Dive Site: Zabargad Island

About Zabargad Island

Zabargad Island, also recognized as St. John's Island, stands as the most prominent marine park landmass in Egypt's southern Red Sea, located 71 km offshore. Its striking mountainous terrain rises over 230 meters above sea level, yet its true allure lies beneath the waves, particularly around its southern fringing reef known as Turtle Bay. This area is a vital nesting ground for green sea turtles, which return annually to lay eggs on its unspoiled sandy beaches. The island's substantial size creates a natural buffer against prevailing northwesterly winds and waves, resulting in remarkably calm and predictable surface conditions on its southern side. This sheltered environment is ideal for liveaboards to anchor safely overnight, making it a prime spot for relaxed night diving in the outer marine parks. The underwater topography features a smooth transition from a dense fringing reef to a shallow sandy slope, providing an accessible and picturesque diving experience suitable for both novice and advanced divers. The diverse underwater landscape of Zabargad supports a wide array of marine life, from intricate micro-critters hidden within coral pinnacles to large nesting reptiles and schooling glassfish. Divers can explore well-preserved vertical walls adorned with hard and alcyonarian soft corals, as well as a gentle sandy slope dotted with vibrant coral formations. The island's remote location ensures uncrowded dive sites and crystal-clear visibility, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for southern Red Sea itineraries.

Dive site facts: Zabargad Island

Depth

5–35 m

Typical dive

10–15 m, ~60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

20–40 m

Water temperature

21–30°C

Entry

Liveaboard / Tender

Level

Easy / Advanced, suitable for Open Water divers

Dive type

Wall, wreck, coral garden, macro

Night dive

Possible in sheltered bays

Region / port

Southern Red Sea / Marsa Alam

Coordinates

23.6333, 36.15

Conditions & Currents

Zabargad Island's immense physical presence creates a naturally sheltered harbor on its south coast, offering peaceful and current-protected conditions, a rarity for remote outer-sea safaris. While typically mild, currents around the island can vary, with gentle eastward drifts sometimes observed along the upper fringing reef wall from Turtle Bay. This allows for relaxed drift dives, particularly suitable for less experienced divers or those seeking an easy underwater experience. The island's northern and eastern reaches, however, can be more exposed, requiring careful planning by dive guides to manage entry and exit points in relation to current direction. Visibility consistently remains crystal clear, contributing to an uncrowded and enjoyable dive experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green Sea Turtle

Year-round · common

Hawksbill Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Blue-Spotted Ribbon-Tail Ray

occasional

Crocodilefish

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Anthias Swarms

common

Surgeonfish

common

Schooling Butterflyfish

common

Angelfish

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Moray Eels

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Zabargad often begins at Turtle Bay on the southern coast, a sheltered area ideal for entry. Descend directly from the diving platform, allowing a mild eastward current to gently guide you along the upper fringing reef wall. Keep the vibrant coral structure on your left, concentrating on the rich zone between 10 and 15 meters, where soft corals and smaller reef fish flourish. Avoid dropping below this depth into the less active sandy slope. The dive progresses for approximately 60 minutes, with the turning point determined by air consumption and current conditions. Safety stops are comfortably conducted along the shallow plateau, which extends around 35 meters out from the shore before the seabed drops steeply into deeper water. For those exploring the Russian wreck 'The Khanka', located on its side at 24 meters, the dive would involve a direct descent to the wreck, exploring its structure and the mast which breaks the surface, before gradually ascending to the reef for a safety stop.

Underwater photography

Zabargad Island offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For the expansive coral gardens and reef walls, a wide-angle lens will capture the vibrant soft corals and schooling fish. The excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, allows for natural light photography in shallower areas, but strobes are recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals at depth. For macro enthusiasts, the sandy slopes and coral pinnacles are home to a variety of critters like crocodilefish, octopuses, and cuttlefish; a macro lens will be invaluable here. During encounters with green sea turtles in Turtle Bay, maintain respectful distance and avoid direct flash, especially during night dives. Buoyancy control is paramount to protect the fragile reef and ensure clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Rocky Island

  Often paired with Zabargad on Deep South itineraries, located just 6 km southeast.

• St. Johns Reef

  A healthy reef system located 40 kilometers southwest of Zabargad, known for abundant soft corals and schooling pelagics.

• Fury Shoals

  Another extensive reef system to the north, sometimes visited on longer southern routes.

• Elphinstone Reef

  A popular pelagic hot spot further north, included in comprehensive southern itineraries.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Zabargad Island is exclusively via liveaboard, typically departing from Port Ghalib or Marsa Alam in Egypt's southern Red Sea. These itineraries usually span 7 to 8 days, combining Zabargad with other renowned southern sites like Rocky Island and the St. John's reef system. Divers can fly into Hurghada (HRG) or Marsa Alam (RMF) International Airports, with transfers arranged by liveaboard operators. Marsa Alam is the closest departure port for deep south routes. Marine park fees are required as Zabargad is part of a protected area, and these are usually included in the liveaboard package. Permits are necessary for diving in marine parks, and liveaboard operators handle all the necessary arrangements. Longer, more comprehensive itineraries might also visit Daedalus Reef or Elphinstone Reef, making for an extensive exploration of the Red Sea's deep south.

Safety & environment

Diving at Zabargad Island, like other remote Red Sea sites, requires careful consideration of safety due to its isolated location. While the southern bay offers sheltered conditions, the nearest recompression chamber is several hours away on the mainland, typically in Marsa Alam. Divers must ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Liveaboard crews are trained in emergency procedures and carry first-aid equipment, but self-reliance and adherence to dive plan briefings are crucial. Night dives are permitted in the sheltered southern bay, but generally prohibited around Marine Park islands elsewhere to protect marine life. Always dive within your training limits, maintain excellent buoyancy, and respect the fragile coral ecosystems. A minimum of Advanced Open Water certification is recommended for offshore liveaboard itineraries.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Zabargad Island FAQ

Liveaboards diving Zabargad Island

These liveaboards may visit Zabargad Island 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