Abu Kefan

Abu Kefan is an offshore, boat-access reef characterized by a long narrow north-south coral formation with extremely steep vertical walls between shallower coral plateaus. The reef is densely covered with vibrant soft and hard corals, including large gorgonian sea fans and black corals. The area is known as a large-fish territory and is popular for frequent pelagic sightings, notably shoals of jacks and trevallies, large barracudas and grey reef sharks; hammerhead sharks have been reported occasionally. Typical dives start on shallow plateaus around 5–10 m and drift along a sheer wall that drops beyond 30–40 m and continues to well over 100 m. The site is boat-only (about 75–90 minutes from Safaga) and exposed to open-ocean conditions; medium to strong currents and waves are common. Visibility is often very good (20–30 m) and water temperatures are around the mid-20s °C. Because of depth, strong currents and open-sea exposure, boat access may be limited in poor weather and the site is recommended for experienced divers with good buoyancy control.