Colona Divers
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Aquarium East (Gota Abu Ramada East)
Also known as: Aquarium East, Gota Abu Ramada East, Aquanum East
Eastern coral garden of Hurghada's Aquarium reef (Gota Abu Ramada), a shallow labyrinth of hard corals and three pinnacles teeming with reef fish at 10-17 m.
Last updated April 2026
The dive
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.
What makes it special
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.
Know before you go
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.
Why Dive Aquarium East (Gota Abu Ramada East)
What makes this dive site stand out.
- Coral garden labyrinth
The eastern side forms a maze of hard corals with gullies, grottoes, and three satellite ergs
- Brain coral showcase
Brain corals here are described as among the largest and most beautiful in the region
- Aquarium biodiversity
Shares the parent reef's extraordinary fish density with anthias, bannerfish, and goatfish
- Critter hunting focus
Camouflaged stonefish, crocodilefish, scorpionfish, and moray eels reward close observation
Depth & Profile
3m
Min depth
17m
Max depth
10–15m
Typical range
ReefSandCoral
Location
27.0950°N, 33.9050°E
Conditions & difficulty
Temperature
20°C – 30°C
Visibility
20–30m
Current
Negligible
Best season
May-September
Warmest water (26-30 C), best visibility (25-30 m), and peak marine life activity.
Easy
Suitable for Discover Scuba Diving (introductory dives limited to 12 m) through to experienced divers.
Summary
Shallow, calm, negligible current. The DB currently lists this site as expert difficulty at 50 m depth. Both values are incorrect. All sources confirm easy difficulty at 10-17 m maximum.
Safety considerations
What can go wrong here, and what divers do about it. Conditions change - take the briefing from the operator on the day.
- Marine life: Well-camouflaged on coral formations throughout the gardenMaintain buoyancy, do not touch reef surfaces
- Conditions: Camouflaged on coral heads, several species presentLook before placing hands
Dive Centers
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Aquarium and Aquarium East?▾
Gota Abu Ramada is an oval reef commonly dived from either side. Aquarium East refers to the eastern portion, where three smaller pinnacles form a coral garden labyrinth with gullies and grottoes. The western side has two larger pinnacles with denser soft corals. Both sides share the same extraordinary fish diversity.
Is Aquarium East suitable for beginners?▾
Yes. The depth is 10-17 metres, current is negligible, and the coral garden is easy to navigate. Introductory dives are conducted here within 12 metres. It is one of the best sites in Hurghada for a newly certified Open Water diver.
What marine life will I see at Aquarium East?▾
The reef top is covered in orange anthias. Bannerfish schools drift along the walls. Goatfish work the sandy bottom. In the overhangs, glassfish form shimmering curtains. Blue-spotted stingrays are common on the sand. Look closely for camouflaged scorpionfish, stonefish, and crocodilefish. Trevallies hunt through the gullies between the eastern ergs.
Are the brain corals really that large?▾
The brain corals on the eastern side are described as among the largest and most beautiful in the region. They are a highlight of the coral garden labyrinth alongside the table corals and soft coral growth.
What photography style works best at Aquarium East?▾
Both wide-angle and macro. Wide-angle captures the schooling fish and coral garden panoramas with excellent ambient light at 10-15 metres. Macro reveals the camouflaged critters, moray eels with cleaner shrimp, and the detail in the brain corals. The shallow depth and calm conditions make it a productive photography site.
How long is the boat ride to Aquarium East?▾
Approximately 75 minutes from Hurghada harbour. The site is south of the Giftun Islands. Available on both day-trip boats and liveaboard itineraries.
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