Egypt

Dive Site: Temple

5–30 mBeginner Reef
© EsriSource: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri, HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Temple?

About Temple

Temple is a renowned dive site located in the southern region of Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. It is distinguished by its unique topography, which resembles an ancient structure formed by several massive coral blocks and pinnacles rising from the seabed close to the surface. This striking formation, particularly the largest feature known as 'The Tower,' contributes to its namesake and makes it a visually captivating underwater landscape. The dive site features three primary coral pinnacles, with the largest divided by two significant cracks. One of these allows for an exploratory swim-through, while the other is adorned with delicate gorgonian corals, requiring careful navigation. These towering formations are interspersed with clear sand channels, guiding divers through the site. Depths at Temple range from near the surface to approximately 30 meters, accommodating various skill levels. Temple's vibrant coral structures host a rich diversity of marine life, including hard and soft corals. While general sightings might include larger pelagic species like sharks, whales, and dolphins, the site is known for its abundant reef fish and smaller critters typical of the Red Sea's healthy ecosystems. Night dives here offer a different perspective, revealing nocturnal species that become active after dusk. Diving at Temple is typically conducted as a mooring dive. Navigation is key to fully exploring the main attractions and returning to the boat, though it's considered an easy dive overall due to its manageable conditions. Its accessibility and interesting features make it a popular spot for both daytime and nighttime excursions.

Highlights

Massive coral blocksAncient structure-like topographyThe Tower pinnacleGorgonian-filled cracksExploratory swim-throughClear sand channelsDiverse hard and soft coralsVibrant reef fish

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: Temple

Depth
5–30 m
Current
Mild
Entry
Shore / dayboat
Level
Beginner
Dive type
Reef, Pinnacle, Reef
Region / port
Egypt
Coordinates
27.8280° N, 34.2773° E

Conditions & Currents

Temple is generally known as an easy dive site with calm surface conditions and stable visibility, largely due to predictably low wave heights, typically between 0.5 to 0.7 meters. While specific current strength is not detailed, its classification as an "easy dive" and a popular mooring dive suggests manageable water movement. Divers commonly perform mooring dives here, indicating a static boat setup, though proper navigation is emphasized for exploring the site and returning to the vessel. Visibility is consistently good, supported by minimal rainfall. The lack of strong currents, significant surge, or thermoclines makes it suitable for a wide range of divers, from beginners to more experienced individuals, and simplifies dive planning. It is accessible for day and night dives, often dived multiple times.

Why dive Temple from a liveaboard?

Temple 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 Temple on their Egypt itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Temple

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

DUNE Longara liveaboard at Temple

DUNE Longara

Egypt

30 guests
JP Marine liveaboard at Temple

JP Marine

Egypt

28 guests
Snefro Pearl liveaboard at Temple

Snefro Pearl

Egypt

12 guests
Snefro Love liveaboard at Temple

Snefro Love

Egypt

20 guests
Sindalahs liveaboard at Temple

Sindalahs

Egypt

26 guests38 m
Hammerhead II liveaboard at Temple

Hammerhead II

Egypt

20 guests
Blue Liveaboard liveaboard at Temple

Blue Liveaboard

Egypt

24 guests43 m
Odyssey liveaboard at Temple

Odyssey

Egypt

26 guests40 m
Discovery I liveaboard at Temple

Discovery I

Egypt

20 guests
SS Serena Dreams liveaboard at Temple

SS Serena Dreams

Egypt

18 guests33 m
Blue Pearl liveaboard at Temple

Blue Pearl

Egypt

20 guests36 m
Alsuraya liveaboard at Temple

Alsuraya

Egypt

24 guests37 m

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© EsriMaxar, Earthstar, GIS

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Access
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Abu Galawa

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Suitable for
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Access
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Depth
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Theme
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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
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Current
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Access
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Depth
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Theme
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Access
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Depth
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Aida

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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
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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
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Current
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Access
Shore / dayboat
Depth
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Theme
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12 liveaboards run the Temple route.

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