Gota Hamera

Gota Hamera is a crescent-shaped reef, 410 m at its longest, on the western edge of St. John's reefs, just 15 km off the Egyptian coast. Because it lies off the usual routes, it is rarely visited. Umm Arouk, in the centre of St. John's reefs, is 20 km away, or about 50 minutes by boat.

At the southern tip, a large coral garden inhabited by fusiliers extends from the reef flat. Also to the south, coral formations interrupt the reef and make for good photos, while the inner wall to the north has small recesses, too tight to enter. At night, the walls are full of life. There is talk of hammerhead sharks to the north and east, but these sightings have not been confirmed.

The southern side of the reef offers shelter for boats to moor overnight. The arouks, pinnacles rising from the sandy seabed, make mooring difficult for liveaboards.