Dive site guide · Northern Hurghada reefs · Reef
El Fanous West — dive site guide
Also known as Dorfa El Fanous West, Torfa El Fanous West, Fanous West, Dorfa El Fanus West, Torfa Fanous West, Fanus West
El Fanous West is a reef at El Fanous, on the reefs north-east of Hurghada. Published dive guides record a maximum of about 22 m. Regularly reported life includes turtles feeding in coral gardens, giant morays and silversides. Its position is confirmed by independent sources.
How deep does it go?
Documented maximum depths vary between sources: 14 m, 22 m.
What's the underwater landscape like?
Sources describe flat sandy bottom, shallow reef wall, narrow channel and 9 m lagoon.
- Lagoon
What marine life can you see?
Regularly seen: Turtles feeding in coral gardens, giant morays, silversides, jacks and resting habitat.
Occasional or seasonal — never guaranteed: Dolphins.
Who can dive it?
Recommended minimum: CMAS * / Open Water (per wannadive)
Safety: Boats may not enter the SW Fanous safe zone; plan moorings/drops accordingly.
How is it dived?
Getting there: around 30 min from central Hurghada.
Drift option: drop on north side, reef on left shoulder to the pinnacles, then coral garden and channel back; or start at mooring through the channel.
Season: triggerfish nesting August-September
How do we protect it?
Governor's Decree 379/2011: SW area of Fanous Reef is a vessel-exclusion 'safe zone' for Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Zone marked by white buoys; diving/snorkelling still allowed, no fee.
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