El Fanous
Also known as: El Fanous West, The Lighthouse
A shallow reef and lagoon close to Hurghada with table corals, resident turtles and a Napoleon wrasse or two — an easy, sociable site that often gets a dolphin fly-by.
Photo: Derek Keats (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons
- Max depth
- 20 m
- Visibility
- 20 m
- Current
- mild
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Boat time
- 45 min
- Suitable for
- snorkeler, discover, open-water, advanced
Site map
Location
El Fanous is a shallow, easy reef close to Hurghada, known for its big table corals and laid-back atmosphere. Green turtles are regulars, a resident Napoleon wrasse usually comes to investigate, and spinner dolphins pass through often enough to keep everyone watching the blue. It is a reliable, beginner-friendly site that still keeps experienced divers happy.
Site highlights
- Big plate corals on a gentle slope
- Resident green turtles
- Friendly Napoleon wrasse
- Frequent dolphin pass-bys
Nearby dive sites
El Fanadir
A long reef wall running parallel to the coast just off Hurghada — the area's go-to drift dive, with a sloping garden on the inside and a sheer drop on the outside.
Turtle Bay
A shallow, sheltered lagoon system near El Fanadir, named for the green turtles that graze its seagrass — calm, warm and shallow enough for snorkellers and first-timers.