Dive Site: Marsa Barieka

About Marsa Barieka

Marsa Barieka is a vast, naturally protected bay located within Egypt's Ras Mohammed National Park, nestled where the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba converge. This unique geographical position contributes to nutrient-rich waters and vibrant coral growth, making it a crucial marine habitat. The site is characterized by an expansive natural amphitheater, featuring sandy slopes, coral pinnacles, and reef walls. The underwater topography includes a beautiful fringing reef that gently slopes, along with scattered colorful coral heads throughout the area. A notable feature is a signature canyon that starts shallow at 6 meters and descends to about 30 meters, hosting abundant glassfish and other reef species. Overhangs and dark gullies further along the wall are adorned with red sea fans, gorgonians, and black coral. The bay's sheltered conditions and exceptional coral health attract a wide array of marine life. Divers can frequently spot moray eels, lionfish, and various reef fish amongst the corals. During warmer months, larger pelagic species like eagle rays and even whale sharks may cruise the outer edges, while winter months can bring groups of dolphins and stingrays. Marsa Barieka is accessible by boat and offers ideal diving conditions, particularly favored by new divers, photographers, and those seeking a relaxed yet vibrant dive. Its protection from winds ensures consistent diving opportunities even when other sites in Ras Mohammed are less favorable.

Dive site facts: Marsa Barieka

Depth

5–40+ m

Current

None to moderate

Visibility

25–30 m

Water temperature

24–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels, beginner-friendly

Dive type

Reef, coral garden, wall, canyon, macro

Region / port

Ras Mohammed National Park

Coordinates

27.767654, 34.220881

Conditions & Currents

Marsa Barieka typically experiences limited to moderate currents, often with none, making it a calm and accessible dive site. Its status as a large protected bay within Ras Mohammed National Park means it remains sheltered from stronger currents and wind-driven surface conditions that might affect more exposed sites. While occasional strong currents are rare, divers should always be aware of local conditions. Entry is always by boat, usually from one of the several fixed mooring points along the shoreline. Visibility consistently ranges between 25 to 30 meters, and water temperatures are warm, averaging 24°C in winter and 29°C in summer, eliminating concerns about thermoclines. This forgiving environment allows for relaxed exploration, making it well-suited for less experienced divers or those focused on photography, without complex drift diving requirements.

Marine life & sighting chances

Clownfish

common

Lionfish

common

Butterfly Fish

common

Angelfish

common

Moray Eel

common

Parrotfish

common

Triggerfish

common

Pufferfish

common

Green Turtle

Jun, Aug, Oct · occasional

Eagle Ray

Jul, Aug · occasional

Barracuda

Oct, Nov · occasional

Octopus

May, Aug · occasional

Whale Shark

Summer · rare

Dolphin

Winter · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Marsa Barieka typically begin from a moored boat within the protected bay. A popular route explores a distinct canyon located at the northern end of the bay. Divers start in a shallow sandy bowl, ideal for observing macro life. The entrance to the canyon is found at approximately 10 meters, often patrolled by lionfish and swarming with glassfish. The canyon itself descends in a series of staggered steps, reaching depths of 12, 18, and 25 meters, with the open blue providing a stunning backdrop. After exploring the canyon, divers keep the reef on their right shoulder, gradually ascending over a shallow sandy plateau dotted with coral pinnacles. The dive concludes with a safety stop near a vibrant red anemone, typically found between 6 to 7 meters, offering a scenic end to the dive.

Underwater photography

Marsa Barieka is an excellent location for underwater photography, particularly due to its clear visibility and sheltered conditions. For wide-angle shots, the extensive coral gardens, walls adorned with red sea fans and gorgonians, and the dramatic canyon entrance offer captivating subjects. A dome port and powerful strobes will help capture the vibrant colors of soft corals and the expansive reef. Macro photographers will find the shallow sandy plateaus and the canyon edges rich with subjects like nudibranchs, shrimp, pipefish, and seamoths; a macro lens will be essential here. When entering the glassfish-filled canyon, consider adjusting strobe power to avoid overexposing the reflective scales. Patience is key for capturing elusive creatures like crocodile fish or the camouflaged stonefish. Always maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate coral formations and sandy bottom, ensuring pristine conditions for your shots and the marine environment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ras Za'tar

  Located at the southern entrance of Marsa Bareika bay, featuring vertical walls and chimneys.

• Eel Garden

  Another site within Ras Mohammed National Park, offering unique topography.

• Shark Observatory

  Features dramatic cliffs and strong currents that attract large pelagics.

• Anemone City

  Known for its vibrant anemone coverage and suitable as a drop-in location.

• Shark & Yolanda Reef

  A world-famous site combining coral walls, drift diving, and wreck remnants.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Marsa Barieka is typically via daily boat trips departing from Sharm El Sheikh, a major hub for Red Sea diving. The nearest international airport is Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). Divers usually book packages through local dive centers, which include boat transfers to Ras Mohammed National Park. As Marsa Barieka is within a national park, park fees apply, often included in the dive trip cost. The site is a popular inclusion in single-day itineraries focused on Ras Mohammed, often combined with other park sites like Ras Za'tar or Shark & Yolanda Reefs, offering a mix of sheltered and more exposed diving experiences.

Safety & environment

For diving at Marsa Barieka, it's crucial to be aware of the nearest recompression chamber in Sharm El Sheikh, which serves the region. While Marsa Barieka generally offers calm conditions, divers should always carry appropriate dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and hyperbaric treatment. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to its sheltered nature and typically mild currents, but divers should still adhere to standard safe diving practices. Pay attention to your dive guide's briefing, maintain conservative dive profiles, and monitor your air consumption, especially within the canyon area. As with any dive site, avoiding contact with marine life and respecting the protected national park environment are paramount for safety and conservation.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Marsa Barieka FAQ

Liveaboards diving Marsa Barieka

These liveaboards may visit Marsa Barieka 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

$172/day

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m

$172/day

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m

$185/day

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests

$97/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