Strait of Gubal

The Strait of Gubal connects the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea and is bordered to the west by the Egyptian coast and to the east by the Sinai Peninsula. Because of its different geological origin, the Gulf of Suez is much shallower than the Gulf of Aqaba. Its average depth is about 80 m only. The strait is flanked to the northeast by two outcrops called Beacon Rock and Shag Rock. To the southwest the southern tip of the Shadwan Island delimits the canal. The south-eastern area of the strait is characterized by two massive, half-outcropping reef systems, called Sha'ab Mahmud and Sha'ab Ali with shallow lagoons and sand floors inside. Sha'ab Mah...moud consists of a coral reef oriented in a northwest-southeast direction, cut through by two channels and completely open on its southern side. The lagoon is navigable and is usually used by boats when going to Thistlegorm as it is well sheltered from waves. Boats enter and exit through the Big Passage only. Cross the Gulf of Suez to reach Abu Nuhas, a reef that is located at the south entrance to the Straits of Gubal between Gubal and Shadwan Island. The area is a group of small submerged islands that have been the cause of many sunken ships.Read more