.172600, 34.842200
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Deep South

The warmest water temperatures in Deep South occur in January, averaging 22.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 22.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 22.7°C (air: 19.1°C)
  • February: 22.7°C (air: 19.5°C)
  • March: 22.7°C (air: 22.3°C)
  • April: 22.7°C (air: 26.3°C)
  • May: 22.7°C (air: 29.7°C)
  • June: 22.7°C (air: 32.9°C)
  • July: 22.7°C (air: 33.7°C)
  • August: 22.7°C (air: 34.1°C)
  • September: 22.7°C (air: 32.6°C)
  • October: 22.7°C (air: 28.5°C)
  • November: 22.7°C (air: 24.5°C)
  • December: 22.7°C (air: 21.4°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Deep South

Nearest Dive Centres to Marsa Egla

Marine Life in Deep South

Home to 63 recorded species including 30 reef fish, 10 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 6 hard corals, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Marsa Egla

Based on average water temperature of 22.7°C.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 23°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Marsa Egla?
At Marsa Egla, divers can expect a maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it an excellent shore dive suitable for various experience levels. The bay format provides easy access to explore the reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Marsa Egla?
Divers at Marsa Egla are guaranteed to see fascinating marine life such as scorpion fishes and moray eels. The extensive sea grass beds in this reef location also attract sea turtles and sometimes even dugongs (sea cows). You can learn more about these species and others in our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Marsa Egla, and is it suitable for beginners?
Marsa Egla is highly suitable for both entry-level and experienced divers alike, thanks to its easy access in a protected bay format. While generally classified as intermediate, its calm conditions and shallow maximum depth of 15m make it very welcoming for those new to diving in Egypt's Deep South.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at Marsa Egla for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for Marsa Egla does not specify a best time of year or day for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. However, the site's guaranteed sightings of scorpion fishes and moray eels, along with potential sea turtle and dugong encounters, are consistent. For general information on diving seasons in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Marsa Egla?
The specific diving certifications required for Marsa Egla are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its suitability for entry-level divers and a maximum depth of 15 meters, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be sufficient to explore this beautiful shore dive. Always confirm with your local dive operator.
What are the usual current and visibility conditions like at Marsa Egla?
At Marsa Egla, divers can expect excellent visibility, averaging around 18 meters. While specific current data is not provided, the description of easy access in a bay format and suitability for entry-level divers suggests that currents are typically mild, making for a comfortable diving experience.