Alexandria: Heracleion (Abu Qir Bay) Dive Site – Egypt

Site Overview

Heracleion (Abu Qir Bay) is a intermediate-level archaeological dive site located off the Alexandria coastline in Egypt's Red Sea, offering an extraordinary combination of vibrant coral reef ecosystems and rich marine biodiversity in one of the world's most celebrated diving destinations. The site is accessed by boat from Alexandria, typically 22 to 29 minutes depending on sea conditions. Heracleion (Abu Qir Bay) reaches a maximum depth of 10 meters with the most productive diving occurring between five and 7 meters where the coral walls and reef structures provide shelter and feeding grounds for an incredible diversity of marine species. The underwater topography features dramatic coral formations including vertical walls encrusted with soft corals, massive coral pinnacles, and sandy channels that create a mosaic of distinct ecological zones. Marine life encounters commonly include Grey Triggerfish, Conger Eel, Grouper, Salema Porgy, along with numerous Red Sea endemic species that inhabit the coral substrate. The Red Sea's uniquely stable conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 16 degrees in winter to 27 degrees in late summer and visibility typically between 5 and 15 meters, create an underwater environment of extraordinary clarity and biodiversity. Seasonal visitors including oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays add an extraordinary dimension to dives in this region. The Red Sea is home to over twelve hundred species of fish with approximately twenty percent endemic, and more than two hundred species of hard and soft coral that create some of the most vibrant underwater landscapes on Earth. Alexandria is increasingly recognized as one of Egypt's finest diving destinations, offering the perfect combination of world-class marine life, excellent infrastructure, and reliable year-round diving conditions. The moderate currents and varied depth profile provide engaging diving for certified divers looking to experience the Red Sea's diverse ecosystems.