About this spot
St John's Habili Gaffar sits within Egypt's Elba Marine Protected Area (محمية علبة), one of the Red Sea's most pristine zones. The site welcomes divers throughout the year, making it accessible whether you plan a winter escape or summer expedition. The reef shows no signs of coral bleaching stress, indicating strong ecological health and stable conditions for growth. The spot has attracted documented marine observations across 12 recorded species sightings, offering consistent encounters with Red Sea fauna. Three community-submitted videos provide real-world footage of the dive experience, useful for understanding site character and planning your dive profile. As a protected-area dive site, St John's Habili Gaffar benefits from active conservation management. This status protects the reef structure and marine populations, which translates to better visibility, healthier corals, and more predictable marine activity. The year-round access window means you can schedule around your availability rather than seasonal windows. Divers should confirm current access protocols with local operators, as marine protected areas sometimes require specific permitting or guide requirements. Check locally on exact depth profiles, visibility forecasts, and current conditions before your trip.
📖 Guide: Diving in Egypt: 258 Sites From Wrecks to Hammerheads
Best months
Dive types
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 · 48%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
- Flight: 8h · direct
- Jet-lag: 7h east · 5 days recovery
FAQ
›Can I dive St John's Habili Gaffar year-round?
Yes. The site is open to diving throughout the year, though seasonal swells and currents may affect conditions. Check with local operators for current weather and sea state before booking.
›What marine life will I see here?
The site has 12 documented species observations. Typical Red Sea fauna includes reef fish, rays, and pelagics, though specific species lists vary by season. Three community videos show real dive footage of local marine activity.
›Is the coral healthy?
Yes. St John's Habili Gaffar shows no coral bleaching stress and sits within Egypt's Elba Marine Protected Area, which maintains strong reef health through active conservation.
›Do I need permits to dive here?
The site is within a marine protected area. Local dive operators can advise on current access rules, required guides, and any permitting. Confirm requirements before your trip.
