Panorama Reef

Panorama Reef Diving Guide, Safaga, Egypt

Panorama Reef, one of Safaga's most iconic dive sites, offers a stunning combination of vibrant coral gardens, dramatic walls, and the potential for encounters with larger pelagic species. Its exposed location creates exciting drift dives and attracts a diverse array of marine life.

Dive Details

Key Information

• Typical Depth Range: 10 - 40+ meters (33 - 131+ feet)
• Average Visibility: 20 - 40 meters (66 - 131 feet)
• Water Temperature:
  • Summer (June - August): 27 - 30°C (81 - 86°F)
  • Winter (December - February): 22 - 24°C (72 - 75°F)
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Currents can be strong.

Marine Life

Panorama Reef is teeming with life. Divers can expect to see schools of reef fish, including anthias, butterflyfish, and bannerfish. Larger species like tuna, barracuda, and jacks are often spotted in the blue. Keep an eye out for sharks, particularly white tip reef sharks and occasionally grey reef sharks. The coral gardens boast a wide variety of hard and soft corals, creating a visually stunning underwater landscape. Sea turtles and dolphins are also known to frequent the area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Panorama Reef is generally during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to November. During these months, the water temperature is comfortable, the visibility is usually excellent, and the crowds are thinner compared to the peak summer months. While diving is possible year-round, summer can be very hot, and winter may experience slightly cooler water temperatures and stronger winds.

What Makes It Special

Panorama Reef's defining characteristic is its exposed location, which makes it a magnet for pelagic species. The reef's sheer walls, plunging to great depths, offer exciting drift diving opportunities. The sheer size of the reef and the diversity of its underwater landscape, from shallow coral gardens to deep walls, create a truly panoramic diving experience. Its healthy coral cover also makes it a visually appealing site, providing habitat for a vast array of reef creatures.

Practical Tips

Due to potentially strong currents, divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques. SMBs (Surface Marker Buoys) are essential for safe ascents, especially in areas with boat traffic. Always check the weather forecast and current conditions with your dive operator before diving. Consider diving with nitrox to extend your bottom time and reduce the risk of decompression sickness, especially on deeper dives. Bring a reef hook to safely observe marine life without damaging the coral. Be respectful of the environment and avoid touching or disturbing any marine life.