Elphinstone Reef – Oceanic Whitetip Sharks off Marsa Alam
Elphinstone is a long, narrow reef a short boat ride off Marsa Alam in Egypt. From October to December, oceanic whitetip sharks patrol the reef and often come close to divers near the surface. You can dive it on a liveaboard or on a day trip from a resort.
Who Elphinstone Works For
Shark Fans
Advanced Divers
AOW + 30–50 dives
Photographers
Resort Divers
Day trips from Marsa Alam
Short Trips
You Can See
The Sharks of Elphinstone
Oceanic Whitetips
Curious and bold, often right under the boat.
Hammerheads
Off the south plateau on early-morning dives.
Grey Reef Sharks
Along the walls on most dives.
Soft Coral Walls
Both walls are covered in colourful soft coral.
Coral photo: @zaina.dives.qa
Ready to meet the whitetips?
Where You’ll Dive
Elphinstone Dive Sites
North Plateau
The usual whitetip spot. Sharks often circle near the surface and come close during the safety stop.
South Plateau
Deeper, with a chance of hammerheads on the first dive of the day.
East & West Walls
Steep walls of soft coral, dived as a drift. Grey reef sharks are common.
Abu Dabbab
A shallow bay near Marsa Alam with turtles and, with luck, dugongs. An easy dive from a resort.
Elphinstone is also part of the BDE route. See our Brothers Islands page.
Hot Picks
Liveaboards We Recommend for Elphinstone
All Star Scuba Scene
Built in 2023, for 28 guests. BDE weeks through November and December.
View boat →
Topaz
A new 41 m boat, built in 2024, with good suites. BDE weeks in October and November.
View boat →
Hammerhead II
Built in 2019, for 32 guests. Runs Daedalus, Rocky, Zabargad and Elphinstone in late November.
View boat →Prefer to Stay on Land?
Dive Elphinstone on Day Trips
The Oasis Marsa Alam
A quiet dive resort with boat trips to Elphinstone and Abu Dabbab, free Nitrox and its own house reef. Good if a non-diver is joining you.
View resort →Liveaboard or Resort?
Liveaboard
Elphinstone plus the Brothers and Daedalus in one week. More dives, more sharks and early starts at the reef before the day boats arrive.
Dive Resort
Sleep on land and dive Elphinstone on day trips, with Abu Dabbab and the house reef on other days. Shorter stays work too.
Life Aboard
A Shark Week in the Red Sea
Photos: @zaina.dives.qa, @scubadaan, @malgosja.zmi
Want a special offer for Elphinstone?
Message us directly — we’ll tell you whether a liveaboard or a resort suits your dates and dive log.
Chat on WhatsAppGet Ready
Before You Book Your Elphinstone Trip
Shark Diving in Egypt
Read more →
Egypt Liveaboard: Complete Red Sea Guide
Read more →
Going Solo on a Liveaboard
Read more →Why BookDiveBoat for Elphinstone?
You can reach Elphinstone by liveaboard or from a resort, and the right choice depends on your dates, your dive log and who’s travelling with you. We work with both, so we’ll tell you honestly which one fits before you book.
FAQ
Elphinstone Whitetip Questions
When can I see oceanic whitetips at Elphinstone?
Is diving with oceanic whitetips safe?
What experience do I need for Elphinstone?
Can I dive Elphinstone from a resort?
What other sharks can I see at Elphinstone?
How warm is the water from October to December?
Book Your Elphinstone Trip
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