Shab Quais / El Aruk

# Shab Quais (El Aruk) Dive Site Description

Shab Quais, also known as El Aruk, is a premier reef diving destination located in Qesm Hurghada within Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate. This Indian Ocean site offers an exceptional underwater experience suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.

The reef features stunning coral formations and dramatic drop-offs, with depths ranging from 12 to 40+ meters. Divers encounter vibrant hard and soft coral gardens teeming with Red Sea marine life. Common sightings include groupers, snappers, jacks, and various reef fish species. Larger pelagics such as rays and sharks frequently patrol the reef edges, particularly during strong currents.

The site’s structure creates natural channels and crevices that harbor diverse fish communities and invertebrates. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters, depending on seasonal conditions and current strength. Strong currents are common, making this dive site most appropriate for experienced divers comfortable with drift diving techniques.

Shab Quais delivers the signature Red Sea diving experience with excellent biodiversity and dramatic reef topography.

🐠 Marine Life at This Dive Site

Indian Sailfin Tang Zebrasoma desjardinii gernotkunz

Regal Angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus gernotkunz

Linedcheek Wrasse Oxycheilinus digramma gernotkunz

Red Sea Clearfin Lionfish Pteropterus cinctus gernotkunz

Lyretail Anthias Pseudanthias squamipinnis gernotkunz

Red Sea Anemonefish Amphiprion bicinctus gernotkunz

Species data from iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)