Egypt

Dive Site: Gabr el Bint

5–60 mIntermediate Reef
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Gabr el Bint?

About Gabr el Bint

Gabr el Bint, meaning 'The Grave of the Girl' in Arabic, stands out as one of North Sinai's most captivating dive destinations. Located approximately 7.5 kilometers south of The Caves and 15 kilometers from Dahab, its relative remoteness has preserved its pristine condition. Divers often reach this outer reef by boat from Dahab, a journey of about 50 minutes, or less frequently by 4x4 or camel. Two distinct dive profiles define the site. The right side features a steep wall that plunges to around 60 meters, showcasing numerous chasms, overhangs, and healthy table corals. On the left, the reef unfolds into a vibrant landscape, dense with massive boulders and a virtual forest of gorgonian fan corals. Dives here typically involve descending to 20-25 meters, then ascending to a shallower saddle at about 10 meters before traversing a sandy ledge. The site also includes a shallow, enclosed lagoon where depths can be as little as 5 meters, as well as a 'baby Blue Hole' and a crack canyon. Marine life is abundant and diverse, attracted by the exquisite coral heads. Expect to encounter swarms of anthias, parrotfish, crocodilefish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish. Turtles, stingrays, and black and white snappers are common sightings, with schools of snappers often found between 5 and 10 meters. Lucky divers might spot eagle rays, tuna, or even occasional sharks in the water column, while octopuses, squid, and milk fish inhabit the shallow lagoon. The site offers drift and wall diving elements, accommodating various skill levels, with depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. It is considered suitable for divers from beginner to advanced, allowing for depth selection based on training. Boat entry is standard, with options for exploring both sides of the reef.

Highlights

Vibrant gorgonian fan coral forestSteep coral wall with overhangsShallow enclosed lagoonAbundant reef fish speciesFrequent turtle encountersBlack and white snapper shoalsCrack canyon formationBaby Blue Hole

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Excellent
Good

Mar – May & Sep – Nov (Peak)

Best conditions with 30m+ visibility, comfortable water temps 24–28°C. Hammerhead sharks at Brothers, thresher sharks at Elphinstone.

Jun – Aug & Dec – Feb (Shoulder)

Jun–Aug: hot topside but warm water, good for southern routes. Dec–Feb: cooler water (21–23°C) attracts oceanic whitetips at Elphinstone. Still excellent visibility.

Dive site facts: Gabr el Bint

Depth
5–60 m
Current
Mild
Entry
Shore / dayboat
Level
Intermediate
Dive type
Reef, Drift, Reef, Wall
Region / port
Egypt
Coordinates
28.3283° N, 34.4600° E

Conditions & Currents

Gabr el Bint can experience occasional currents, contributing to its dynamic reef structure, particularly when conditions are windy. Surface conditions are influenced by moderate wind speeds, which typically range from 19-24 km/h year-round, leading to waves that can reach up to 0.8 meters. Boat entry is the primary method of access, and dives may involve drift elements due to prevailing currents. Visibility tends to be excellent, ensuring clear views of the vibrant reef, though specific thermocline data is not detailed. The site's diverse topography and potential for drift diving mean divers should be comfortable with varied conditions, but the ability to choose depths from 5 to 40 meters makes it accessible to a range of certification levels.

Why dive Gabr el Bint from a liveaboard?

Gabr el Bint is one of Egypt's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Gabr el Bint on their Egypt itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Gabr el Bint

These liveaboards may visit Gabr el Bint on selected itineraries, the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

DUNE Longara liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests
JP Marine liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests
Snefro Pearl liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests
Snefro Love liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests
Sindalahs liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m
Hammerhead II liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests
Blue Liveaboard liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m
Odyssey liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m
Discovery I liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests
SS Serena Dreams liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m
Blue Pearl liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Blue Pearl

Egypt

20 guests36 m
Alsuraya liveaboard at Gabr el Bint

Alsuraya

Egypt

24 guests37 m

Dive sites similar to Gabr el Bint

Same character, same waters, six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes, then pick the site that fits your trip best.
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Dabbab stands out as one of the Red Sea's most celebrated dive destinations, particularly notable for being a rare location where divers can encounter the endangered dugong.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Shore / dayboat
Depth
3–20 m
Theme
Reef
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Galawa

Saudi Arabia

Abu Galawa is a prominent dive site within Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, specifically located among the Seven Sisters reefs near Yanbu.

Suitable for
Intermediate
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
5–40 m
Theme
Reef / Wall
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Galawa Kebir is a premier dive site located in the southern Red Sea, situated on the northwestern edge of the extensive Fury Shoal reef system.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
3–18 m
Theme
Wreck
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Abu Nuhas, often called the "ship's graveyard" of the Red Sea, is a triangular coral reef situated at the northern edge of the Strait of Gubal.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard or dayboat
Depth
4–24 m
Theme
Wreck
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Aida

Egypt

The Aida is a prominent wreck dive site located in the Egyptian Red Sea, frequently visited on liveaboard itineraries that traverse the central region between the northern and southern dive sites.

Suitable for
Advanced
Current
Strong
Access
Liveaboard only
Depth
25–65 m
Theme
Wreck / Drift
© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

Al Lith Mangrove Reef, located approximately 210 km south of Jeddah, serves as the primary launch point for exploring the renowned Farasan Banks.

Suitable for
Beginner
Current
Strong
Access
Shore / dayboat
Depth
3–15 m
Theme
Reef / Wall

12 liveaboards run the Gabr el Bint route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Gabr el Bint and the other signature sites in Egypt, sleeping right above the reef.