Daedalus Reef (Abu Kizan) – Egypt’s Offshore Red Sea Gem
Daedalus Reef, also known locally as Abu Kizan, is a legendary diving destination situated in the heart of the Egyptian Red Sea. Positioned roughly 90 kilometers east of Marsa Alam, this remote, standalone reef stretches approximately 400 meters in length and 100 meters in width, making it one of the largest and most dramatic offshore features in the region.

An Iconic Lighthouse

At the center of Daedalus Reef lies a small, man-made island crowned by an imposing lighthouse. Originally built in 1863 and reconstructed in its current form in 1931, the Daedalus Lighthouse stands approximately 30 meters (98 feet) tall and is operational to this day. Painted in distinctive black and white bands, the lighthouse emits three powerful white flashes in a 2+1 pattern every 30 seconds, serving as a beacon for mariners and marking this remote outpost in the vast Red Sea. The island houses quarters for the Egyptian Coast Guard and Navy, ensuring security and navigational safety in this part of the sea.

World-Class Diving

Daedalus Reef is celebrated among divers worldwide for its crystal-clear waters, plunging walls, and pristine coral gardens. The reef’s exposed, offshore position attracts nutrient-rich currents, supporting one of the most vibrant underwater ecosystems in Egypt.

Marine life highlights include:

Regular sightings of pelagic species, especially schools of hammerhead sharks (unique for their large aggregations April–July)
Occasional encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks, thresher sharks, manta rays, and even whale sharks
Colorful smaller reef dwellers—anthias, parrotfish, wrasse, angelfish, and several species of moray eels
Dense coral cover, featuring both soft and hard corals in spectacular formations

Dive Safari Experience

Due to its isolation, Daedalus Reef is only accessible by liveaboard safari boats, which often anchor here overnight during high season for multi-dive excursions. Adventurous divers are drawn to its dramatic drop-offs, exhilarating drift dives, and the thrill of spotting large pelagics in the blue.
Best time to dive: Year-round, but peak shark season is typically late spring to early summer
Diving level: Intermediate to advanced, due to strong currents and often deep, exposed dives
Visibility: Typically excellent, often 30+ meters (100 feet) thanks to its distance from shore and lack of sediment runoff

Conservation & Legacy

Daedalus Reef’s protected status within Egypt’s marine parks helps preserve its exceptional biodiversity. Responsible diving practices are strictly encouraged to safeguard corals and minimize disturbance to marine life.

In summary:

Daedalus Reef stands out as a bucket-list destination for experienced divers, offering some of the best chances in the Red Sea to witness majestic shark species, undisturbed coral gardens, and a sense of true marine wilderness—all watched over by the iconic Daedalus Lighthouse, a testament to Egypt’s deep connection with the sea.