This long, finger-like reef runs from north to south in the open Red Sea. Steep walls drop to the depths on the reef’s east and west sides, reaching 70m (230ft) or more, while the north and south ends of the reef are marked by submerged plateau. The northern plateau is very shallow, offering some superb snorkelling possibilities. The southern plateau is much deeper, with a drop-off at 30m (100ft) leading down to the depths. A large underwater arch can be found here, between 50 and 70m (164-230ft). This lies beyond the range of most sports divers, but has a fascinating story attached to it. Legend has it that the sarcophagus of an unknown pharaoh lies beneath the arch, and you can, in fact, see the outlines of a suspiciously rectangular, coral encrusted mass in the depths at around 60m (197ft).

Coral coverage is dense and magnificent, with a full range of hard and soft corals on all sides. The east side in particular has some beautiful soft coral growth.

A massive number of reef species lends still more color to the already dazzling walls, with a ready supply of big solitary and schooling pelagics to observe. One great hammerhead seems to be a permanent resident.

This is an endlessly fascinating site, worth diving any number of times, both by snorkellers and by the more advanced diver.

This horseshoe-shaped reef lies in open water to the northeast of Ras Banas. The eastern side of the reef has a steeply sloping wall profile, giving way to a sandy slope scattered with coral heads and pinnacles toward the reef’s southeast corner. The lower reaches of the reef are rather poorly covered, with the best coral growth occurring in the top 10m (33ft). The southern pinnacles are especially rich, with a wide variety of coral types throughout. The varied hard coral composition of the heads and pinnacles acts as a base for some extremely nice soft coral growth, particularly dendronephthia.

Fish life here is excellent. Schooling fish of all types are seen in large numbers, while reef-dwellers, such as angelfish and butterflies, provide flashes of colour. Cuttlefish and shrimps put in an appearance for the invertebrates, and blue spotted and black spotted stingrays are common. Sharks of several types can also frequently be spotted here, and there are regular reports of dolphins along the reef or inside the lagoon.

The good shelter provided by the reef makes this an excellent stop for live-aboards.