Diving atShark & Yolanda Reef - Ras Mohammed (Egypt)
Shark & Yolanda Reef's underwater topography presents a striking formation within Ras Mohammed National Park. Two prominent submerged mounds rise sharply, reaching within 0.5 meters of the surface. These dramatic peaks then transition into plateaued areas at depths of 15-20 meters (50-65 ft). Beyond these plateaus, the seafloor plunges abruptly to significant depths, often exceeding 750 meters (2,460 ft), forming a breathtaking vertical wall. A saddle reef connects Shark Reef to Yolanda Reef's plateau, creating a complex and dynamic environment.
Tonight's objective overview for Shark & Yolanda Reef - Ras Mohammed shows an air temperature of 23.9°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.4m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
27.7252, 34.2589
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Exploring the Shark and Yolanda Reefs offers an exhilarating experience, seamlessly blending drift diving with exploration of a vibrant reef system and a unique wreck. Situated at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez converge with the Red Sea, this advanced site is typically explored as a drift dive.
Most dives commence at Shark Reef, following the current towards Yolanda Reef. Divers should prepare for a quick entry, as strong surface drift risks missing the spectacular wall sections. Dives here encompass dramatic vertical walls, rich coral gardens, and offshore reefs, all nourished by nutrient-rich currents.
A notable feature includes the remains of the 'Yolanda' wreck, which went down in the 1980s. While a storm eventually pushed its main hull to 180 meters (590 ft), some intriguing cargo, such as toilets, bathtubs, and sinks, remains in shallower sections, now heavily encrusted with corals.
Uncovering these unusual relics adds a distinctive historical layer to the natural beauty of the reefs, making for a truly memorable underwater journey.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a visit to Shark & Yolanda Reef can be rewarding year-round, though summer months often present specific marine life spectacles. Overall dive scores remain consistently good across all seasons, but conditions vary. Air temperatures range significantly from cooler averages of 19.3°C (66.7°F) in January and February to warmer highs of 34.9°C (94.8°F) in August. While specific water temperature data isn't consistently reported, it generally aligns with regional patterns, typically offering comfortable diving throughout the year. Rain is negligible, with most months recording near zero precipitation, only reaching 0.21 mm in December. Wind speeds can be higher in May and June, averaging around 28-29 km/h (17-18 mph), potentially leading to choppier surface conditions, whereas November experiences calmer winds at 20.4 km/h (12.7 mph). For encountering large schooling fish like barracuda, jackfish, and batfish, July is frequently cited as a prime month.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Underwater conditions at Shark & Yolanda Reef typically involve a dynamic depth profile and potential for strong currents. The dive often commences on a sheer vertical wall that descends hundreds of meters, quickly leading divers to a plateau area between 12-20 meters (40-65 ft). This shallower section is dotted with colourful soft corals and small pinnacles. Beyond the plateau, a smaller Satellite Reef can be explored, depending on current strength. Currents here can be significant, especially around the submerged mounds, making this an advanced drift dive. Visibility is generally excellent, a characteristic of the Red Sea. Average wave heights hover around 0.7-0.8 meters (2.3-2.6 ft) throughout the year, with slight variations, which can affect entry and exit. Divers should remain attentive to buoyancy control near the walls and be prepared for potential downcurrents on deeper sections of the reef.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching this advanced dive site demands careful planning and adherence to safety protocols. Given the potential for strong currents, a guided dive is strongly advised, especially for those unfamiliar with the site's unique characteristics. Maintain situational awareness, particularly during the entry phase, to avoid drifting off the primary wall prematurely. Divers should ensure they are proficient in drift diving techniques and comfortable with varying current strengths. Always dive with a reliable surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it, as surface support might need to track your position in open water. While no specific hazards beyond strong currents are consistently reported for this site, prudent diving practices, including monitoring no-decompression limits and gas supply, are always essential.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
A warming trend is expected over the next few days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Two divers in the same water temperature may experience very different comfort levels.
Many divers find that 3-5mm wetsuit offers the right level of insulation for conditions like these. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds. Divers preparing to enter the water at Shark & Yolanda Reef - Ras Mohammed will likely find temperatures around 24°C (75°F) today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (75°F).
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
EGP
Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Shark & Yolanda Reef - Ras Mohammed
Encountering the varied marine life at Shark & Yolanda Reef is a major draw for divers. The vibrant purples and greens of the corals provide a backdrop for prolific anthias, creating an orange spectacle. In summer, especially July, large schools of barracuda, jackfish, and batfish gather here. Keep an eye out in the blue for grey reef sharks, the namesake of Shark Reef. Yolanda Reef's plateau and the wreck debris are home to blue spotted stingrays, scorpionfish, stonefish, and giant morays. Napoleon wrasse are also frequently spotted residents. Depending on the season, divers might observe swirling snappers or even hammerheads and gigantic tuna in the deeper water.
Reef Shark
Tuna
Scorpionfish
Hammerhead
Snapper
Shark
Batfish
Stonefish
Blue Spotted Stingray
Napoleon Wrasse
Barracuda
Giant Moray
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shark & Yolanda Reef suitable for beginner divers?
This site is considered advanced due to the potential for strong currents and its drift dive nature. Divers should be proficient in drift diving techniques and possess experience with dynamic conditions before attempting this dive.
What is the maximum depth typically reached on this dive?
While the reefs rise to within 0.5 meters (1.6 ft) of the surface, typical recreational dive depths on the plateaus are 15-20 meters (50-65 ft). The vertical wall of Shark Reef itself plunges dramatically to over 700 meters (2,300 ft) in deeper sections.
What can be seen from the Yolanda wreck?
The main section of the Yolanda wreck lies at 180 meters (590 ft), beyond recreational limits. However, shallower sections of Yolanda Reef hold parts of its cargo, including toilets, bathtubs, and sinks, which are now coral-encrusted and provide habitat for various marine species.
Are there sharks regularly seen at Shark Reef?
Grey reef sharks are occasionally spotted in the blue around Shark Reef, living up to its name. However, consistent sightings are not guaranteed, as with most pelagic species.
What are the average water temperatures for diving?
Specific water temperature data is not consistently reported for this site. However, the Red Sea generally offers comfortable diving temperatures year-round, often ranging between 22-27°C (72-81°F) across the region, which divers can typically expect.
Is a dive guide necessary for Shark & Yolanda Reef?
Given the strong currents and the complexity of navigating two distinct reefs and a wreck site, a guided dive is highly recommended. A knowledgeable guide can help manage the drift dive and highlight specific features.
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