A sheltered Ras Mohammed bay offering varied diving, from sandy shallows and coral gardens to a canyon and deeper reef.
Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt
Where we dived
Located within Ras Mohammed National Park, Marsa Bareika is a large, sheltered bay offering some of the calmer and more varied diving in the area. Its protected position provides generally gentle conditions, while the underwater landscape combines sandy slopes, coral gardens, pinnacles and reef formations. Parts of the bay are also protected as nesting grounds for sea turtles, adding an important conservation aspect to this otherwise relaxed dive area.
The dive can be explored at different depths, from shallow coral gardens to deeper reef formations and a canyon-like section with glassfish and lionfish. The sandy areas are worth exploring for smaller marine life, while the reef attracts abundant fish, rays, turtles and occasional pelagic visitors. With its sheltered conditions and varied underwater terrain, Marsa Bareika can suit both newer divers and experienced divers looking for a slower-paced Red Sea dive.
Dive Type
Fun, Reef
ACCESS
Boat
EXPERIENCE
Beginner, Advanced
CURRENT
Moderate, Limited, None
MAX. DEPTH
40+m
VISIBILITY
25-30m
WATER
Salt
When to visit
Diving at Marsa Bareika is possible year-round, but the summer season (June to September) offers the greatest potential for encounters with large pelagics like eagle rays or whale sharks. Water temperatures typically range from 24°C in winter to 29°C in summer, and the bay’s protection from wind makes it a consistent and comfortable dive site even when conditions are rough elsewhere.
Meet the Locals
Marsa Bareika is alive with marine diversity. The shallow sandy plateaus are perfect for macro photographers—keep your eyes peeled for nudibranchs, shrimp, pipefish, and even seamoths. The dive site’s signature canyon, starting at just 6 meters and sloping down to around 30 meters, hosts swarms of glassfish, lionfish, and occasional stonefish lurking near the edges. During the warmer months, look into the blue for eagle rays, trevallies, and even whale sharks cruising the outer edge of the bay. At the end of your dive, a vibrant red anemone near 6–7 meters provides a scenic backdrop for your safety stop.
Where to Go
Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt
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