Great Fringing Reef Protected Area
Nature
Egypt's newest protectorate, covering the fringing coral reefs along the Red Sea coast, valued for their unusual resistance to heat stress.
- Arabic name
- محمية الشعاب المرجانية الهدبية الكبرى بالبحر الأحمر
- Type
- Marine park
- Governorate
- Red Sea
- Area
- 1,800 km²
- Protected since
- 2025
- Nearest city guide
- Hurghada
- Official website
- hepca.org
In 2025, Egypt declared the Great Fringing Reef of the Red Sea a protected area, the country’s 31st protectorate. It covers about 1,800 km² of reef along the mainland coast of the Red Sea Governorate and around offshore islands, linking and extending earlier marine reserves.
Heat-tolerant corals
The Egyptian Red Sea reefs are among the most heat-tolerant in the world, coping with water temperatures that bleach corals elsewhere. Scientists see them as a possible refuge for coral reefs as oceans warm. The reef runs almost continuously along the shore, sheltering hundreds of fish species, turtles, dugongs, dolphins and sharks, and supports the diving and snorkelling industry of Hurghada, Safaga, El Quseir and Marsa Alam. Conservation groups such as HEPCA campaigned for the designation for years.
What it means for visitors
- Reefs remain open for responsible snorkelling and diving.
- Expect stricter rules on anchoring, coastal building and reef walking.
- Choose operators that use mooring buoys and follow no-touch guidelines.
Best time
Diving and snorkelling are good all year; spring and autumn offer the best balance of water and air temperatures.
Entry fee: management rules and any fees were still being rolled out (last checked October 2026). Note: the Arabic name should be confirmed against the official decree.
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, hepca.org, en.amwalalghad.com.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Great Fringing Reef protectorate cover?
Declared in 2025 as Egypt's 31st protectorate, it covers about 1,800 km² of the fringing reef along the Red Sea Governorate coast and around offshore islands, linking and extending earlier marine reserves.
Why are these reefs important?
Egypt's Red Sea corals are among the most heat-tolerant in the world, coping with temperatures that bleach reefs elsewhere, so scientists see them as a possible refuge as oceans warm. They shelter hundreds of fish species, turtles, dugongs, dolphins and sharks.
Can I still snorkel and dive there?
Yes, the reefs remain open for responsible snorkelling and diving from Hurghada, Safaga, El Quseir and Marsa Alam. Expect stricter rules on anchoring and reef walking, and choose operators that use mooring buoys and follow no-touch guidelines.
Are there fees?
Management rules and any fees were still being rolled out at the last check. Ask your dive centre, or check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (eeaa.gov.eg) or HEPCA (hepca.org).
When is the best time to dive?
Diving and snorkelling are good all year; spring and autumn offer the best balance of water and air temperatures.
