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Explore the lively coral reef ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life.
📷 Francesco Ungaro · Pexels

Dangerous Reef

3.5 — based on 16 community signals
4.1 10 species 10 contributors

Dangerous Reef is a year-round Egyptian dive site within محمية علبة marine protected area, known for healthy coral and abundant marine life.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers.

🐢 MPA · محمية علبة updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
MPABleachingRisk

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Dangerous Reef location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
17.2 kn
Wave
0.92 m
Water
30.6°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (58%)
Now: NNW (344°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.39m

Today: High 13:00 (+0.07m), Low 06:00 (-0.07m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.1 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.07m ▲ 13:00 · +0.07m ▼ 19:00 · +0m ▲ 01:00 · +0.11m Now +0.0m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV7.4 · high Air PM2.525 · moderate 06:24 18:36
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 19.2 0.98 7 0mm
09-20 21.4 1.1 7 0mm
09-21 20.8 1.02 7 0mm
09-22 16.6 0.86 7 0mm
09-23 17.1 0.76 7 0mm
09-24 17.9 0.9 7 0mm
09-25 19.6 1.06 7 0mm

About this spot

Dangerous Reef sits within محمية علبة, one of Egypt's protected marine zones. The site draws divers seeking pristine reef conditions and strong marine biodiversity. The reef remains under good health status with no coral bleaching stress recorded, making it a stable destination for repeat visits. The location hosts ten documented species observations, confirming rich marine life presence. Community video documentation shows active diver interest and provides insight into site conditions and marine encounters. This grassroots content helps new visitors understand what to expect. Being within a protected area, Dangerous Reef operates under conservation guidelines designed to preserve its ecosystem. Divers benefit from these protections—healthier reefs mean better visibility, more fish, and more coral to explore. Year-round accessibility makes planning flexible, though specific seasonal conditions and optimal visiting windows depend on local weather and sea state. Access and logistics require coordination with local operators familiar with MPA requirements and site protocols.

📖 Guide: Diving in Egypt: 258 Sites From Wrecks to Hammerheads

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 220V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 49%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 4400km · ~1012kg · €18

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 59/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 8h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 7h east · 5 days recovery

FAQ

Can I dive Dangerous Reef year-round?

Dangerous Reef is accessible year-round. However, sea conditions and visibility vary by season, so check with local operators for current conditions before booking.

What marine life has been documented at Dangerous Reef?

Ten species observations are recorded at the site, confirming diverse marine presence. Community videos offer direct footage of animals and reef conditions.

Is the coral healthy at Dangerous Reef?

Yes. The reef shows no coral bleaching stress, indicating good ecosystem health. This is maintained through its status within محمية علبة marine protected area.

What permits or restrictions apply to diving Dangerous Reef?

The site is within a marine protected area (MPA), which means access and diving activities follow conservation rules. Work with authorized local operators who understand MPA protocols and current requirements.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

1 records · 1 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Tripneustes gratilla

Echinoidea · Toxopneustidae
GBIF
Last seen:
3 Dec 2025
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

The Most DANGEROUS Dive Site on Earth | Diving Gone Wrong

Scary Interesting
💬 3 top comments
  • To anyone wondering, that wheezing sound is just his regulator squeaking. They do that sometimes. He wasn't struggling or panicking or wheezing until he looked at his gauge and saw how deep he was. When you're in deep water like that, you can't tell how fast you're sinking at all. It can feel like you're sitting still, but you could be plummeting. Always keep track of your depth.

    @factorem9327 · 👍 17000
  • The moment the camera shifts from Yuri’s struggle to suddenly being on the surface is one of the eeriest things I have ever seen.

    @cruelseason · 👍 2900
  • Another sad part is that there is absolutely nothing down there worth seeing. 😢

    @TheBeefSlayer · 👍 84

Red Sea | Underwater Landscapes

Beautiful World - Documentaries
💬 3 top comments
  • So so Preaciously Beautiful Gods creation what a blessing it is to be able to see this from under water . Blessings to you.

    @idalopez2094 · 👍 11
  • Under the ocean amazingly beautiful.

    @cartlone2732 · 👍 13
  • Amazing documentary

    @kristerairey4792 · 👍 1

Diving at St. Johns - Dangerous Reef

TCAtlantis
wind peaks Feb-Sep-Mar, calmest Nov-Aug-Jul, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Aug (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (100/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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