Shark & Yolanda Reef dive site in Sharm El Sheikh

Shark & Yolanda Reef - Ras Mohammed

Depth: 0-30 M

Difficulty: Advanced

Type: Big fish, Drift dive, reef garden, reef wall, Wreck, reef, Offshore reef, drop off, coral garden, corals pinnacles

Situated at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Aqaba, the Gulf of Suez, and the Red Sea converge, lies the renowned Shark Reef and Yolanda dive site.

These underwater treasures are celebrated as two of the world's top ten dive sites and for a good reason.

Shark Reef and Yolanda boast a unique and vibrant underwater world, nourished by nutrient-rich currents. These dive sites are a haven for marine life and coral enthusiasts alike.

Shark & Yolanda Reef Depth:

Shark & Yolanda Reef comprises two majestic reefs rising from the depths. Shark Reef itself is a dramatic vertical wall plummeting to depths of 700-900 meters.

A fascinating saddle reef connects it to the plateau of Yolanda Reef, forming a unique underwater landscape.

Vibrant Marine Life at Shark & Yolanda Reef

As you descend along the wall of Shark Reef, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing carpet of corals in vibrant purples and greens.

The area abounds with Anthias, creating an ever-moving orange spectacle.

In the summer months, schools of jacks, tuna, batfish, and unicorn surgeonfish engage in an enchanting mating dance. Snappers form a swirling, tornado-like wall just off the reef.

Venture towards the Yolanda Plateau and the saddle connecting these two reefs. Here, you'll encounter scorpionfish nestled among the corals. Napoleon wrasses, moray eels, and jacks collaborate to find food within the coral pinnacles. Keep an eye out for turtles relishing their soft coral lunches, and watch the open blue for the passage of large pelagic creatures.

The Yolanda Shipwreck:

At the end of your dive, you'll encounter the remnants of the Yolanda, a Greek Cypriot merchant ship that met its fate during a storm in 1980.

While the shipwreck itself is too deep to explore, the cargo it was carrying—hotel furniture destined for Aqaba—has become an artificial reef ranging from 12 to 25 meters.

If you peer closely, you might even spot the captain's BMW 320 amidst the debris. This unique underwater landscape is inhabited by blue-spotted rays and crocodile fish.

Unforgettable Experiences:

Diving at Shark Reef and Yolanda is an adventure that can be enjoyed time and time again. Each dive offers a unique experience, depending on the currents and the marine life you encounter.

Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of this dive site every time you explore its depths.

Find out more about the best diving sites in Sharm El Sheikh