Marsa Shouna
A sheltered bay south of Port Ghalib, with northern and southern reefs, central seagrass meadows, coral formations and rich marine life. Its varied areas offer diving and snorkelling for different experience levels.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
Location
South of Port Ghalib, north of Marsa Alam
Access
Boat or shore depending on operator
Depth
Approximately 5–24 m depending on area
Experience
All levels
Current
Generally mild, variable on outer reef
Visibility
Typically around 15–30 m
Famous For
Coral formations, sandy valleys, turtles and rich reef life
Why Dive This Site?
Why Dive This Site?
Coral Reef Formations
Coral formations and reef plateaus create a varied underwater landscape with healthy coral growth.
Shallow & Accessible Diving
The shallow areas make the site accessible to beginners, snorkellers and mixed groups.
Rich Marine Life
A rich variety of reef fish, rays, octopus, moray eels and macro life thrives across the reef.
Sandy Areas & Valleys
Sandy areas and central seagrass meadows create different habitats between the reef structures. Green turtles may be encountered feeding over the seagrass.
Turtles
Turtles may be encountered around the reef. Sightings are a wildlife experience and are never guaranteed.
Diving & Snorkelling
The site is well suited to combining diving and snorkelling on the same trip.
The Dive Site
Marsa Shouna
Depth
Approximately 5–24 m depending on area and profile
Dive Level
All Levels
Conditions & Currents
Generally mild, with variable conditions on outer reef areas. Visibility typically around 15–30 m depending on conditions.
Dive Description
Marsa Shouna is a reef system south of Marsa Alam featuring coral formations, reef plateaus, sandy areas and valleys. The shallow areas provide accessible diving and snorkelling, while deeper sections on the outer reef offer different profiles for more experienced divers. Depths vary by area, approximately from 5 m in the shallow sections to around 24 m on the outer reef. The site can offer very different experiences depending on whether the focus is the shallow reef, sandy valleys, coral plateau, or outer reef. There is no single fixed route — the profile depends on conditions, the guide’s judgement and the selected area.
Choosing your route and planning the visit
Marsa Shouna offers different environments within one bay: the northern wall, southern coral garden and central seagrass area are alternatives to discuss at the briefing. Boat and Zodiac arrangements vary by operator; the name alone does not identify the entry or the route. Choose the area for its landscape and your experience, rather than planning around a promised turtle or dugong sighting. If the trip combines Shouna with another bay, confirm how the two dives, surface interval and return transfer are organised.
Location & How to Get There
Marsa Shouna is a sheltered bay south of Port Ghalib and north of Marsa Alam town. It is visited by dive boats, while shore access may also be available depending on the entry point and operator arrangements. The dive or snorkelling route depends on conditions, the selected area and the guide’s assessment.
Marsa Shouna
Open in Google MapsDive Map
This map is a simplified visual reference for the Marsa Shouna site layout, not a fixed dive route. The actual profile and route depend on conditions, the guide’s judgement and the selected area of the reef.
Site-Specific Features
Site-Specific Features
Coral Reef Plateau
Marsa Shouna has distinct reef areas on both sides of the bay. The northern side offers sloping reef terrain and coral formations, while the southern side features a coral garden. Coral blocks and reef fish add variety to dives in the designated areas.
Sandy Areas & Valleys
Sandy areas and a large seagrass meadow occupy the centre of the bay, between the northern and southern reefs. The seagrass provides feeding habitat for green turtles, while rays and other sand-associated animals may be encountered nearby. Maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid contact with the seagrass.
Shallow Reef
The shallow reef areas provide accessible diving and snorkelling, ideal for beginners and mixed groups. The rich shallow marine life makes these areas rewarding for photographers and wildlife observers.
Outer Reef / Deeper Sections
The outer reef and deeper sections descend to approximately 24 m and offer different profiles for experienced divers. The outer reef has more exposure, potential current, and a different character from the shallow areas, with larger-scale reef scenery.
Dive Profiles
Dive Profiles
Shallow Reef / Wildlife Dive
Depth Range
Approximately 5–12 m
Reef Zone
Shallow reef formations, sandy areas and the central seagrass meadow.
What to Expect
A shallow dive exploring reef formations, sandy patches and, where included in the selected route, the central seagrass meadow. Green turtles may be encountered feeding over the seagrass, while reef fish and rays can be observed around the reef and sand. The route is selected according to conditions and diver experience.
Current Considerations
Usually mild in the shallow areas. Conditions can vary and the guide determines the plan.
Marine Life Focus
Reef fish, green turtles, blue-spotted rays, octopus and other shallow-water reef life.
Experience Implications
Suitable for all levels including beginners and snorkellers. Buoyancy and calm observation are the key skills.
Coral Plateau & Pinnacles
Depth Range
Approximately 12–18 m
Reef Zone
Coral formations and blocks on the northern or southern reef, depending on the selected route.
What to Expect
A reef dive exploring coral formations, scattered blocks and varied terrain on a suitable section of the northern or southern reef. Reef fish, rays, moray eels and octopus may be encountered. The precise route depends on conditions and the chosen reef area.
Current Considerations
Generally mild, with some variation possible on the reef edge. The guide selects the route based on conditions.
Marine Life Focus
Reef fish, blue-spotted rays, octopus, moray eels, lionfish, pipefish, macro life.
Experience Implications
Suitable for Open Water divers and above on an appropriate route when conditions allow. Good buoyancy and reef awareness are important.
Outer Reef / Deeper Profile
Depth Range
Approximately 18–24 m
Reef Zone
Outer reef slopes and deeper coral formations
What to Expect
A possible deeper dive along an outer section of the reef, with broader reef scenery and potentially greater exposure than inside the bay. The route and maximum depth depend on conditions, diver experience and the operator’s assessment.
Current Considerations
Current is more likely on the outer reef. The guide assesses whether this profile is viable on the day.
Marine Life Focus
Larger reef fish, rays and occasional pelagic visitors.
Experience Implications
Suitable for experienced divers comfortable with depth and potential current. Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience is appropriate.
Conditions & Currents
Marsa Shouna generally has mild conditions, particularly in the shallow reef areas. On the outer reef, conditions can vary and current may be present. The map may show a general current direction, but actual conditions can change and should be assessed by the guide on the day. The dive profile is selected based on conditions, not on a fixed route. Divers should be prepared for variable conditions and follow the guide’s assessment.
Who Is This Site For?
Marsa Shouna is suitable for a broad range of experience levels because the different areas provide different depths and profiles. Beginners and Open Water divers can enjoy the shallow reef areas. Experienced divers can explore the coral plateau and outer reef. Snorkellers are welcome in the shallow areas where conditions permit. Families and mixed groups can share the same trip, with some members snorkelling while others dive. Underwater photographers will find subjects ranging from turtles and reef fish to macro life and coral details. Not every profile is appropriate for every certification level — the guide determines the plan based on conditions and the group.
Marine Life
Marsa Shouna
Green Turtle
Green turtles feed on seagrass meadows in shallow sheltered bays, particularly at Abu Dabbab.
Blue-spotted Ray
Blue-spotted rays are often seen resting on sandy bottoms near reef edges.
Octopus
Octopus may be found on reef edges and sandy areas, especially during late afternoon and night dives.
Moray Eels
Moray eels may be found in crevices and holes along the reef edge, often seen during day and night dives.
Lionfish
Lionfish may be encountered around reef edges and coral formations, especially during dawn, dusk and night dives.
Pipefish
Pipefish may be found among seagrass and reef edges, rewarding patient macro observation.
Green Turtle
Possible
reef-fish
Characteristic
Blue-spotted Ray
Possible
Octopus
Possible
Moray Eels
Possible
Lionfish
Possible
Pipefish
Possible
macro-life
Possible
Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Etiquette
DO: Maintain neutral buoyancy. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife. Let animals choose their direction. Remain calm. Avoid reef contact.
DO NOT: Chase. Touch. Surround. Block. Feed wildlife. Damage coral.
These guidelines are essential for responsible diving at Marsa Shouna — respecting the reef and its wildlife is the only way to keep it healthy.
When to Dive
Marsa Shouna can be visited throughout the year, subject to conditions. No specific seasonal wildlife pattern is established for this site. Seasonal variations may affect conditions and wildlife activity. Water temperatures range from approximately 22°C in winter to 30°C in summer, with visibility typically around 15–30 m depending on conditions.
Underwater Photography
Marsa Shouna offers good opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
For wide-angle work, the coral formations, reef plateaus, turtles and schools of reef fish are the primary subjects. The varied underwater landscape provides interesting compositions.
For macro, the reef edges, sandy areas and coral structures support pipefish, small reef fish, lionfish and macro subjects. Patient, slow observation produces better results than active pursuit.
Responsible photography is essential. Maintain neutral buoyancy at all times. Do not touch, chase or block any marine life. Avoid reef contact and do not damage coral. Allow wildlife to determine the distance. The goal is to photograph behaviour as it unfolds naturally.
Safety & Practical Information
Listen carefully to the guide’s briefing before entering the water. Conditions can vary between the shallow reef and the outer reef. Stay within the planned profile and maintain appropriate buoyancy. Protect reef structures — avoid contact with coral and do not stand on reef formations. Respect all wildlife. Surface signalling equipment (SMB) should be carried where appropriate to the dive plan. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Planning your visit
Suitable for all levels
Snorkelling and diving
Boat or shore access depending on operator
Rich reef life
Location: south of Marsa Alam
Access: boat or shore depending on operator
Suitable for all levels
Snorkelling available
Gallery
Marsa Shouna
FAQ
Marsa Shouna
Marsa Shouna is a reef system south of Marsa Alam featuring coral formations, sandy areas and valleys, with shallow and deeper sections that provide different dive profiles. It is known for rich marine life and accessible diving and snorkelling.
Sources and editorial review
Content reviewed on 20 October 2026. Conflicting descriptions are identified in the text. Sea conditions and access arrangements require local confirmation.
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A sheltered bay south of Port Ghalib, with northern and southern reefs, central seagrass meadows, coral formations and rich marine life. Its varied areas offer diving and snorkelling for different experience levels.
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