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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Rocky Island?
While the typical diving depth at Rocky Island is not explicitly specified in our current data, the site is characterized by steep walls, suggesting a range of depths. Divers can utilize the surrounding short reef plateau for convenient safety stops at the end of their dives. For more detailed depth information, please consult local dive operators in Marsa Alam.
What kind of marine life and corals can I expect to see when diving Rocky Island?
Our current description for Rocky Island does not detail specific marine life or coral species you can expect to encounter. However, as one of Egypt's marine parks and a prominent reef site in the Red Sea, it is generally known for its rich biodiversity. For general information on Red Sea marine life, you can explore our wildlife database.
How challenging is diving at Rocky Island, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Rocky Island is rated as intermediate difficulty. This is primarily due to its steep walls being exposed to strong currents, making for exciting drift diving opportunities, especially at the eastern point. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers, who may find the conditions challenging.
What is the best time of year to go diving at Rocky Island?
Our current data for Rocky Island does not specify the best time of year to go diving. Conditions in the Red Sea can vary, so it's always best to check seasonal information. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications and experience are recommended or required for Rocky Island?
Given that Rocky Island is an intermediate difficulty dive site, characterized by steep walls and strong currents suitable for drift diving, an advanced open water certification or equivalent experience is highly recommended. Divers should ideally have prior experience with drift diving and navigating strong currents to safely enjoy this site. For more details on dive certifications, please consult your dive operator in Marsa Alam.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at Rocky Island?
Rocky Island is notably exposed to strong currents, especially along its steep walls, making it an excellent location for exciting drift diving. The eastern point is particularly known for this. Our current data does not provide specific details regarding typical visibility conditions at the site.