Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas
Silhouette of a diver surrounded by bubbles underwater at Farasan Island, Saudi Arabia.
📷 Francesco Ungaro · Pexels

Sataya East

3.5 — based on 14 community signals
4.1 12 species 14 contributors

Sataya East is a year-round dive site in Egypt's Wadi Gemal and Hamata protected marine area, known for healthy coral and diverse marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · محمية وادي الجمال وجبل حماطة updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAPhotoFriendlyFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin, Blacktip reef shark

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Sataya East location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
16.6 kn
Wave
0.74 m
Water
30.1°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NNW (52%)
Now: NNW (330°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.4m

Next: Low at 06:00 (-0.09m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.1 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.09m ▲ 13:00 · +0.07m ▼ 19:00 · -0.04m ▲ 01:00 · +0.08m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV7.35 · high Air PM2.532 · moderate 06:24 18:37
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 21.6 0.9 7 0mm
09-20 23.4 0.98 7 0mm
09-21 24.4 1.06 7 0mm
09-22 20.3 0.78 7 0mm
09-23 19 0.84 7 0mm
09-24 22.7 1.04 7 0mm
09-25 23.9 1.26 7 0mm

About this spot

Sataya East sits within one of Egypt's most carefully managed marine reserves, the Wadi Gemal and Hamata protected area. The site offers year-round diving opportunities in warm Red Sea waters. Its protected status means the reef ecosystem remains robust, with coral showing no signs of bleaching stress. The site supports a healthy variety of marine species, making it a reliable choice for divers seeking intact reef conditions. The protected designation reflects Egypt's commitment to preserving this section of the Red Sea. Divers can expect to encounter the rich biodiversity typical of well-maintained Egyptian reef systems. Community observations of 12 documented species indicate solid reef health and consistent marine activity. Access and logistics depend on your location and local operator availability. Always verify current conditions and any permit requirements before planning your trip, as protected areas sometimes have specific guidelines for visitor access.

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

Marine life

Bottlenose dolphinBlacktip reef shark

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 · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 4318km · ~993kg · €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

When is the best time to dive Sataya East?

Sataya East is diveable year-round. The Red Sea maintains warm water temperatures throughout the year, making it accessible to divers regardless of season. Check with local operators for current conditions before booking.

What marine life will I see?

Sataya East supports 12 documented species within its protected reef system. The site's status within the Wadi Gemal and Hamata marine reserve ensures healthy coral and active marine populations. Expect typical Red Sea reef fauna in good condition.

Are there any access requirements or permits?

Sataya East lies within a protected marine area (محمية وادي الجمال وجبل حماطة). You may need permits or must follow specific access guidelines. Always contact local authorities or a licensed dive operator for current requirements before diving.

What is the water depth and difficulty level?

Specific depth and difficulty ratings for Sataya East are not currently documented. Contact local dive operators in Egypt for detailed site briefings and to confirm whether the site suits your experience level.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Diving in Egypt - Autumn 2021

Diving with Yves

Egypt. Berenice 2014. Dive site at Shaab Sataya East.

Davide Bozzi
💬 2 top comments
  • Tu pari conoscere bene la cultura

    @ahmedsoufan1478 · 👍 0
  • Tutto è cambiato ma hamata ancora hamata 😅, sono stato un marinaio con orca e adesso sono una guida subacqueo nello stesso sito Io lavoro con loro da 202

    @ahmedsoufan1478 · 👍 0

The amazing dolphins of Sataya reef (Egypt), september 2022

Rianne Sportel
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

Nearby spots

Shaab Sataya Egypt Diving
🇪🇬 Egypt

Shaab Sataya

Shaab Sataya is a year-round Red Sea reef dive in Egypt's Wadi Gamal-Hamata Marine Protected Area, known for healthy coral and rich marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Sataya South Egypt Diving
🇪🇬 Egypt

Sataya South

Sataya South is a year-round dive site in Egypt's Wadi El Gamal and Jebel Hamata marine protected area, known for healthy coral and diverse marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Shaab Sataya Amphoren Egypt Diving
🇪🇬 Egypt

Shaab Sataya Amphoren

Shaab Sataya Amphoren is a year-round Red Sea dive site in Egypt's Wadi Gamal-Gebel Hamaata Marine Protected Area, known for healthy coral and abundant marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

Gota Sataia 2 Egypt Diving
🇪🇬 Egypt

Gota Sataia 2

Gota Sataia 2 is a year-round Red Sea dive site in Egypt's Wadi El-Gemal and Gabal Hamata marine protected area, known for healthy coral.

Beginner
Shaab Maksour South Egypt Diving
🇪🇬 Egypt

Shaab Maksour South

Platform reef in Egypt's Red Sea offering year-round diving with healthy coral and diverse marine life in a protected marine area.

Beginner
El Andia - Jureles Costa Rica Diving
🇨🇷 Costa Rica

El Andia - Jureles

El Andia - Jureles is a year-round dive site near Isla del Caño in Costa Rica's protected marine reserve, known for its marine biodiversity and reef habitat.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Diving
🇪🇬 Egypt

Shab Sataya N-W

Shab Sataya N-W is a year-round Red Sea dive site in Egypt's Wadi el-Gemal and Gabal Hamata Marine Protected Area, known for healthy coral and consistent marine life.

Intermediate

Suggest an operator

Know a great dive shop, kite school, or local guide at this spot? Tell us — we'll review and add it.

Up to 500 characters
Plan
View →