Scuba diving in Hurghada – The most beautiful dive sites don’t need to be far

Scuba diving in Hurghada is often underestimated by seasoned divers, who visit Egypt to dive the Red Sea from a liveaboard. But sometimes the most beautiful dive sites don’t need to be far! 

With fabulous local daily diving, Hurghada has become one of the leading diving locations. Most dive sites are within 30-60 minutes cruising time from the town. The dive boats here are comfortable and purpose-built for divers. The colourful shallow reefs are the ideal attraction for anyone, who wants to learn how to dive. There are also those deeper, more advanced sites where the current is stronger and experienced divers will be in their element.

Every year, thousands of divers and snorkelers from across the globe flock to the Red Sea to experience its unparalleled underwater treasures. With its extensive coastline, islands, and vast reef systems, the Red Sea offers a diverse array of dive sites just a short flight from Europe. The area around Hurghada, in particular, is renowned for offering some of the best diving experiences in the region. Dive into bottomless walls, explore stunning coral gardens, and navigate through thrilling wrecks and swim-throughs.

 

About the Red Sea

The Red Sea spans 2,250 kilometers from Suez to Djibouti, separating Africa from Asia with an average width of 300 kilometers. This immense body of water loses approximately 900 billion cubic meters to evaporation each year. Its unique environment is shaped by the narrow Bab El Mandeb Strait, which connects it to the Indian Ocean, and the absence of freshwater rivers. These factors make the Red Sea the saltiest open sea in the world.

The ecosystem here is extraordinary, boasting 1,248 identified fish species, including more than 200 that are endemic. Around 250 coral species thrive in the Red Sea, with approximately 20 unique to the region. It’s also one of the few places globally where divers can encounter hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, and oceanic white tip sharks in a single dive. Other exciting marine encounters include dolphins, whale sharks, mantas, and dugongs—though patience and luck are often required to spot them.

 

Scuba diving conditions in Hurghada

The Red Sea’s climate is warm and dry, being surrounded entirely by desert.

• Summer: Air temperatures range between 30–45°C, with water temperatures nearing 30°C.
• Winter: Air temperatures drop to 12–15°C at night but average around 20°C during the day. Water temperatures cool to 18–21°C, especially in shallower areas.

For wind sports enthusiasts, the region’s consistent breezes attract kite surfers and windsurfers. Wind patterns vary: from November to March, they typically blow from the north, while from May to October, they shift southward, known locally as the Aziab.

 

Best time to dive in Hurghada

The prime diving season in Hurghada runs from April to October, offering optimal water visibility and vibrant marine activity.

 

What marine life can you see around Hurghada?

Hurghada’s coral reefs are among the most spectacular in the world, home to over 300 species of hard and soft corals. These vibrant reefs sustain a thriving ecosystem, providing shelter and nourishment to countless marine species. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, Hurghada’s underwater world promises an unforgettable experience.

On almost any dive you can spot the endemic Masked Butterflyfish, Red Sea Bannerfish, Klunzinger’s Wrasse and the Red Sea Clownfish. In winter months, when the water is colder, you can see the endemic Torpedo Electric stingray. Other common but very interesting encounters are the Crocodile Fish, the Blue-spotted Stingray, Giant Moray Eel, Lionfish, Stonefish, Octopus and the thousands of Anthias covering the pinnacles. Close underwater encounters with Bottlenose dolphins are also common!

 

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Explore Hurghada’s Top Dive Sites

Hurghada is a haven for divers, offering an array of dive sites teeming with reef marine life, diverse coral ecosystems, and the possibility of spotting pelagic species in the blue. Its safe, sheltered reefs with excellent visibility make it an ideal destination for both beginner divers and training sessions. Here’s a guide to some of the best dive sites around Hurghada:

 

Shaab El Erg

Also known as “Dolphin House,” this horseshoe-shaped reef encircles a lagoon with a sandy bottom and small pinnacles. The west side and Gota Shaab El Erg to the south are the most popular areas.

Depth: 0–18m (main reef) with a sheer drop-off
Location: ~90 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Unprotected open area but offers sheltered moorings in the lagoon. Suitable for all levels of divers.

Dive Plan:

• Explore coral gardens and pinnacles on a sandy seabed.
• Swim clockwise around Gota and visit the coral garden south of the reef.

Highlights:
Frequent dolphin encounters, blue-spotted rays on sandy bottoms, and vibrant schools of reef fish. Turtles occasionally visit the coral gardens.

 

Sakhwat Abu Galawa

A coral plateau shelters a narrow lagoon with a sandy bottom. To the north, there’s a shallow wall leading to a drop-off.

Depth: 4–22m
Location: ~50 minutes from El Gouna
Conditions: Can be bumpy during windy weather; reef provides fairly sheltered moorings.

Dive Plan:

• Drift dive starting along the wall, exploring the plateau and lagoon.
• Use the shallow lagoon for safety stops while observing coral gardens.

Highlights:
Spot blue-spotted rays, gobies, shrimps, and occasional turtles. Dolphins sometimes pass by.

 

Shaab Abu Galawa

A reef rising from a shallow sandy bottom with an expansive coral garden to the north.

Depth: 0–22m
Location: ~40 minutes from El Gouna
Conditions: Protected moorings; suitable for all experience levels.

Dive Plan:

• Follow the reef on your right shoulder to the north coral garden.
• Explore coral blocks and table corals before returning along the shallow reef wall.

Highlights:
Macrolife enthusiasts can find nudibranchs, shrimps, and pipefish. The reef is teeming with surgeonfish, clownfish, and colorful angelfish.

 

Shaab Abu Nugar

A mid-sized reef system with diverse sites, including coral gardens and scattered pinnacles.

Depth: 0–14m (main reef) with a drop-off
Location: ~90 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Several protected moorings; ideal for all divers and training.

Dive Plan:

• Drift dive along Torfa Abu Nugar’s coral garden.
• Explore pinnacles and coral blocks in Erug Abu Nugar to the south.

Highlights:
Macro life, cleaning stations, and vibrant coral formations. Look for groupers, snappers, and healthy coral ecosystems.

 

El Fanadir

A sloping wall with coral blocks and a shallow lagoon.

Depth: 0–12m (main reef) with a drop-off at 20–25m
Location: ~60 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Protected moorings; great for all divers and training, including night dives.

Dive Plan:

• Drift dive along the wall, exploring cracks and coral blocks.
• Visit the cleaning station at 12m for photography opportunities.

Highlights:
Moray eels, pipefish, stonefish, and lionfish are common. Macro photographers can find nudibranchs, scorpionfish, and camouflaged octopuses.

 

North Umm Gamaar

A bend in the reef slopes into the abyss, featuring a vertical wall to the south and a steep wall to the north.

Depth: 0–24m with great depths beyond
Location: ~90 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Limited mooring space and strong currents; suited for experienced divers.

Dive Plan:

• Begin at the coral blocks and ascend north along the wall.
• End with a safety stop near the reef’s picturesque top.

Highlights:
Anthias, groupers, butterflyfish, and occasional white-tip reef sharks. Gorgonias and soft corals adorn the wall.

 

Umm Gamaar

A coral island with plateaus at each end and sheer walls on both east and west sides.

Depth: 0–20m with a dramatic deep wall
Location: ~90 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Exposed to open sea; suited for experienced divers.

Dive Plan:

• Explore the east wall with its stunning coral formations and cracks.
• Visit the cavern at 29m or the south plateau for moray eels and Napoleon wrasse.

Highlights:
White-tip reef sharks and occasional mantas. The walls are alive with anthias, glassfish, and schools of fusiliers.

 

El Minya (Wreck Dive)

An Egyptian minesweeper sunk in 1970, now a fascinating wreck teeming with marine life.

Depth: 17–32m
Location: ~10 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Strong currents and low visibility; for experienced divers.

Dive Plan:

• Explore the top of the wreck at 17m, observing bullet holes and the blast site.
• Peek into the bridge and radio room through portholes without penetrating.

Highlights:
Lionfish and jackfish hunt glassfish within the wreck. Red sponges and pyjama slugs provide excellent photo opportunities.

 

Shaab Sabina

A reef tongue with a maze of coral ridges and ergs, leading to a vibrant coral garden.

Depth: 8–14m
Location: ~90 minutes from central Hurghada
Conditions: Sheltered moorings; suitable for all divers and training.

Dive Plan:

• Drift dive through the coral garden, exploring the labyrinth of coral formations.
• Finish along the reef wall, resembling a Japanese garden with layered hard coral.

Highlights:
Porcupinefish, pufferfish, and rays resting on sandy patches. Stonefish and vibrant corals create striking underwater landscapes.

Hurghada’s dive sites promise a mix of thrilling marine encounters, vibrant coral ecosystems, and breathtaking underwater landscapes, catering to all levels of diving expertise. Whether you’re chasing dolphins, exploring coral gardens, or venturing into wrecks, these dives promise unforgettable adventures.

 

How to get there?

Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is just 5 km away from the city center. From there the simplest and cheapest option, if you don’t have a prearranged pick-up, is to take an Uber to your accommodation.

 

What to bring?

The day boats in Hurghada are designed with diving in mind. You can rent any gear, including a mask, fins and snorkel if a non-diver friend is joining you. You will be on the boat almost the whole day and will be served delicious lunch. What you definitely want to bring is the following: a towel, to dry or use on the sun deck. A poncho, parka or windbreaker – towards the start and end of the season it can be quite windy, so you want to keep yourself warm while on the boat. A hat – cap or beanie, depending on the time of the year. Sunglasses and reef safe sunscreen. Many of the top reefs start right from the surface, so you might want to jump in the water between dives. You will have excellent opportunities for stunning split shots!

 

For more inspiration about the underwater wonders of the Egyptian Red Sea be sure to check out our full guide, including all the information you need to plan a trip of a lifetime as well as invaluable insider tips!