Dive Site: The Tower

About The Tower

The Tower is a prominent pinnacle within the Temple dive site, located on the north side of Sharm El Sheikh Harbor. This site is renowned for its distinctive topography, featuring a cluster of three main pinnacles that ascend from a depth of 20 meters, with 'The Tower' being the largest. The structure is bisected by two significant fissures, one of which is large enough for divers to swim through, while the other is protected to preserve its delicate gorgonian corals. The Temple, including The Tower, presents a gently sloping reef complemented by these dramatic pinnacles. The area boasts exceptional coral growth, with a vibrant mix of hard and soft corals, particularly fan corals, creating a vivid tapestry of color. Sandy channels separate the pinnacles, adding to the varied underwater landscape. Marine life here is remarkably rich, featuring a wide array of reef species. The site is a haven for glass sweepers, lionfish, and well-camouflaged stonefish. Its proximity to Sharm El Sheikh and Na'ama Bay makes it a favored location for night dives, where nocturnal creatures like basket stars, feather stars, and parrotfish become active, presenting a completely different underwater spectacle. Diving at The Tower offers an accessible and rewarding experience for divers of all levels, typically explored within depths of 5 to 20 meters. The outstanding visibility and warm water temperatures, ranging from 20°C in winter to 27°C in summer, enhance the enjoyment of this diverse underwater environment.

Dive site facts: The Tower

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

5–20 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

20–30 m

Water temperature

20–27°C

Entry

Boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, pinnacle, night

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Sharm El Sheikh

Coordinates

27.9167, 34.3333

Conditions & Currents

The Tower, being part of the Temple dive site, typically experiences mild currents, which are generally manageable for all diver levels. The site's protected location near Sharm El Sheikh Harbor contributes to calmer conditions compared to more exposed sites. However, currents can occasionally pick up, especially around the pinnacles, creating gentle drifts. Visibility is consistently outstanding, usually ranging from 20 to 30 meters, and water temperatures remain warm year-round, from 20°C in February to 27°C in July through October. Entry is typically by boat, with easy access to the pinnacles, and the absence of significant thermoclines ensures a comfortable dive throughout.

Marine life & sighting chances

Lionfish

Year-round · common

Stonefish

Year-round · occasional

Glass sweepers

Year-round · common

Gorgonian fans

Year-round · common

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Basket stars

Year-round · common

Feather stars

Year-round · common

Moray eels

Year-round · occasional

Hawksbill turtle

Year-round · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at The Tower typically begins with a boat entry, directly over the pinnacle formations. The descent leads you to the base of 'The Tower' at around 20 meters, where you can explore its impressive bulk and the surrounding rich coral garden. You'll navigate through one of the main fissures, observing the vibrant marine life inhabiting its walls. The dive progresses around the pinnacles, gradually ascending along the sloping reef to shallower depths, between 5 to 10 meters, to maximize bottom time and enjoy the extensive coral growth and schooling fish. The turn point is flexible, often dictated by air consumption or the desire to explore a specific pinnacle. Your safety stop will be conducted in the clear, shallow waters atop the reef, offering excellent opportunities to spot smaller reef fish and enjoy the last moments of the dive.

Underwater photography

The Tower offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the pinnacles, the swim-through fissure, and the dense coral formations, especially when natural light filters down. During night dives, external strobes are essential to illuminate the vibrant colors of soft corals and the active nocturnal creatures. For macro subjects, such as lionfish, stonefish, and basket stars at night, a macro lens will be beneficial. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial, particularly when navigating inside the fissures, to avoid disturbing the delicate gorgonians and other corals. Be mindful of your positioning to capture the shy parrotfish and camouflaged stonefish.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Ras Mohammed

  A national park with diverse sites, including Shark and Yolanda Reefs, known for pelagic sightings.

• Jackfish Alley

  Features a white sandy channel often frequented by jackfish and other predators.

• Eel Garden

  Known for its impressive colony of garden eels in a sandy area.

• Tiran Island

  Home to four distinct reefs (Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, Gordon) with strong currents and pelagics.

• SS Thistlegorm

  A world-famous WWII wreck laden with military cargo, offering incredible historical dives.

Getting there & logistics

Access to The Tower is primarily through dive operators based in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Divers typically fly into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH). From the airport, it's a short transfer to hotels or the marina in Na'ama Bay. Day trips are common for this site due to its proximity to the harbor. Dive trips often combine The Tower with other nearby reef dives in the Sharm El Sheikh area. No special permits beyond standard dive registration are usually required, as the site is considered a local reef. Trip lengths vary, but a typical day trip involves two dives, returning to port in the afternoon. Liveaboards departing from Sharm El Sheikh can also include this site as part of a broader itinerary, particularly on northern Red Sea routes.

Safety & environment

Diving at The Tower is considered safe for all certified levels due to its manageable depths and typically mild currents. However, all divers should possess appropriate certification and ensure their equipment is in good working order. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your dive guide's instructions. Standard dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is highly recommended. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Sharm El Sheikh, offering medical support for diving incidents. While the site is generally calm, maintaining good buoyancy is essential, especially when navigating through the fissures, to protect the fragile coral formations. Always respect marine life and refrain from touching or removing anything from the reef.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

The Tower FAQ

Liveaboards diving The Tower

These liveaboards may visit The Tower 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