Gamul Al-Kabeir (often written Gamul Kebir or Gemal Kebir) is a large, almost circular reef just north of Safaga Island with a shallow lagoon at its centre. The main reef forms a ring around this lagoon, with sandy and seagrass areas extending outward and several small, colourful pinnacles (ergs) to the north and northeast. With its easy depths, varied topography, and sheltered position, Gamul Al-Kabeir is a favourite for first Red Sea dives, check dives, and relaxed reef exploration. At the same time, the northern blocks and seagrass beds regularly attract schools of barracuda, rays, and other larger visitors, giving the site more to offer than a typical “training” reef.
Gamul Al-Kabeir is generally well-sheltered compared to the offshore reefs, with moorings that are usable in most weather conditions. The circular shape of the reef and the central lagoon provide protection from waves and swell, making surface conditions usually calm to moderate. Currents are typically mild and manageable, often coming from the northeast or along the northern side, though they can occasionally strengthen around the outer corners and pinnacles. Visibility is commonly in the 15–25 m range, and the combination of good light, shallow depth, and limited current makes this an accessible site for beginners, snorkelers, and photographers.
One classic dive plan starts from the sheltered moorings on the main reef, then passes through the “fossma” (gap) toward the three small ergs on the northern side. This swim usually takes about 20–30 minutes depending on current and offers a gentle descent over sand and seagrass before reaching the pinnacles, which are covered in soft corals and surrounded by schooling fish. Alternatively, the boat can drop divers directly in the area of the three ergs for a plateau-and-pinnacles tour, then cruise back to the moorings where divers finish the dive along the reef and lagoon edge. The shallow depths make it ideal for long bottom times, navigation practice, or relaxed exploration of the seagrass beds and sand patches where many of the more unusual species are found.
Gamul Al-Kabeir is particularly known for its resident school of large barracudas (often 15–20 fish, up to around 1.5 m), which usually patrol around the northern pinnacles and over the nearby seagrass. The seagrass meadows and sandy slopes host spotted garden eels, rays, and sometimes sea horses or sea moths (Pegasus), making slow, careful observation very rewarding. Around the ergs and reef edge you can expect unicornfish, snappers, emperors, bream, scrolled filefish, as well as common Red Sea residents like triggerfish, lionfish, and moray eels. Eagle rays and whitetip reef sharks are reported regularly, and occasional sightings of dugongs (sea cows) have been noted in the broader area, adding an extra sense of anticipation to each dive.
Typical diving 7–15 m around the outer reef, lagoon, and northern pinnacles
Suitable for all levels, especially good for beginners, training dives, and relaxed second dives
Just north of Safaga Island/Shadwan area, a few minutes by boat from Soma Bay
Water temp: Around 22–24 °C in winter, 23–25 °C in spring, 27–29 °C in summer, 26–28 °C in autumn (Safaga averages)
Roughly 20–30 minutes from Soma Bay by boat, depending on wind and boat speed.
