Scuba Diving in the Red Sea

Shag Rock

Shag Rock is just 15 minutes motoring time south west of the Thistlegorm and is part of the Red Sea reef system known as Shaab Ali. It gets its name from the cormorants that sometimes perch on the reef's light beacon, and not after some lover's secret rendez vous point, as some may like to think.

On the northern slopes of Shag Rock lies a wreck, the Kingston, which sank here on 22 February 1881. This was an 80m long twin mast steamship that ran aground and gradually sank to a maximum depth of 15m at the stern. The ship's hull and main deck frame are fairly intact and the Kingston lies upright in a north-south aspect, the bow furthest up the gentle reef slope.

Due to its location near the entrance to the Straits of Gubal, currents can be strong here, so its best to drop in to the north and use the current to drift dive onto the wreck. Penetration is simple in the shallow and open inner hull. Take your time to explore here as the hull also offers protection from the prevailing currents; however surge can sometimes be present so do take care. The frame structure is overgrown with stubbly hard corals and the hull is home to Arabian angelfish and groupers.

When you're done with wreck exploration, just join up with the reef slope and drift with the current to the south. The reef is quite stunning with its densely packed coral fields and neat layers of Acropora table corals to the south east. Yellowtail goatfish and bluelined snappers form big schools here.

Shag Rock Reef Basics: Wreck and reef
Depth: 5 - 25m
Visibility: 20 - 30m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 22 - 28°C
Experience level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 2
Diving season: All year round
Distance: 45 km (3½ hrs) southwest of Sharm El Sheikh, 60 km (4¼ hrs) north of Hurghada
Access: Daytrips and liveaboards

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