GOTA ABU RAMADA

Location - This reef, also known as the aquarium, lies between 50 and 90 minutes from Hurghada depending where you depart from. It is an elliptical reef surrounded by a sandy seabed at 12-15m. To the west are two large ergs and to the east are three pinnacles and a coral garden.

Sea Conditions - The sea is usually calm. At its worst a little swell can be felt curling round the east and west corners of the reef. The current splits on the northern reef and, like the sea, can only really be felt at either end of the reef.

Dive Plan - a) The east side is ideal for photographers. The area is teeming with yellowfish amongst the gullies and grottoes that characterise this end of the reef. About 15-20m off to the southeast are three small pinnacles with abundant fish life. b) Two larger ergs stand 20m off the west end of the reef. They are typified by soft corals, gorgonians and stacks of fish.

Marine Life - All over the reef, but especially at the west end, there are yellow fish, banner fish, blue cheek butterflies, masked butterflies, yellow snapper, goat fish and sweet lips. Big morays, jacks, turtles, crocodile fish and more infrequently, eagle rays and leopard sharks visit the reef. Titan trigger fish are guarding their nests in September. Watch out.