Amphoras
Also known as: Amphoras - Local, Amphoras Reef
Local Sharm drift dive over a sandy coral slope, named after 17th-century Turkish shipwreck amphoras visible at 22-28 m depth.
Last updated April 2026
The dive
A wall drops to about 12 metres, then the seabed tilts into a sandy slope scattered with coral pinnacles. Glassfish swirl around the pinnacles alongside feather stars and starfish. The drift carries you gently along the slope toward the drop-off at 20-22 m. At 22 m a chain appears, running to a modern anchor lodged behind a coral block at 25 m. Beyond that, two large coral towers mark the approach to the real find: the original anchor stick of a 17th-century Turkish merchantman, inscriptions still faintly visible, and the amphora fragments that give the site its name. They are so encrusted in coral that finding them takes patience and a guide who knows the spot.
What makes it special
Amphoras is not one of Sharm's headline dives. It sits in the local zone between Ras Umm Sid and the Gardens, a stretch of coastline that experienced divers enjoy without singling out. What separates it from the rest is its backstory. A Turkish cargo ship went down here centuries ago carrying amphora pots filled with mercury. The mercury once pooled on the reef bed. That effect is long gone, but the wreck's original anchor and pottery survive, hidden inside the coral growth. For divers who have ticked off the big sites and want a relaxed afternoon with something to hunt for, Amphoras delivers a quiet satisfaction.
Know before you go
The amphora remains are genuinely hard to find without a guide. Ask your dive center to brief you on the chain-and-anchor route before descending. The most interesting section sits between 18 and 25 m, where macro life concentrates alongside the historical artefacts. A camera with macro capability is worth bringing. The site is sheltered and conditions are forgiving, but carry an SMB for surface signalling as with any drift dive.
Why Dive Amphoras
What makes this dive site stand out.
- 17th-century wreck remnants
Original anchor stick with inscriptions and amphora fragments lie at 22-28 m
- Coral pinnacle slope
Sandy slope from 12 m dotted with pinnacles covered in colourful alcyonarians
- Macro life focus
Scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and pipefish on the pinnacles rather than pelagic action
- Easy local drift
Gentle current carries divers along the slope, accessible to Open Water divers
Depth & Profile
Location
27.8679°N, 34.3239°E
Conditions & difficulty
Gentle slope, mild drift, no hazards. Deeper amphora hunt at 22-28 m adds a moderate element for those who venture down.
Regulations
No marine park fees. Not within Ras Mohammed National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly are the amphoras at this dive site?▾
The amphora remains sit at 22-28 m depth. Follow a chain from 22 m to a modern anchor behind a coral block at 25 m, then look behind two large coral towers for the original anchor stick and pottery fragments. They are heavily encrusted in coral and difficult to spot.
Is Amphoras suitable for beginner divers?▾
Yes. The site is rated easy with a gentle slope and mild drift current. Open Water divers can enjoy the upper reef and pinnacles. The deeper amphora section at 22-28 m is better suited to Advanced Open Water certification.
What marine life can I expect at Amphoras?▾
This is a macro-focused site. Expect scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and pipefish on the coral pinnacles, along with schools of glassfish, feather stars, and anthias. Large pelagic encounters are rare here.
Is Amphoras a boat dive or a shore dive?▾
Both are possible. Most divers visit by boat as part of a local dive schedule. Shore access is available through the Amphora Beach Hotel area.
How does Amphoras compare to other Sharm local sites?▾
Amphoras is a quieter local site that won't make anyone's top-ten list but offers something the purely coral sites lack: a genuine historical talking point. For divers who have done Ras Mohammed and Tiran, it is a pleasant afternoon drift with a treasure-hunt element.
What is the best time of day to dive Amphoras?▾
It is generally dived in the afternoon as part of local boat schedules. Morning dives offer calmer water and clearer visibility, while afternoon dives bring warmer temperatures and more active marine life.
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