Fury Shoals

Fury Shoals Diving Guide: Marsa Alam, Egypt

Fury Shoals, a breathtaking collection of reefs located off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, offers a diverse diving experience with stunning coral formations and abundant marine life. It is a must-visit location for divers of all levels, offering something for everyone, from gentle drifts to more challenging encounters.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility & Temperature

• Typical depth range: 5-40 meters (15-130 feet)
• Average visibility: 20-30 meters (65-100 feet)
• Water temperature (seasonal):
  • Summer (June-August): 28-30°C (82-86°F)
  • Winter (December-February): 22-24°C (72-75°F)
• Difficulty level: Beginner to Advanced. Many sites are suitable for beginners, while some offer more challenging drifts and deeper dives for experienced divers.

Marine Life

Fury Shoals boasts an incredible variety of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter:

• Colorful soft and hard corals, including impressive gorgonian fans.
• Abundant reef fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish.
• Larger pelagics, including reef sharks (white tip, grey reef), barracuda, and tuna.
• Occasional sightings of dolphins, turtles, and manta rays.
• Macro life, including nudibranchs and various invertebrates.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fury Shoals for diving is during the shoulder seasons: April-May and September-November. These months offer pleasant water temperatures, good visibility, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. While diving is possible year-round, the summer months can be very hot, and the winter months can experience slightly cooler water temperatures.

What Makes It Special

Fury Shoals is renowned for its:

• Pristine reefs: Some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the Red Sea.
• Diverse dive sites: Wrecks, walls, lagoons, and drift dives, offering something for all experience levels.
• Relatively sheltered location: Protected from strong currents and winds, making it ideal for less experienced divers.
• Sha'ab Claudia: A unique reef system with intricate cave systems and swim-throughs.

Practical Tips

When diving Fury Shoals, keep in mind:

• Currents: Be aware of potential currents, particularly on drift dives.
• Sun protection: The Egyptian sun is intense; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Respect the environment: Avoid touching corals or disturbing marine life.
• Certification level: Choose dive sites appropriate for your certification level and experience.
• Dive briefings: Pay attention to dive briefings and follow your guide's instructions.
• Photography: Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning scenery and marine life.