Gota El Dir - El Gouna

Leigh Reef, nestled just outside the Poor Knights' main protected area, feels like a secret handshake among local divers. Maximum depth here is 16 metres, but don’t let that fool you. We've often seen kingfish schooling so thick they dim the light, baitfish shimmering like a silver cloud. It’s an adrenaline hit, a real wild card. We absolutely love this spot, especially when you catch it around slack tide, which is critical. The currents can roar through here, so a good boat handler on the surface is not just nice to have, it's essential. Visibility averages 7 metres, which means you’re often diving into a bustling, slightly mysterious world. Look closely along the southern walls; there are some small caves and overhangs crammed with life. This site is definitely one for the experienced diver who appreciates a lively, action-packed dive rather than a leisurely drift.

Location
El Gouna, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
Coordinates
27.435200, 33.739300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: شعاب البحر الأحمر

Best Time to Dive in El Gouna

The warmest water temperatures in El Gouna occur in August, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 20.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.3°C
  • February: 20.2°C
  • March: 20.8°C
  • April: 22.1°C
  • May: 24.5°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 27.0°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 27.3°C
  • October: 26.1°C
  • November: 24.6°C
  • December: 22.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in El Gouna

Nearest Dive Centres to Gota El Dir

Marine Life in El Gouna

Home to 64 recorded species including 46 reef fish, 7 whales & dolphins, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 sea cucumbers, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Gota El Dir

Based on average water temperature of 24.1°C, currents 19 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 24°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • 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