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Shaab Sheer

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.1 12 species 13 contributors

Shaab Sheer is a year-round Egyptian reef dive with diverse marine life and no coral stress. A reliable choice for divers seeking Red Sea depth and clarity.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
Visibility
25 m
PhotoFriendlyMacroFocusWideAngleSpotFamily-friendly
+1 more
BoatOnly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Visibility
25 m
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus, Nudibranch, Green sea turtle

Map

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

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
8.7 kn
Wave
0.52 m
Water
28.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (31%)
Now: NW (311°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.49m

Next: Low at 06:00 (-0.16m)

+0.3 m0 m-0.2 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.16m ▲ 13:00 · +0.03m ▼ 19:00 · -0.08m ▲ 01:00 · +0.05m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV6.6 · high Air PM2.56 · good 06:31 18:44
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 18.6 0.9 7 0mm
09-20 17.3 1.04 7 0mm
09-21 16.1 0.9 7 0mm
09-22 15 0.76 7 0mm
09-23 14.4 0.88 7 0mm
09-24 14.9 0.92 7 0mm
09-25 15.6 1.26 7 0mm

About this spot

Shaab Sheer sits in Egypt's Red Sea, a reef system known for consistent conditions across all seasons. The site draws divers looking for solid visibility and healthy coral ecosystems. Local data shows no signs of bleaching stress, meaning the reef structure remains vibrant and intact. Marine life here runs the full Red Sea roster. Twelve documented species observations confirm regular encounters with groupers, snappers, anthias, and reef sharks. Smaller critters—nudibranch, scorpionfish, and octopus—hide in the rocks for those who look. Pelagics cruise the deeper channels during certain periods. The reef architecture itself offers both shallow gardens and steep drop-offs, giving divers options based on skill and air supply. Access is straightforward from Egypt's main diving hubs. No special permits or MPA restrictions apply here, so day trips and multi-dive packages run year-round. Three community videos document the site, offering real-world footage of conditions and marine encounters. Visibility holds steady enough for wide-angle and macro work alike. Bring a dive computer, respect the coral, and expect crowds during peak European winter months. The reef's lack of bleaching stress makes it a solid benchmark for healthy Red Sea diving. Shaab Sheer rewards both newcomers and veterans with reliable encounters and a well-preserved marine environment.

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

Best months

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

Marine life

Common octopusNudibranchGreen sea turtle

Dive types

ReefWall

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 ↔ 3995km · ~919kg · €17

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 Shaab Sheer?

Year-round diving is possible at Shaab Sheer. The Red Sea's stable conditions mean no dead seasons. European winter (November–March) sees the most divers. Summer heat and occasional rough seas may limit boat schedules, but underwater conditions remain viable.

What depth and difficulty should I expect?

Exact depth data isn't documented, but Red Sea reef structures typically range from 5 to 40+ meters. The reef accommodates both recreational and advanced divers. Currents can run moderate to strong, so solid buoyancy control and experience are assets.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve recorded species observations confirm groupers, snappers, anthias, and reef sharks as regulars. Macro life includes nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and octopus. Pelagics and larger predators appear depending on season and depth. Coral health is excellent—no bleaching stress recorded.

Do I need permits or special access?

Shaab Sheer lies outside any Marine Protected Area, so standard Egyptian dive operator permits apply. No extra paperwork required. Access is by boat from main Red Sea ports. Three community videos show real-world conditions and logistics.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Shaab Sheer East / Safaga / Red Sea / Egypt / July 2019

Scuba Freaxxx

Shaab Maksour South Plateau 4K/60 HDR 24.11.2022

Karl Gerd Schneider

🌊 Diving at Sha'ab Sheer (Shaab Sheer)- Safaga, Egypt 🐠 #salemexpress #safaga

PCL-Diving | Dive Sites & Underwater Exploration
wind peaks Jun-Aug-Sep, calmest Nov-Jan-Dec, 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: Jul (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (87/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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Salem Express Egypt Diving
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Salem Express

Wreck dive on a 1991 cargo ship off Egypt's Red Sea coast. Abundant marine life and intact structure attract divers year-round.

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