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
Best Season
The Red Sea's warm waters provide comfortable diving conditions at Temple year-round, with high 'dive scores' consistently observed. Optimal months for diving are October and November, offering excellent overall conditions. April is also highly recommended for a balanced experience.
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
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
$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
Dive sites similar to Temple
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.
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Carless Reef
Egypt
Carless Reef is a renowned advanced dive site near Hurghada, notable for its two prominent coral pinnacles that rise from a sandy bottom at 30 meters.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 15–40 m
- Theme
- Reef / Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Gordon Reef
Egypt
Gordon Reef is the southernmost of the four prominent coral formations situated in the narrow Straits of Tiran, which separate the Gulf of Aqaba from the main Red Sea.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard only
- Depth
- 2–300 m
- Theme
- Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Far Garden
Egypt
Far Garden is a prominent dive site located in Sharm El Sheikh, serving as the northern headland of the adjacent Middle Garden site.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 1–45 m
- Theme
- Reef / Drift
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Tobia Arbaa
Egypt
Tobia Arbaa, also widely recognized as the "Seven Pillars," is a highly regarded dive site situated in Egypt, easily accessible via a short speedboat ride from Safaga or Soma Bay.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 10–16 m
- Theme
- Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Alexandria
Egypt
Alexandria offers a truly unique diving experience in Egypt, differing significantly from the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 5–8 m
- Theme
- Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
El Fanadir North
Egypt
El Fanadir North is a prominent reef system in the Red Sea, situated roughly 4 kilometers offshore from Hurghada.
- Suitable for
- Advanced
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 12–70 m
- Theme
- Drift / Reef