Shaab Maksour
A spectacular offshore reef with steep walls, deep blue water, strong currents and the chance of serious pelagic encounters.
Marsa Alam, Red Sea
Egypt
Where we dived
Dive Site
Shaab Maksour is a long, narrow offshore reef in the Fury Shoals, around 14 km from Hamata in the southern Red Sea. Often compared to Elphinstone, the reef is surrounded by steep walls and deep blue water, with large plateaus at its northern and southern ends. Its exposed position and dramatic drop-offs make it one of the more demanding dive sites in the Fury Shoals, with strong currents possible along the outer reef.
The northern and southern plateaus provide different dive routes, while the walls offer long drift dives over deep blue water. Conditions can change quickly, so the dive plan should follow the current and the briefing rather than trying to cover the whole reef.
What to expect
Dive Type
Reef, Deep, Drift, Technical
ACCESS
Liveaboard
EXPERIENCE
Advanced, Pro
CURRENT
Strong, Moderate
MAX. DEPTH
10 – 100+ metersm
VISIBILITY
20 – 40 metersm
WATER
Salt
When to visit
Best Time To Dive
Shaab Maksour is accessible year-round, but the best diving conditions occur between April and November. During these months, water temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C, visibility is at its peak, and marine life is most active. Divers should be aware that currents can be unpredictable, especially at the northern plateau, making it essential to assess conditions before each dive.
Meet the Locals
Wildlife
Shaab Maksour boasts a rich underwater ecosystem, with vibrant coral-covered walls and plateaus. Soft corals, gorgonian fans, and sponges thrive here, providing shelter for reef fish like snappers, fusiliers, and angelfish. Larger pelagic species are frequently sighted, including barracudas, trevallies, and tunas. The site is a hotspot for sharks, with regular sightings of grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and occasionally hammerheads in deeper waters.
Where to Go
Dive Site Location
Marsa Alam, Red Sea
Egypt
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