Abu Nugar
Also known as: Shaab Iris, Abu Nugâr
A cluster of shallow coral heads and small reefs north of Hurghada — easy, bright, fish-filled diving that works equally well as a check dive or a relaxed second dive of the day.
Photo: Derek Keats (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons
- Max depth
- 20 m
- Visibility
- 20 m
- Current
- mild
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Boat time
- 75 min
- Suitable for
- snorkeler, discover, open-water, advanced
Site map
Location
Abu Nugar — also written Shaab Iris — is a spread of coral pinnacles and low reefs in the northern Giftun area. Nothing here is deep or demanding: you weave between coral heads in good light, surrounded by clouds of anthias and reef fish. That makes it a great spot for a check dive at the start of a course week, or a gentle, colourful second dive after something deeper.
Site highlights
- Maze of shallow coral heads to explore
- Dense reef-fish life
- Calm, forgiving conditions
- Good for skills and check dives
Nearby dive sites
Abu Galawa
A sheltered reef group north of Hurghada with a sandy eel garden and gently sloping coral — relaxed, photogenic diving that rarely sees current.
Shaab El Erg
A big horseshoe reef north of Hurghada with a shallow sandy lagoon that a resident pod of spinner dolphins uses to rest — the best shot at wild dolphins anywhere on our day-trip map.