Maheleg

Maheleg is the house reef of the former Carnelia Beach Resort, on the south coast of El Quseir. The coral reef is about 20 m long, with small ledges, and has a beautiful sand balcony on its north side.

In the middle, near the jetty, there is a small fish-rich cove; heading north there are coral gardens and, heading south, a wonderfully coloured block to swim around. On the plateau to the north an octopus is often found, and to the south small blocks hold beautiful corals and a salad coral. Reef fish include clownfish, lionfish, goatfish and schools of anthias, among many soft corals and anemones. For macro there are seahorses, nudibranchs and ghost pipefish, and turtles, moray eels and eagle rays occasionally pass by.

Being sheltered in a small bay, the site can usually be dived in almost all weather conditions, even on windy days. The best time usually runs from March to November, with warm water and calm seas. In the El Quseir region, April to October are usually the best months, with autumn especially recommended.