Abu Sawatyr, El Quseir

Abu Sawatyr is a captivating dive site located just off the coast of El Quseir, Egypt. Known for its unique reef formation, healthy coral gardens, and abundance of marine life, it offers an unforgettable underwater experience for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just beginning your Red Sea journey, Abu Sawatyr promises both excitement and serenity beneath the waves.

Site Details

  • Location: North of El Quseir, Red Sea, Egypt

  • Depth Range: 5m – 30m

  • Dive Type: Reef dive with sandy patches and coral pinnacles

  • Accessibility: Easy boat access with Deep South Divers

  • Level: Suitable for beginner and advanced divers

Abu Sawatyr is recognized for its elongated reef structures (“sawatyr” in Arabic means arches or corridors), creating natural pathways that divers can explore. The site offers both shallow coral gardens for beginners and deeper sections for experienced divers.

Abu Sawatyr, El Quseir

The Dive Experience

Diving Abu Sawatyr feels like swimming through a natural underwater cathedral. The coral-covered ridges and archways create a magical atmosphere, while shafts of sunlight penetrate the blue, illuminating schools of fish. Expect a relaxed drift dive along the reef, with plenty of opportunities for underwater photography.

Highlights of the dive include:

  • Exploring narrow passages between coral walls.

  • Encountering both macro species and larger pelagic visitors.

  • Calm conditions that make it perfect for long, enjoyable dives.

Marine Biodiversity & Coral Health

Abu Sawatyr boasts some of the healthiest coral formations in El Quseir. Its reef is teeming with hard and soft corals, sheltering a remarkable variety of marine life:

  • Fish species: anthias, butterflyfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, and the occasional barracuda.

  • Macro life: nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, and pipefish.

  • Bigger encounters: turtles, napoleon wrasse, and sometimes eagle rays.

Thanks to limited diver traffic compared to Hurghada or Marsa Alam, Abu Sawatyr remains pristine and less crowded, offering divers a more authentic Red Sea experience.

Abu Sawatyr, El Quseir

Ideal Conditions & Best Time to Dive

  • Best Months: April – November (warm waters & excellent visibility)

  • Water Temperature: 24°C – 29°C

  • Visibility: 20m – 30m

  • Currents: Generally mild, suitable for all levels

The site is diveable year-round, but spring and autumn offer the perfect balance of water temperature, calm seas, and abundant marine life activity.

How to Dive Abu Sawatyr with Deep South Divers

Deep South Divers makes exploring Abu Sawatyr easy, safe, and unforgettable. Our experienced dive guides know every passage and coral formation, ensuring you enjoy the best of the site while respecting marine life.

  • Daily boat trips from El Quseir

  • Small dive groups for personalized experiences

  • Briefings & safety guidance before each dive

  • Rental gear & tanks available

Book Your Red Sea Adventure Today

Make Abu Sawatyr part of your diving holiday in El Quseir. Whether you’re planning a single dive or a full Red Sea diving package, Deep South Divers is here to help you create memories that last a lifetime.

👉 Reserve your dive trip today and secure your spot on our next Abu Sawatyr adventure.

Abu Sawatyr, El Quseir

What is Included in the Tour

When you book your dive to Abu Sawatyr with Deep South Divers, you get:

  • Boat transfer to and from the dive site

  • 1–2 guided dives with experienced dive masters

  • Tanks and weights included

  • Freshwater, tea, and snacks on board

  • Safety equipment and first-aid ready boat

Optional: Full equipment rental available upon request.

What Makes This Tour Special

  • Exclusive access to one of El Quseir’s hidden gems

  • Eco-conscious diving with respect for the marine environment

  • Personalized dive experience with small groups

  • Perfect mix of adventure and relaxation

  • Expert local guides with years of Red Sea diving knowledge

Abu Sawatyr is not just another dive site—it’s an underwater sanctuary where you can experience the Red Sea’s beauty away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Abu Sawatyr located?

Abu Sawatyr is a beautiful dive site in El Quseir, Egypt, along the central Red Sea coast. It’s easily accessible by boat with Deep South Divers, making it a convenient and must-visit destination for divers exploring the region.

What makes Abu Sawatyr special for diving?

Abu Sawatyr is unique because of its elongated coral ridges and natural archways, creating underwater passages filled with vibrant marine life. Unlike busier Red Sea dive sites, it remains uncrowded and pristine, offering a more authentic diving experience.

What marine life can I see at Abu Sawatyr?

Divers at Abu Sawatyr can encounter colorful reef fish, nudibranchs, cleaner shrimp, turtles, napoleon wrasse, and occasionally eagle rays or barracuda. The site is also home to some of the healthiest coral formations in El Quseir.

Is Abu Sawatyr suitable for beginner divers?

Yes! Abu Sawatyr offers shallow coral gardens starting at 5 meters, making it ideal for beginners and training dives. At the same time, deeper sections up to 30 meters provide plenty of excitement for advanced divers.

What are the best months to dive Abu Sawatyr?

The best time to dive Abu Sawatyr is between April and November, when the Red Sea offers warm water (24°C–29°C), calm conditions, and visibility up to 30 meters. However, it is accessible year-round.

What is included in the Abu Sawatyr diving tour with Deep South Divers?

The tour includes boat transfers, guided dives with professional dive masters, tanks, weights, safety equipment, and refreshments. Optional equipment rental is also available upon request.

How can I book a dive trip to Abu Sawatyr with Deep South Divers?

You can book directly through Deep South Divers in El Quseir by contacting our team online or in person. We recommend reserving your spot in advance, especially during peak diving season, to secure your Red Sea adventure.

Tripadvisor Reviews

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What Our Divers Say

Real stories from our community of passionate divers

Spent 4 days diving with Deep South. Nice material, Staff very helpful and professional, diving guide very friendly. Will defo recommend them to plan your diving holidays in Egypt and Marsa Alam.

Czas spędzony na nauce i certyfikacji z Moniką i całą ekipą to wspomnienia na lata! Będę wracać bo opieka wiedzą i profesjonalizm połączony z bezpieczeństwem jest tutaj na najwyższym poziomie 💪

Najlepszy dzień w moim życiu był właśnie z ekipą z deep south divers. Profesjonalnie i przyjemnie zorganizowane nurkowanie i snorkowanie. Jestem pewny powrotu do tego miejsca i częstszych wypadów na nurkowanie. Polecam każdemu 🤩

Zdecydowanie jedno z najlepszych doświadczeń w życiu! Świetni instruktorzy - pełen profesjonalizm i dbałość o bezpieczeństwo, solidna dawka wiedzy. Pojęcie takie jak nuda, nie istnieje podczas szkolenia! Serdeczne podziękowania dla Moniki i Mohameda, za wprowadzenie nas w podwodny świat, w bardzo komfortowych warunkach 😉. Niebawem wracamy do was, nabierać kolejnych doświadczeń!

Pełen profesjonalizm i przede wszystkim przemiła atmosfera ❤️ Robiliśmy kurs OWD, prowadzony przez Monikę i Mohameda - wszystko po polsku, wszystko świetnie wytłumaczone i pokazane, przekazany ogrom wiedzy 👌 Z Moniką doskonały kontakt przez WhatsApp, od razu odpisywała i rozwiewała wszystkie wątpliwości. Zresztą - ogólnie Monia jest przecudowna, zaraża entuzjazmem i od razu widać, że ma naprawdę ogromną wiedzę, którą z pasją przekazuje. Polecajki z całego serca! ❤️

Minęło kilka dni od powrotu z Marsa Alam a już człowiek chciałby wracać. To był mój pierwszy wyjazd na nurkowania do Marsa Alam. Z racji, że jestem dosyć wymagający jeśli chodzi o wybór centrum nurkowego, poszukiwania trwały długo. Wybrałem Deep South Divers. Wybór ten okazał się strzałem w dziesiątkę. Monika Lis która była organizatorem wszystkich nurkowań oraz kursu nitroxowego mojej córki okazała się osobą niezwykle ciepłą, kontaktową. Po pierwszym dniu odniosłem wrażenie, że znamy się całe życie. Organizacyjnie wszystko perfekt, punktualnie, wesoło, wybór miejsc nurkowych idealny. Obsługa nurkowań na najwyższym poziomie. Oprócz Moniki pozostali przewodnicy również profesjonaliści. Podczas tych kilku dni poznałem wspaniałych ludzi, przyjaciół. Wiem już, że niedługo wrócę i z największą przyjemnością skorzystam z Waszych usług. Jeszcze raz ogromne podziękowania dla całego teamu Deep South Divers. Do następnego razu. Monika było perfekcyjnie.

Super nowe doświadczenie, Monika skutecznie rozwiała moje obawy i strach, dzięki czemu mogłam w pełni cieszyć się pięknym podwodnym światem. Cała ekipa na plus. Pozytywni ludzie. Polecamy 🙂

We (both AOWD) did 5x2 fun dives with Deep South. Our instructors Moodi, Hasan and Mohamed Hasan were super nice, relaxed, experienced and easy to talk to in English.Many dives are by speedboat, so you are super fast on location and the day is not stretched out. Just be prepared with sun protection (hat, bandana, sunscreen etc) and always take your snorkel along, because they stop also for dolphins ❤️The break inbetween dives is about 45-60min, you get a little candy and water, bathrooms are not always available (if close by to a big boat you can go there).You will prepare and clean (when at base) your eqipememt yourselves, but there are always friendly helpers around who will also do the heavy lifting for you.They have their base in Todoba bay but can also start in other bases in the area. The office is in Marsa Alam.Pick up from your hotel around 20km included. Our drivers were always super on time and nice.In my research I chose them because it was for me the most transparent price system. E.g. if it’s 120 for Elphinestone it’s 120 total (and you don’t need to add up prices for equipment or permits or having a guide or else. With other diving centers that was very confusing because everything was listed single and I was never sure what the end price would be).You can tell them which sites you want to see and they plan accordingly if possible. I contacted them via email first and then we switched to whatsapp.To make it easy without card fees, best take enough euros cash with you.All in all: Super happy and would choose them again when in Marsa Alam. Thanks for taking a deep breath with us 🥳

Had a wonderful experience with mudi and team. Our sun achieved his SSI junio open water with the Deep South divers and on top we were able to swim with dolphins. Definitely recommend them for their expertise and experience of the area.

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Our Locations
  • Head Office
    68 street, Downtown, Marsa Alam, Red Sea
  • Dive Center
    Dolphin Continental Hotel, El Quseir, Red Sea
  • Operating Hours
    Daily: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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