Diving in Soma Bay: Best Red Sea Sites, House Reef, Conditions & Marine Life (2025 Guide)

Soma Bay is one of the most beautiful and accessible diving destinations on the Red Sea. With crystal-clear water, uncrowded dive sites, dramatic coral formations and thriving marine life, it offers some of the finest scuba diving in Egypt. This guide covers everything you need to know about diving in Soma Bay: house reef access, dive centres, best sites, water conditions, marine life, and how it compares to other Red Sea diving locations.

Whether you're completing your first dive course or exploring deep drop-offs and pinnacles, Soma Bay is a world-class Red Sea diving destination with something for every level.

Why Dive in Soma Bay?

• Exceptional visibility — often 25–40 meters
• Healthy coral reefs with little crowding
• Warm water year-round
• Easy access to sheltered bays and dramatic open-sea walls
• Professional dive centres offering SSI courses
• Close proximity to iconic Red Sea dive sites

Compared with more crowded Red Sea hubs like Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, Soma Bay offers a quieter, more relaxed diving experience with cleaner reefs and fewer boats.

Diving Conditions in Soma Bay

The Red Sea is known for its warm, clear water, and Soma Bay is no exception. The peninsula is exposed to steady breezes that keep visibility high and currents manageable.

Water Temperature

• Winter (Dec–Feb): 22–23°C — 5mm wetsuit recommended
• Spring (Mar–May): 23–25°C — 3–5mm
• Summer (Jun–Sep): 26–29°C — 3mm or shorty
• Autumn (Oct–Nov): 26–28°C — 3mm

Visibility

Visibility is excellent year-round, typically 25–40 meters, thanks to the Red Sea’s low plankton levels and sandy seabed.

Currents

Most dive sites around Soma Bay have light to moderate currents, making them suitable for beginners while still exciting for experienced divers.

Soma Bay’s House Reef

Soma Bay’s house reef is one of the largest and most accessible on the Red Sea. It extends along the eastern side of the peninsula and offers superb diving directly from shore or jetty.

What You’ll See

• Colorful hard and soft corals
• Schools of fusiliers, anthias and butterflyfish
• Moray eels, parrotfish and trumpetfish
• Turtles and spotted eagle rays
• On rare occasionans pods of dolphins

The reef slopes gently before dropping into deeper blue water, offering both shallow and advanced dive profiles.

Why It’s Ideal for Training

• Safe entry points via the main jetty
• Sheltered shallows for skills practice
• Clear navigation along the reef wall

It’s one of the best places in the Red Sea to complete Open Water, Advanced or specialty courses.

Main Dive Centres in Soma Bay

Orca Dive Club

The most established dive centre in Soma Bay, Orca Dive Club offers courses, guided dives, equipment rental and house reef access. Its location near the jetty makes it ideal for shore dives and boat departures.

Best Dive Sites in Soma Bay

The area around Soma Bay includes a mix of house reef dives, offshore pinnacles and famous Red Sea sites accessible by boat.

1. Tobia Arbaa (“Seven Pillars”)

A series of towering coral pinnacles teeming with fish. Great for photography, beginners and experienced divers.

2. Panorama Reef

One of the most iconic Red Sea dive sites. Expect steep walls, abundant marine life and the possibility of larger pelagics.

3. Gamul Kebir

Shallow plateau with coral blocks, ideal for relaxed, colorful dives.

4. Abu Soma Gardens

Gorgeous coral gardens close to the peninsula, perfect for easy boat dives or second dives of the day.

5. Shaab Sheer

A dramatic reef system with swim-throughs, overhangs and stunning coral structure.

Many of these sites rival more famous Red Sea locations while offering quieter, less crowded experiences.

Why Soma Bay Is Good for Training

• Calm conditions
• Warm water
• High visibility
• Excellent house reef for skills

Marine Life in Soma Bay

Soma Bay’s marine ecosystem is vibrant and diverse thanks to healthy coral structures and low boat traffic.

Common Sightings

• Clownfish, butterflyfish and angelfish
• Napoleon wrasse
• Octopus and cuttlefish
• Blue-spotted rays
• Green and hawksbill turtles
• Giant moray eels
• Schools of anthias and snappers

Occasional Highlights

• Eagle rays
• Dolphins
• Barracuda
• Thresher sharks or whale sharks (rare)

How Soma Bay Compares to Other Red Sea Diving Spots

• Hurghada: More crowded; easier transport but busier sites.
• El Gouna: Good for macro and general diving, but visibility is often better in Soma Bay.
• Marsa Alam: Great for big pelagics; Soma Bay offers calmer and clearer conditions.
• Sharm el Sheikh: World-famous reefs but heavily trafficked; Soma Bay is quieter and easier for beginners.

Overall, Soma Bay strikes a perfect balance between pristine reefs, excellent visibility and comfortable diving conditions.

Best Time of Year for Diving

• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures + excellent visibility
• Summer (June–August): Hot outside but warm, calm water—great for beginners
• Autumn (September–November): Best overall combination of warmth + underwater conditions
• Winter (December–February): Cooler water but still excellent visibility

Where to Stay for Diving in Soma Bay

For easy access to the dive centres and Marina, the following areas are ideal:

• Marina: Perfect for guests joining daily boat dives.
• Mesca: Close to the beach.
• Bay Central: Quiet, modern and well-located between beaches and Marina.
• Wadi Jebal: Scenic, elevated villas with privacy and views.

See all Seascape Stays diving-friendly homes

Final Thoughts

Diving in Soma Bay offers everything the Red Sea is famous for—clear water, vibrant coral, relaxed conditions and unforgettable marine life—without the crowds of busier resort towns. Whether you are a first-time diver or an experienced explorer, Soma Bay provides world-class underwater experiences that are easy, comfortable and incredibly rewarding.

If you're planning a diving holiday on the Red Sea, Soma Bay should be at the top of your list.