Shark & Yolanda Reef
Dive into a surreal underwater world at Shark & Yolanda Reef, famous for its abundant marine life and the unique 'toilet wreck'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Consistent warm waters
Shark & Yolanda Reef
Best Time
Consistent warm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a surreal underwater world at Shark & Yolanda Reef, famous for its abundant marine life and the unique 'toilet wreck'.
"A must-see classic, offering truly interesting encounters with sharks, barracudas, and the surreal shipwreck."
Choose a Reputable Dive Operator
Many recommend Sinai Dive Club for an unforgettable trip. Look for PADI or SSI certified centers.
Manage Your Air Supply
This is a dive for experienced divers due to depth and currents. Careful air management is crucial.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Yolanda Wreckage
Seabed near the reef
Discover the surreal sight of hundreds of toilets scattered on the seabed, remnants of the 1980 shipwreck.
Abundant Marine Life
Reef walls and open water
Witness huge schools of fish, barracudas, sunfish, and potentially sharks in this vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Shark Reef Encounters
Adjacent to Yolanda Reef
Combine your dive with Shark Reef for a chance to see various shark species, making for an unforgettable experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive with Confidence: Experience Levels
Respect the Reef: Marine Life & Wreckage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose a Reputable Dive Operator
Many recommend Sinai Dive Club for an unforgettable trip. Look for PADI or SSI certified centers.
Manage Your Air Supply
This is a dive for experienced divers due to depth and currents. Careful air management is crucial.
Combine with Shark Reef
Diving both Yolanda and Shark Reef offers a comprehensive and exciting experience.
Capture the Surreal
Bring your underwater camera to document the unique toilet wreckage and vibrant marine life.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose a Reputable Dive Operator
Many recommend Sinai Dive Club for an unforgettable trip. Look for PADI or SSI certified centers.
Manage Your Air Supply
This is a dive for experienced divers due to depth and currents. Careful air management is crucial.
Combine with Shark Reef
Diving both Yolanda and Shark Reef offers a comprehensive and exciting experience.
Capture the Surreal
Bring your underwater camera to document the unique toilet wreckage and vibrant marine life.
Respect the Environment
Observe marine life from a distance and avoid touching anything to preserve the reef.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shark & Yolanda Reef is a classic Sharm El Sheikh dive site, celebrated for its incredible marine biodiversity and the unique 'toilet wreck' of the MV Yolanda. Divers praise the abundant fish schools and the chance for shark encounters, though strong currents and depth make it best for experienced individuals. Some find the wreck a bit surreal but a must-see.
"Just like Shark, the Yolanda reef and wreck are awesome"
S
"The name of this dive site is borrowed from the ship that transported toilets. The ship hit the reef and sank into the depths, a few meters away you can see the cargo. A beautiful dive recommended for more experienced divers due to air reserve management and the current. Highly recommended."
Sergio Agrò
"What can I say about this Sharm classic? A must-see, always worth seeing because, beyond the toilets and bathtubs scattered across the seabed, it's a magical place whose location can always provide truly interesting encounters. I'm talking about sharks, whale sharks, barracudas, sunfish, and more, which transform a dive at Yolanda Reef into something truly magical. As I always say, you have to be in the right place at the right time... which is obviously not easy. This dive is usually combined with a shark reef. It's always worth doing because, with a bit of luck, it can become something unforgettable. If you don't know who to do it with, do it with the Sinai Dive Club... and a trip with them is certainly unforgettable. Roberto."
ROBERTO CASADEI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shark & Yolanda Reef is located within the Ras Mohammed National Park in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Access is typically via a boat dive organized by local dive centers. Many dive operators in Sharm El Sheikh offer day trips that include this site.
No, this dive site is best accessed by boat. Shore access is not practical or recommended for this location.
Booking in advance with a reputable dive center in Sharm El Sheikh is highly recommended. Many offer packages that include multiple dive sites.
Yes, numerous boat tours and dive excursions specifically visit Shark & Yolanda Reef as part of their itinerary, often combined with other popular dive sites in the area.
Boat travel time can vary depending on the specific departure point and sea conditions, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to over an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Shark & Yolanda Reef is located within the Ras Mohammed National Park, which usually requires an entrance fee. This fee is typically included in the price of your dive trip organized by a dive center.
Dive operations are generally scheduled during daylight hours. The park itself is accessible during daylight, and dive trips are planned accordingly.
The cost varies depending on the dive operator and the package chosen. Expect to pay for the boat trip, dive guide, and potentially park entrance fees, which are usually bundled.
While you can book dive trips online with various operators, specific 'tickets' for the reef itself are not usually sold separately. The cost is part of the organized excursion.
The primary restriction is that it's a protected marine area, so adherence to diving best practices and environmental regulations is mandatory. It's also recommended for experienced divers.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see large schools of fish, barracudas, sunfish, moray eels, and various reef sharks. The Yolanda shipwreck itself is also a unique attraction. +1
Due to strong currents and depth, it's generally recommended for experienced divers. Beginners should consider other sites within Ras Mohammed or Sharm El Sheikh.
The reef drops off significantly, with depths reaching over 100 meters in some areas. The main diveable areas are typically between 15-30 meters, but experienced technical divers go much deeper.
The Yolanda was a cargo ship that sank in 1980, carrying a large shipment of toilets. These, along with other debris, are now scattered on the seabed, creating a surreal underwater scene.
Currents can be strong and unpredictable, especially around the drop-offs. This is a key reason why it's recommended for more experienced divers who can manage them.
📸 📸 Photography
The site offers incredible opportunities for wide-angle shots of the reef, marine life aggregations, and the unique shipwreck. Macro photography is also rewarding with the diverse smaller creatures. +1
A good underwater camera setup with appropriate lighting is recommended to capture the vibrant colors and details, especially in deeper sections or when photographing the wreck.
The area around the scattered toilets of the Yolanda wreck is a unique photo opportunity. Large schools of fish and potential shark sightings also make for dramatic shots. +1
Visibility is generally good, often exceeding 20-30 meters, especially in the mornings. However, it can be affected by currents and plankton blooms.
Yes, the shipwreck of the Yolanda is a major attraction and a popular subject for underwater photographers. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit