A world-famous offshore reef, Elphinstone Reef is the jewel in the Red Sea's crown. Sheer walls and sometimes currents at exhilarating speeds make this one for advanced divers only, but it will be one to remember. Dive the east wall in the morning and the west in the afternoon to make the most of the sun as it lights up the abundant soft corals. Anthias smother the walls while large gorgonian fans and black corals hide critters such as the infamous longnose hawkfish. Keep an eye out in the blue for resident schools of snapper, large barracuda, and enormous Napoleon wrasse. The north and south plateaus drop to over 40 metres in depth but can be spots for very special encounters, as manta rays as well silvertip, tiger, grey reef, and hammerhead sharks have all been seen here. Cruising the shallows at the right time of year can be curious silky and oceanic whitetip sharks.