The Wild Side of the Giftuns: A Deep Dive into Abu Ramada South
The Giftun Islands are the heart of Hurghada’s local diving scene, a chain of reefs and islands offering an incredible spectrum of underwater experiences. While sites like “The Aquarium” (Gota Abu Ramada) are famous for their gentle, life-filled coral gardens, there is another side to this area—a wilder, more dramatic face that calls to the adventurous diver.
This is Abu Ramada South.
If Gota Abu Ramada is a perfectly manicured park, then Abu Ramada South is the untamed national forest next door. It’s a site of breathtaking contrasts, where a serene, shallow plateau suddenly gives way to a deep, current-swept wall adorned with some of the most spectacular gorgonian fan corals in the region.
At Scubadore Hurghada, a trip to Abu Ramada South is a true adventure. It’s a dive that requires a higher level of skill and awareness, but the rewards are immense. It’s a perfect example of the Red Sea’s raw, untamed beauty, and it’s best experienced in a small, expert-led group.
Setting the Scene: A Tale of Two Dives in One
Located on the southern tip of the Abu Ramada island chain, this site is more exposed to the open sea than its sheltered neighbours. This exposure is the key to its unique character, creating the conditions for a thrilling drift dive and attracting a different cast of marine characters.
A dive here is typically a one-way journey, a classic drift dive that showcases two distinct underwater landscapes: the tranquil plateau and the exhilarating wall.
Part 1: The Calm Before the Current
Our dive usually begins on the sheltered southeastern corner of the reef, where we moor the boat over a beautiful, sandy plateau dotted with coral blocks, or “ergs.” This area, sitting at a comfortable depth of 12-15 meters, is a fantastic starting point.
Here, the pace is slow and observational. We can explore the coral pinnacles, which act as cleaning stations and havens for a huge variety of life. It’s a great place to look for resident Giant Moray Eels, well-camouflaged Scorpionfish, and the elegant Red Sea Lionfish. Schools of Sergeant Majors and Yellowfin Goatfish are a common sight, and it’s a perfect warm-up for the main event.
Part 2: The Drift Along the Abyss
As we round the southern corner of the reef and move towards the western side, the entire underwater landscape transforms dramatically. The gentle sandy slope disappears, plunging into a steep, seemingly bottomless vertical wall that drops into the deep blue.
This is where we pick up the current and begin to fly. The feeling of drifting effortlessly along this magnificent wall is pure, unadulterated diving joy. You are no longer swimming; you are soaring, carried by the sea itself, a silent observer in a world of constant motion.
The Crown Jewel: A Forest of Gorgonian Fans
The undisputed highlight of the Abu Ramada South wall is its breathtaking gorgonian sea fan forest. Starting at around 20 meters and becoming denser as you go deeper, the wall is covered in enormous, intricate sea fans. Some of these delicate, ancient structures are several meters across, their vibrant red and orange latticework oriented perfectly to catch the nutrient-rich currents.
Drifting through this underwater forest is a truly humbling and mesmerizing experience. The scale and beauty are hard to describe. It’s a prime location for underwater photographers, with the deep blue background making the vibrant fans “pop.” Look closely on the fans themselves, and you might be rewarded with a sighting of the tiny, elusive Longnose Hawkfish, perfectly camouflaged among the branches.
Keep One Eye on the Blue
While the wall itself is stunning, the real thrill of a drift dive like this is the potential for unexpected encounters. The currents that nourish the gorgonian fans also attract larger pelagic species from the open ocean. As you drift, remember to frequently look away from the reef and out into the deep blue.
You might be rewarded with a fly-by from a majestic Eagle Ray or a graceful Sea Turtle. Large, solitary Tuna and hunting Giant Trevallies are often seen patrolling the edge of the reef, their powerful silver bodies flashing in the sunlight. These encounters are the essence of what makes a drift dive so exciting—you never know what the current might bring.
A Dive for the Advanced Adventurer
Abu Ramada South is a dive that demands respect for the sea. Due to the potential for strong currents and the fact that the most spectacular features are found between 20 and 30 meters, this site is best suited for PADI Advanced Open Water divers (or those with an equivalent certification and experience).
Excellent buoyancy control is essential to navigate the wall safely and to avoid damaging the fragile gorgonian fans. The PADI Drift Diver specialty is also a fantastic way to prepare for this kind of environment, teaching you the specific skills to make your drift dives safer and more enjoyable.
The Scubadore Advantage: Drifting as a Team
A drift dive is a beautifully orchestrated team effort, and it’s an experience that is immeasurably enhanced by being in a small group. Our expert guides don’t just lead the way; they manage the dive. They ensure the group stays together, that everyone is comfortable with the pace, and that you are perfectly positioned to see the very best of the reef. We provide the control and safety that allows you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the exhilarating feeling of flight.
Abu Ramada South is a dive of thrilling contrasts. It offers the gentle beauty of a shallow reef and the raw, powerful energy of the open sea in one unforgettable journey. If you are an advanced diver looking for one of the most dynamic and beautiful drift dives in Hurghada, this is it.
