Shark
Oceanic whitetip shark
Carcharhinus longimanus
IUCN status: Critically endangeredBucket-list species
A wide-ranging pelagic shark strongly associated with offshore Red Sea reefs. Its global population has declined severely; encounters demand controlled group behaviour and strict guide instructions.
- Max size
- Usually to about 3m
- Habitat
- Open ocean and offshore islands
Best places to dive with Oceanic whitetip shark
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Safaga & Brothers Islands
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible in suitable habitat; individual encounters are never assured.
Deep South: St John’s & Fury Shoals
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Possible in suitable habitat; individual encounters are never assured.
Marsa Alam, Elphinstone & Abu Dabbab
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Possible at Elphinstone, especially on suitable offshore dives; no guaranteed month map.
Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.