Aquarium East (Gota Abu Ramada East)

Three coral pinnacles rise from the sandy seabed at 12-14 metres on the eastern side of the Aquarium reef, each one a hub of activity. The labyrinth between them is shaped by gullies and grottoes where trevallies weave through hunting runs. Orange anthias blanket the reef top so thickly they become the dominant colour of the dive. Goatfish congregations work the sandy flats, barbels sweeping back and forth. Brain corals at the base of the ergs are massive. In the overhangs, glassfish form curtains that part and reform when a scorpionfish lunges. Stonefish blend into the coral with frightening precision. Blue-spotted stingrays dot the sand between the pinnacles. A trumpetfish, impossibly long, hangs vertically beside a coral head and pretends to be a branch.

The eastern side of the Aquarium is where the coral garden comes alive. The western pinnacles are livelier in terms of soft coral and schooling fish density, but the east side offers the labyrinth. Hard corals form a three-dimensional maze that creates hiding spots for the camouflaged species. Crocodilefish lie motionless on sand patches. Multiple scorpionfish sit on a single coral head, invisible until you learn the outline. Moray eels occupy crevices with cleaner shrimp working their gills. The appeal is in the slow hunt through the maze rather than swimming a wall. The site has earned a 4.4 rating from 90 reviews, with divers returning specifically for the coral garden exploration.

The boat ride is roughly 75 minutes from Hurghada. Day boats typically moor on the sheltered south side and offer the east or west side as the dive plan. If given the choice, request the east side for the coral garden labyrinth. The depth is 10-17 metres. Air consumption is rarely the limiting factor. Plan for a 50-minute dive and bring a macro lens if you have one. Stonefish are present and well-camouflaged. Do not touch the reef surface or rest on the sandy bottom. Liveaboards also visit this site and sometimes arrive before day boats, which can mean a quieter dive in the early morning. A 3 mm suit is comfortable from May to September.