marsa alam | red sea | egypt
zabargad island
A sheltered island sanctuary in the remote southern outer sea, famous for nesting green sea turtles, shallow pristine coral gardens, and narrow canyon networks.
35 m
dive depth
3,2 km
ISLAND LENGTH
71 km
OFFSHORE
EASY / ADVANCED
LEVEL
OVERVIEW
THE SOUTHERN TURTLE SANCTUARY
Zabargad Island (also known as St. John’s Island) is the largest and most prominent marine park landmass in Egypt’s deep southern Red Sea, situated 71 km offshore from the mainland. While its dramatic, mountainous topography rises over 230 metres above sea level, its true treasure lies beneath the surface along its southern fringing reef at a dive site known as Turtle Bay. The bay earns its name from the green sea turtles that journey here annually to lay their eggs on the island’s untouched sandy beaches.
Because of Zabargad’s immense size, its southern coast forms a massive natural barrier against dominant northwesterly winds and waves. This creates incredibly calm, predictable surface conditions that allow liveaboards to safely drop anchor and moor overnight, making it one of the premier locations in the outer marine parks for relaxed night diving. The underwater landscape transitions gracefully from a dense fringing reef to a shallow sandy slope, offering an easy, picturesque environment perfectly suited for less experienced or open water divers.
KEY FEATURES
WHAT DEFINES ZABARGAD
Turtle Nesting Grounds
A world-renowned haven for Green and Hawksbill sea turtles, which congregate in the shallows and can be seen grazing on the sandy slopes year-round.
Fringing Reef Wall
A beautifully preserved vertical wall dropping from the surface to 15 metres, densely carpeted with hard corals and thriving alcyonarian soft corals.
The Sandy Slope
A gentle, light-reflecting sandy bed stretching from 15 to 35 metres, dotted with vibrant coral pinnacles, small erks, and micro-marine life.
The Russian Wreck
The remnants of “The Khanka” (a Soviet MOMA-class spy ship) resting on its side at 24 metres, with its mast breaking the surface.
Lagoon Cave Openings
Short, highly narrow fissures and small cave mouths cutting into the reef wall, hinting at pathways leading into the inner island lagoon.
Sheltered Overnight Mooring
The massive physical block of the island creates a peaceful, current-sheltered harbor on the south coast, a rare luxury for remote outer-sea safaris.
MARINE LIFE
TURTLES, MACRO CRITTERS & SUNKEN SPIES
Fueled by sheltered waters, the marine life ranges from delicate micro-critters hiding in the pinnacles to massive nesting reptiles and schooling glassfish.
DIVE ROUTES
FOUR WAYS TO EXPLORE THE dive site
Diving around Zabargad is highly diverse. While the southern bay is relaxed and current-sheltered, the northern and eastern reaches offer wreck exploration and steep walls.
Turtle Bay to Eastern Tip
Enter the water directly from the diving platform. When a mild current is present, it flows gently eastward. Drift lazily along the upper fringing reef wall with the structure on your left shoulder, focusing on the incredibly rich 10–15 metre zone. Avoid dropping down the barren slope. Safety stop and collect by RIB at the tip.
The Khanka (Russian Wreck)
Located on the eastern side of the island. Dropped by RIB directly over the wreck. Explore the head-on collision damage where the bow has separated and lies on its port side. Dive the bridge and view the engine room, which are densely packed with clouds of glassfish and active lionfish. Finish with a safety stop at the shallow mast.
The Night Dive Sanctuary
Step straight off the liveaboard after dusk. Explore the calm, shallow reef wall directly to the east and west of the vessel’s mooring lines. The reef completely transforms at night with active hunting lionfish, octopuses, and sleeping turtles. Avoid entering any dark cave openings.
The Outer North Wall
A stark contrast to the southern coves. Dropped by RIB on the exposed northern side. Descend onto a series of dramatic vertical drop-offs decorated with dense forests of soft and fan corals. Strong currents drive past the island’s tip, offering chances to spot passing pelagics, barracuda schools, and reef sharks before drifting into calmer areas.
DIVING CONDITIONS
Water & Visibility
VISIBILITY
20 - 40 m
Crystal clear outer-sea water with excellent horizontal visibility.
WATER TEMPERATURE
23 - 30° C
23–25° C winter · 27–30° C summer
RECOMMENDED LEVEL
Open Water
Advanced Open Water
Mild currents in the south allow beginners, while exposed walls require advanced experience.
ACCESS
Liveaboard only
Deep southern safari route (Rocky & Zabargad or St. John’s itineraries). No day boat access due to extreme distance.
TIPS & HAZARDS
DIVE SAFE AT ZABARGAD
Ideal for a relaxed night dive
Take advantage of the calm, wind-sheltered south coast. It is one of the safest and most comfortable outer-sea sites for diving after dark.
Keep to the shallow reef wall
The sandy slope below 20 metres has very little coral growth. Keep your dive profile between 10 and 15 metres for the best color and marine life.
Do not attempt the lagoon caves
The cave openings along the wall are exceptionally narrow, tight, and end in dead ends. Do not attempt to squeeze into them.
Peak turtle season is summer
While turtles reside here year-round, your highest chance of seeing multiple large nesting females in the shallows is during the warm summer months.
Check the wreck conditions
“The Khanka” lies at an angle on the reef slope. Watch your buoyancy carefully inside the bridge and hold structures, as old metal surfaces are covered in sharp coral growth and silt.
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