Rocky Island

Rocky Island: A Red Sea Diving Gem

Rocky Island, a remote outpost in the southern Red Sea, offers pristine reefs, strong currents, and incredible marine life encounters. Divers are rewarded with exceptional visibility and the chance to see sharks, schooling fish, and vibrant coral gardens, making it a world-class diving destination.

Dive Details

Depth and Visibility

• Typical depth range: 5 - 40+ meters (15 - 130+ feet)
• Average visibility: 20 - 40+ meters (65 - 130+ feet)

Water Temperature

• Summer (June-August): 28-30°C (82-86°F)
• Winter (December-February): 22-24°C (72-75°F)

Difficulty Level

Advanced. Rocky Island is best suited for experienced divers due to strong currents, potential for deep dives, and the remoteness of the location. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving and managing their buoyancy in challenging conditions.

Marine Life

Expect to see a breathtaking array of marine life at Rocky Island. Frequent sightings include grey reef sharks, hammerhead sharks (especially during migration seasons), tuna, barracuda, jacks, and other pelagic species. The reefs are teeming with colorful reef fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and groupers. The coral gardens are exceptionally healthy, with a diverse range of hard and soft corals.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rocky Island for optimal diving conditions is generally from April to May and September to November. During these months, the water temperature is comfortable, visibility is excellent, and the chances of encountering hammerhead sharks are higher. Summer months can be very hot, while winter months may experience slightly cooler water temperatures.

What Makes It Special

Rocky Island's isolation is key to its appeal. Far from the mainland, the reefs remain largely untouched, offering pristine coral formations and an abundance of marine life. The strong currents attract large pelagics, making it a prime location for shark encounters. The sheer drop-offs and walls surrounding the island provide dramatic underwater landscapes. This location gives adventurous divers the feeling they are diving in a truly untouched and remote region of the Red Sea.

Practical Tips

• Currents: Be prepared for strong currents. Listen to your dive guide's briefing carefully and be ready to drift dive. Carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to use it.
• Remoteness: Rocky Island is a remote location. Ensure your dive operator has comprehensive safety procedures and emergency plans in place.
• Experience: This site is not suitable for beginner divers. Have sufficient experience in drift diving and deep diving before venturing to Rocky Island.
• Respect the Environment: Avoid touching or damaging the coral. Practice good buoyancy control and leave no trace behind.