Information about the site
Some 3 miles west of Ras Mohammed lies a fringing reef (a chain of coral pinnacles) within which you will find a sheltered lagoon with maximum depths of between 10 and 15m. The area has been named The Alternatives as it serves as an alternative for diving when the seas are rough at the more exposed dive sites in the vicinity. There is a mooring (shamandura) on the sheltered side of two of the middle pinnacles so dives are usually conducted around here. The reef here has an abundance of life – large groupers, Blue-spotted stingrays, squid, nudibranch and Leopard sharks are commonly seen here. White-tip and grey reef sharks may also be encountered. Several coral pinnacles along to the west you come to Stingray Station, so-named because of the many Blue-spotted stingrays which seem to congregate here, especially in Spring-time. The lagoon at the Alternatives is ideal for mooring up overnight and the shallow depths make it an excellent site for night dives
Recommended diver experience level
Advanced DiverAdvanced Diver,Advanced diver with certificate up to rescue diver and at least 50 dives