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The Alternatives
Also known as: Saba Erg, Seven Pinnacles
Sheltered coral pinnacle ring northwest of Ras Mohammed, known for its stingray cleaning station and popular night diving.
Last updated April 2026
The dive
Boats moor in a lagoon at the centre of several submerged islands arranged in a ring. From there, divers swim pinnacle to pinnacle, each flat-topped erg hosting its own community of reef fish and invertebrates. The best circuits run toward the third and fourth ergs from the east, where nutrient-carrying currents sweep through. Sandy "wadis" and amphitheatres separate the pinnacles, and the landward side stays shallow at 10-15 m.
At the western end sits Stingray Station, a large quadrangular outcrop where the shelf drops quickly to around 25 m. Following the drop-off edge here puts divers in blue-water territory. At the opposite end, Lonely Mushroom is a single circular tower prized for close-up work on nudibranchs and colourful shrimp.
What makes it special
The Alternatives occupies an unusual niche: the site divers visit when weather blocks Ras Mohammed and Tiran, yet one that rewards attention on its own terms. Stingray Station delivers reliable bluespotted stingray encounters that few other Sharm sites replicate. Lonely Mushroom offers dedicated macro photography in a compact area.
Night diving here is the real draw for repeat visitors. The pinnacle structure acts as a concentrator. Thousands of glassfish hang in torch beams, trevallies streak through hunting, and morays swim openly between ergs. A 2013 night dive documented a Spanish dancer sighting. Strong currents can complicate the return swim to the boat, so careful planning matters.
Know before you go
Day-boat traffic is heavy. One liveaboard group counted over 50 boats moored within sight during a single morning. The site sits outside Ras Mohammed NP, which means snorkellers and discovery divers converge here when the park is closed to entry-level groups. Diving early, late, or from a liveaboard after the day boats leave transforms the experience.
For night dives, swim toward pinnacles, not into the channels between them. Those channels lead to open ocean. Currents around the ergs can build after dark, and the swim back to the mooring line may require heading into the current. An SMB is useful if surfacing away from the boat.
Why Dive The Alternatives
What makes this dive site stand out.
- Stingray cleaning station
Bluespotted stingrays gather at the western erg, peaking in spring
- Ring of coral pinnacles
Flat-topped ergs arranged in a circle over sand, each with its own reef community
- Night diving destination
Glassfish swarms, hunting trevallies, and free-swimming morays after dark
- Macro at Lonely Mushroom
Single circular tower valued for nudibranchs, shrimp, and close-up photography
Depth & Profile
6m
Min depth
30m
Max depth
10–25m
Typical range
PinnacleReefSandCoralRock
Location
27.9654°N, 34.3618°E
Conditions & difficulty
Temperature
20°C – 29°C
Visibility
5–25m
Current
Variable
EasyMin cert: Open Water
Summary
Easy on the sheltered landward side; seaward walls and night dives add challenge for experienced divers
Safety considerations
What can go wrong here, and what divers do about it. Conditions change - take the briefing from the operator on the day.
- Current: Variable currents around pinnacles, strongest at nightCarry SMB and plan return route before descending
- Surface and boat traffic: Up to 50 day boats may moor in the area simultaneouslyDive early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak traffic
- Orientation: Multiple similar-looking pinnacles can disorient diversUse compass and natural references; on night dives, swim toward pinnacles, not into open channels
Liveaboards visiting this site
View allMulti-day safari boats with this site on their itinerary.
Regulations
Protected area
Outside Ras Mohammed National Park boundaries; no park fee applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called The Alternatives?▾
Boat operators named it because its sheltered position makes it a safe mooring option when storms and wind shut down more exposed sites like the Tiran reefs and outer Ras Mohammed. Local fishermen know it by its older name, Saba Erg (Seven Pinnacles).
Is night diving at The Alternatives worth it?▾
Yes. The pinnacle structure concentrates marine life after dark. Expect dense clouds of glassfish in your torch beam, free-swimming morays, and trevallies hunting by light. Currents around the pinnacles can be strong at night, so plan your navigation carefully and stay oriented toward the pinnacles rather than drifting into open channels.
What will I see at Stingray Station?▾
Stingray Station is the westernmost pinnacle, where the shelf drops to about 25 m. Bluespotted stingrays gather at a cleaning station here, with the best encounters in spring. The drop-off edge also attracts larger fish from the blue.
Is The Alternatives inside Ras Mohammed National Park?▾
No. It sits just outside the park boundaries, northwest of Ras Mohammed. This is why the site receives heavy day-boat and snorkelling traffic. Snorkelling and entry-level experiences are not permitted within the park itself, so operators bring those groups here instead.
What certification do I need to dive The Alternatives?▾
Open Water certification is enough for the sheltered landward pinnacles at 10-15 m. The seaward drop-offs reach 30 m and beyond, requiring Advanced Open Water. Night dives demand comfort with current and navigation regardless of certification level.
When is the best time to dive The Alternatives?▾
The site is diveable year-round. Spring brings the best stingray activity at Stingray Station. Autumn (mid-September through November) offers warm water and fewer crowds. Ironically, the site gets its heaviest use during rough weather, when other Sharm sites are inaccessible.
How crowded does it get?▾
Very crowded during the day. One liveaboard trip counted over 50 day boats moored in the area at once. The site stretches roughly 3 miles, which spreads the traffic, but the experience is much quieter if you dive early morning, late afternoon, or from a liveaboard after day boats depart.
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