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
Best Season
The best time to dive Gabr el Bint for comfortable temperatures above and below the water is between March and June, or from September to December. Water temperatures during winter months are around 22-23°C, while summer sees warmer conditions at 28-29°C. Dolphin sightings are more common from May to October, aligning with higher water temperatures.
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
Egypt
30 guests
$150/day
JP Marine
Egypt
28 guests
$109/day
Snefro Pearl
Egypt
12 guests
$150/day
Snefro Love
Egypt
20 guests
$154/day
Sindalahs
Egypt
26 guests38 m
$155/day
Hammerhead II
Egypt
20 guests
$173/day
Blue Liveaboard
Egypt
24 guests43 m
$173/day
Odyssey
Egypt
26 guests40 m
$185/day
Discovery I
Egypt
20 guests
$104/day
Star Jet
Egypt
28 guests35 m
$145/day
SS Serena Dreams
Egypt
18 guests33 m
$159/day
Amelie
Egypt
12 guests23 m
$115/day
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