Rocky Island - Marsa Alam
Rocky Island is one of those deep south Red Sea spots, an oval of barren sand just five kilometres from Zabargad. What it lacks in landmass, it makes up for underwater. The diving here is mostly drift along steep walls, often with some punchy currents, which keep things interesting. That eastern point, especially first thing in the morning, is a favourite for a reason. You’ll typically see schools of barracuda, snapper, and the occasional grey reef shark patrolling the drop-offs. It’s a site that suits experienced divers who enjoy a bit of current and aren't afraid to go with the flow. The shallow reef plateau around the island makes for a convenient safety stop, a nice touch after a spirited drift.
- Location
- Marsa Alam, Egypt, Red Sea & Middle East
- Coordinates
- 23.900000, 36.100000
Best Time to Dive in Marsa Alam
The warmest water temperatures in Marsa Alam occur in August, averaging 31.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 22.7°C.
Monthly Water Temperatures
- January: 23.6°C
- February: 22.7°C
- March: 22.9°C
- April: 23.8°C
- May: 26.0°C
- June: 28.1°C
- July: 29.9°C
- August: 31.1°C
- September: 30.4°C
- October: 28.8°C
- November: 27.1°C
- December: 25.6°C
Nearby Dive Sites in Marsa Alam
- Abu Dabab 4 - 5-18m (reef)
- Abu Dabab 6 - 5-15m (reef)
- Abu Dabbab Ithnain - 5-18m (reef)
- Abu Dabbab Thalata - 5-18m (reef)
- Abu Dabbab Wahid - 10-25m (reef)
- Abu Diab - 15-30m (reef)
- Abu Echera - 10-25m (reef)
- Abu Fendira - 15-30m (reef)
- Abu Galawa Kebir
- Abu Galawa Soraya - 10-25m (reef)
- Abu Galawa Soraya - 10-25m (reef)
- Abu Ghusun (Wreck) - 16m (wreck)
- ADAMANTIA K - 2m (wreck)
- Adantia K. - 15-30m (wreck)
- Barakuda Lahami Bay - 5-20m (reef)
Nearest Dive Centres to Rocky Island
Marine Life in Marsa Alam
Home to 39 recorded species including 10 seagrass & algae, 8 whales & dolphins, 8 reef fish, 7 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 sharks & rays, 1 clams & mussels.
Notable Species
- Long-beaked Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) - Whales & Dolphins
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- thalassia (Thalassia hemprichii) - Seagrass & Algae
- Bridled Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) - Whales & Dolphins
- Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Species code: Hs (Halophila stipulacea) - Seagrass & Algae
- seagrass (Halophila ovalis) - Seagrass & Algae
- cymodocea (Cymodocea rotundata) - Seagrass & Algae
- halodule (Halodule uninervis) - Seagrass & Algae
- Species code: Hp (Halodule pinifolia) - Seagrass & Algae
- Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) - Sharks & Rays
- False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) - Whales & Dolphins
- Maldive Cone (Conus maldivus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
- Golden-Yellow Cone (Conus flavidus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
- Grey Dolphin (Grampus griseus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Black rock pipefish (Phoxocampus belcheri) - Reef Fish
- Sand-dusted Cone (Conus arenatus) - Sea Snails & Nudibranchs
- Duncker's pipefish (Halicampus dunckeri) - Reef Fish
- Indian Scad (Decapterus russelli) - Reef Fish
- Bryde's Whale (Balaenoptera edeni) - Whales & Dolphins
Recommended Packing List for Rocky Island
Based on average water temperature of 26.7°C, currents 3 cm/s.
- Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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