The Small Crack - Dive site - Egypt

A guide to scuba diving at the Small Crack

Dive site: The Small Crack

Location: Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh to Hurghada

Dive type: Boat dive, drift dive, reef dive, wall dive

Skill level: Beginner

Visibility: The average visibility is 20m / 65ft at The Small Crack.

Depth: The average depth is 15 m / 50 ft at The Small Crack, while the maximum depth is 22 m / 65 ft.

Water temperature: Water temperatures at The Small Crack depends on the season, and ranges from 20° C (68°F) in February to 27° C (81° F) in September.

Dive site information: The Small Crack consists of a crack/passage in the Shaab Mahmud Reef. The Small Crack is one out of only two navigable passages leading into the sheltered lagoon that is situated behind the reef. The Shaab Mahmud Reef is quite extensive, and separates the Sinai seaside from the open waters of the Straits of Gubal. The crack intersects the reef, and creates a small channel that you can swim through in order to enter the lagoon. The channel is never more than 6 m / 20 ft deep, usually around 2 to 3 m / 7 to 10 ft. The reef walls on both sides are about 2 m/ 7ft. The reef at The Small Crack extends from the northwest to the southeast. It features an 18 m / 60 ft steep sloping wall filled with corals, starting at the surface and ending in a sand slope. The Small Crack is a popular place for live-aboards to anchor for the night, since the lagoon provides tranquillity.

Marine life: The coral growth is admirable, especially if you dive along the outer reef wall. There is a nice mix of soft and hard corals. Several types of stony corals make up the reef wall, and there are also some remarkable soft coral formations. Most Red Sea fish species can be encountered here. Large pelagics are common, especially if there is a current running.