| Dive Site Details
Ben El Gebel is gentle for any level of divers, sheltered as she is from
the winds behind the reefs. Table corals serve as a hide-out for
crocodile fish.
About 90 minutes sailing from Hurghada, the area between Big Giftun
and Small Giftun is characterized by a narrow passage. Sometimes
referred to as Sha� ab Torta, Sha� ab Dorfa or Turft el Shahed, it is
more popularly known as Ben el Gebel, meaning � between the
mountains�. In fact, Turft el Shahed is an extension of the northern
tip
of Small Giftun, encircled by ergs.
Though waves may be pounding on the outside reef and the wind may
be howling, the lagoon stays calm. You can venture out through the
channel. Sheltered from the wind behind the reef, the site of Ben el
Gebel suits any level of divers.
The ergs, translating as pinnacles, are the main attraction and can be
traced by entering the shallow local channel in westerly direction.
Northwest of this channel is a flat sandy patch, scattered with random
coral blocks. When you continue heading north, you will be rewarded
with the presence of a beautiful erg, perforated by cavities and
overhangs.
If you�re feeling lazy then go no further than the three closest ergs.
There are some beautiful gorgonians on their northern end. If you�re
feeling athletic then head out to the furthest erg it�s not dived much
so it is full of fish and has some impressive overhangs veiled in
glassfish.
If you�re feeling adventurous you may wish to drift all the way to the
neighbouring Banana Reef. Be alerted however this requires very good
air consumption and advanced navigation skills.
At Ben el Gebel numerous gobies live in symbiosis with shrimps on the
sandy bottom. The ergs are fully carpeted with soft corals.
Crocodilefish find refuge under beautifully shaped table corals in the
company of moses sole.
Eagle rays are quite common here and so are feather tailed rays.
Orange spot jacks hunt the glassfish beneath the overhangs. Turtles
are known to feed in the soft corals. These are literally carpeting the
sea floor. |
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