Elphinstone Reef Trip from Marsa Alam: Diving for Experienced Divers

Elphinstone is a long, narrow reef that runs from north to south and rises from deep water to just below the surface. Its walls drop far beyond recreational depths and are covered in soft and hard corals, with a plateau at each end of the reef.

Because it stands alone in the open sea, the currents can be strong, and the boat drops divers according to where the current is running. The dive plan is made on the day by the guide, after looking at the conditions.

Elphinstone is for confident, experienced divers. We recommend Advanced certification, experience with drift dives and recent dives before the trip. On the day you show your certification card and logbook, and the guide decides whether the conditions suit your level. Dive insurance is strongly recommended.

If you are new to diving, start with an easier day instead. Our Marsa Alam diving trip has two guided boat dives on reefs chosen for your level, and beginners can arrange a try-dive. Our guide to diving in Marsa Alam for beginners explains how a first dive works.

Expect colourful walls, schools of reef fish and plenty of soft coral. Elphinstone is famous for oceanic whitetip sharks, which are most often reported from autumn into early winter, and hammerheads are sometimes seen too. All of these are wild animals and nothing is guaranteed.

Sharks are a highlight, and they deserve respect. Stay close to the reef and to your guide, keep calm, and follow the guide’s instructions about distance at all times.

Elphinstone is mainly a dive site. The reef is in open water and the currents can be strong, so it is not a good place for most snorkelers. If you snorkel, ask us first, and consider calmer places such as Abu Dabbab Bay, where you walk in from the beach.

Bring your certification card, logbook and dive computer if you have one. Ask us about equipment, nitrox and what is included when we send the price. Plan your flights with care: wait at least 18 hours after a single dive and 24 hours after several dives before you fly.

Sea conditions decide whether boats can go to Elphinstone on a given day, so it is wise to keep a spare day in your holiday. For the best months to dive, see the best time to visit Marsa Alam.