Tested Red Sea Anchorages
This report is old, but a good starting point for sourcing Red Sea Anchorages. Many of the Egyptian anchorages are not allowed now. None of the Eritrean anchorages should be attempted in the current climate. The Red Sea Passage Facebook Page has useful anchorage in its files section. SV Soggy Paws also have a Red Sea Compendium where they list useful anchorages and keep it up to date.
Published 12 years ago, updated 12 months ago
From June to August 2007 we sailed uneventfully down the Red Sea (before the Gulf of Aden was renamed into “pirates’ alley”), from Egypt via Sudan, Eritrea to Yemen and on to Oman.
Only recently, we uploaded to the web our cruising notes with the exact latitude/longitude of our more than 30 trusted and tested anchor positions (with links to Google Maps).
If anyone is still cruising in the Red Sea, up or down, these anchor positions (and our cruising notes) might be helpful, even if they have been “tested” already five years ago.
Please find below our safe anchor positions for the Red Sea (including the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba); feel free to share them with whoever might be interested:
Gulf of Suez:
Gulf of Aqaba:
Northern Red Sea (Egypt):
Central Red Sea (Sudan):
Southern Red Sea (Eritrea):
Gulf of Aden (Yemen):
Konni & Matt
SY Kamu II
Related to following destinations: Aden, Egypt, El Gouna, Eritrea, Hurghada, Ismailia, Massawa, Oman, Port Ghalib, Port Said, Port Suakin, Red Sea (Egypt), Sudan, Suez Canal, Taba Heights, Yemen
Please be aware that since 2007 the rules in Egypt have changed many times. They have had 1 revolution and to all intent a military coup. You cannot go ashore anywhere without first checking in.
Even after checking in and obtaining a cruising permit you can only go ashore in certain designated places. Namely, Port Ghalib, Marsa Alam, El Quesier, Hurghada, El Gouna, Port Suez, Ismailia & Port Said. If you need to stop to rest before checking in do so at an offshore reef.
It is illegal to stop at any Island in Egypt except Gifton Island at Hurghada. If you stop at a Marsa or a Ras the military will come to visit. With the incorrect or non-existent paperwork, you may be arrested etc.
Similar applies to Sudan if you go ashore without the correct paperwork you may be arrested and fined.