Eel Garden

Diving at Eel Garden in Sharm El Sheikh was an unforgettable adventure! This dive site is renowned for its unique endemic species of garden eels and offers a captivating full drift dive over a vast, triangular sandy plateau that reaches depths of up to 50 meters.

As we began our drift, keeping the reef wall on our right, I was thrilled to witness the mesmerizing sight of these meter-long garden eels. They create an incredible spectacle as they retreat into the sand in a synchronized movement, resembling a massive Mexican wave. It was a truly magical moment to see so many of them in their natural habitat.

In addition to the garden eels, Eel Garden is home to other fascinating species, such as sand divers and juvenile razor blennies. Spotting these unique creatures added to the excitement of the dive, making each moment feel like a new discovery.

Overall, Eel Garden is a must-visit dive site for anyone in Sharm El Sheikh. Its unique marine life and the thrill of a drift dive make it a standout experience that I highly recommend! ... Show More

Visited Sep. 2024

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Located south of Jackfish Alley and just before Shark Observatory, Eel Garden is a dive site that offers easy accessibility by land. This intriguing spot is characterized by an impressive fossil coral cliff that gradually diminishes in height, providing passage for divers. While Eel Garden is well-sheltered from strong currents, it's important to be mindful of the prevailing winds and waves, especially if diving from the shore. Despite being a lesser-explored site, it offers a wealth of biological wonders.

The dive itself is incredibly simple, with a route winding through a slightly inclined sandy plateau facing the east. As you navigate the central part of the plateau, you'll come across a small cave from which an impressive V-shaped stream of sand flows, creating a captivating sight. This area is also home to a delightful colony of the elusive Garden eels (Gorgasia sillneri) from the Congridae family. These endemic species can reach lengths exceeding 80 centimeters and can often be spotted swaying in the current as they search for their favorite food, plankton.

The Garden eels create and inhabit cylindrical holes in the sand, held together by a secretion from a gland near their tail. As these creatures are incredibly shy, it's crucial to approach them with extreme caution, as any sudden movements or signs of danger will cause them to swiftly retreat back into their lairs.

Some tips for diving at Eel Garden include avoiding unfavorable sea conditions and waves. It's advisable to approach the eels slowly from the north to avoid startling them, especially if you're keen on capturing stunning photographs of these fascinating creatures. With its abundance of Garden eels, Eel Garden is renowned as the best spot to observe them in their natural habitat. Additionally, it serves as an excellent location for snorkeling, allowing non-divers to also enjoy its beauty.... Show More

Visited Jul. 2022

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