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Log This Dive

Balena

Balena, for us, is one of those sites we always try to hit when we're in Hurghada. It's not the most famous, but it delivers on those classic Red Sea vibes without the crowds you sometimes find elsewhere. We love dropping in on the northern side, letting the gentle current carry us along the reef wall. The sheer number of yellowstriped cardinalfish schooling here is incredible; they absolutely smother the corals in places, a shimmering cloud you can practically swim through. Keep an eye out for the bottleneck sea cucumbers on the sand patches – they're surprisingly charismatic – and the flash of a candelamoa parrotfish making its way across the reef. We've had a few lucky encounters with bottlenose dolphins here too, though those are always a treat, never a guarantee. The deeper sections of the reef are home to some really chunky dusky wrasse and the occasional edgeblack grouper lurking under ledges. It's a relaxed drift, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the bustling reef life at a leisurely pace. If you're looking for a consistently rewarding dive in Hurghada that feels a little less "tour bus," Balena is our pick.