Scuba diving in Egypt | Red Sea edition – Planning the trip of a lifetime

Much like its awe-inspiring ancient landmarks, the underwater world of Egypt is equally enchanting. Scuba diving vacations in Egypt are renowned for their stunning reefs, intriguing wrecks, and a remarkably diverse marine life. To top it all, visibility is exceptional. Egypt’s dive sites boast an array of experiences, from exploring wrecks and walls to drifting along captivating pinnacles. Catering to both beginners and advanced divers, the dive sites offer easy access to deep waters, making it an ideal destination for those aspiring to become a dive professional and refine their technical diving skills. With a plethora of historic attractions on land, Egypt offers a well-rounded vacation, seamlessly blending local culture with world-class scuba diving experiences. Dive into the extraordinary allure of scuba diving in Egyptian Red Sea for an unforgettable adventure.

 

What is the best season for scuba diving in Egypt?

Diving in Egypt is a year-round pleasure, offering water temperatures that vary from 21°C to 28°C and impressive visibility ranging from 20 to 50 meters. For those dreaming of encountering Hammerhead sharks, the prime window is from June to September when not only are these majestic creatures prevalent, but the water temperature is at its peak warmth. If spotting a Whale Shark is on your bucket list, the optimal time is from May to August, though these incredible creatures have been known to make appearances throughout the year. Egypt’s underwater wonders beckon with diverse marine life and favorable conditions, ensuring that every season holds unique and captivating scuba diving experiences.

Our personal favourite is early and late summer, when the water temperature is warm, but you also don’t get a heatstroke on the surface. Bare in mind, this is the highest season, so chances are you won’t be alone at the dive sites. If you are thinking of diving in winter, you are still bound to have a blast, but be prepared to gear up warmly. We recommend a min of 7mm wetsuit or a semi-dry to dry suit with boots and a hood. It can get quite windy in the winter months, so you would want to have that extra protection on your head from when you resurface!

Even at a depth of 1,000 meters, the Red Sea maintains a temperature of 20°C, a phenomenon attributed to a trench along the sea floor formed by plate tectonics. The volcanic activity within this trench contributes to the warming of the water. Surface temperatures, on average, hover around 25°C and can rise significantly to 32°C along the coasts and reef flats. This unique thermal profile results from the intricate geological processes shaping the Red Sea’s underwater landscape.

 

Conditions and water temperature

Underwater visibility: The Red Sea benefits from limited plankton due to its narrow strait, resulting in exceptional visibility—often exceeding 40 meters at reefs without sandy seabeds.

Currents: High evaporation drives currents in the Red Sea. During summer, increased salt concentration at the surface causes denser water to sink, while lighter water flows along the surface into the Red Sea. In winter, this direction reverses. Reef currents remain consistent each season, but never assume they match surface wave direction. Always check current direction and strength before diving.

Tides: Tidal changes, influenced by the moon and sun, create horizontal water movements every 12 hours. In the Suez and Aqaba gulfs, tidal range can reach 1.8 meters, impacting diving conditions. Elsewhere in the Red Sea, especially the South, tides are weaker, averaging 0.8 meters. Divers must account for tidal changes in current, noting variations based on reef depth. Reefs in open sea areas exhibit moderate current fluctuations during dives, while those with shallow seabeds may experience more noticeable variations.

 

Marine life

The Red Sea boasts over 1500 km of reefs, islands, mangroves, and marshes. Its underwater ecosystem houses 300+ coral species and 2,100 fish species, with 10% exclusive to the region. Marine life includes spinner dolphins, dugongs, turtles, mantas. One of the most iconic species of the Red Sea is the blue spotted ribbontail ray. You can expect to see Napoleon wrasse, giant morays, lionfish, stonefish, titan triggerfish and and the cute anemonefish. Clouds of colourful anthias dart to and from the reefs.

Numerous reefs, islands, and coastal areas in the Red Sea are designated protected areas and national parks.

 

What sharks can you expect to see in Egypt?

Encounter whitetip reef sharks and grey reef sharks year-round at various dive sites. Whitetip reef sharks, distinguishable by their slender bodies and white-tipped dorsal and upper caudal fins, reach about 1.5m in length. Grey reef sharks, displaying the classic shark appearance, have grey dorsal fins and darker shaded pectoral and tail fin tips.

Discover scalloped hammerheads mainly at Elphinstone and Daedalus reefs, and further south in St John’s National Park, where they may school during the summer. Occasionally spotted near Jackson Reef in Tiran, the dive requires flat surface conditions. Big-eye thresher sharks are occasionally seen in Ras Mohammed but are more common around Daedalus, the Brothers Islands, and St John’s between September and February.

Oceanic whitetip sharks are widespread in the Red Sea. While rare in Sharm El Sheikh reefs, they frequent offshore Brothers Islands, often lingering beneath liveaboards for close encounters. Found at Daedalus, Rocky, Fury Shoal, and Zabargad, they are most associated with the Brothers.

Whale sharks are likely encountered at St John’s, Brothers, and Daedalus on Hurghada liveaboards. They can appear almost anywhere, including closer to shore. Late spring to mid-summer is the best time to spot them, with juveniles measuring 3m to 7m providing thrilling encounters.

 

Shore diving

Explore the wonders of the Egyptian Red Sea with its hundreds of dive sites and 1,500-kilometres of coastline. While liveaboards are popular, don’t overlook the option of a beach-front getaway. Egypt’s stunning weather and beaches make it an ideal resort-style holiday destination, with world-class dive sites just a short distance from shore.

The Red Sea Riviera offers an ecological paradise for divers, with extensive reef systems perfect for snorkeling and shore diving. Fantastic dive sites are accessible straight from the Red Sea shore, eliminating the need for a boat every time.

Many enthusiasts prefer shore diving for its simplicity and ease. It has a unique allure—you’re practically at the dive site already, no time wasted on boat travel. You know the weather firsthand, with clear entry/exit points and visual references at your disposal.

Our top picks for shore diving are: Hurghada, Dahab and in the South Marsa Alam/Marsa Shagra, Marsa Nakari and Wadi Lahami.

 

Day trips

You can also book day dive trips from almost anywhere on the Egyptian Red Sea coast. Many hotels and resorts have their own dive centers, but you can book with a provider of your choice and they will usually organise pick-up from your accommodation, as well as rent you equipment and provide a mean onboard.

With a day trip you can expect 2 to 3 dives and also visit some of the top locations in the area, which are also a must-stop for liveaboards.

Here are a few world-class dive sites you can visit on a day trip:

From Hurghada: Carlees Reef , Somaya (Spectacular wall) and Sabina (Massive coral garden)

From Port Ghalib and Marsa Alam: Elphinstone Reef (Longimanus and hammerhead hotspot)

From Sharm El-Sheik: Ras Mohammad Marine Reserve (The most vibrant reefs) and SS Thistlegorm (WWII wreck)

Liveaboards

Some of the most mind-blowing sites can only be reached by liveaboard. As in many places, due to their remoteness, the most pristine reefs like Daedalus, the Brother Islands, Abu Nuhas require a longer trip.

Luckily, Egypt is the land of liveaboards. There are more than 70 vessels to choose from and a bunch of different routes. You can depart from Hurghada, Port Ghalib or Sharm El-Sheik.

 

Top dive sites & locations

Brother Islands

Comprising Big Brother and Small Brother, these remote islands are famed for their thriving marine life, vibrant coral formations, and dramatic underwater landscapes. The deep waters surrounding the Brothers attract pelagic species, including hammerhead, oceanic white tip and grey reef sharks, while vibrant coral gardens teem with life. With strong currents and exceptional visibility, the Brothers offer exhilarating drift dives.

You can dive the Brother Islands only from a liveaboard. Expect to have one day of diving there (3 dives) as boats are not allowed to anchor there overnight.

 

SS Thistlegorm

The SS Thistlegorm is an iconic wreck revered by divers worldwide. A British cargo ship sunk during World War II, the Thistlegorm preserves a time capsule of wartime artifacts, from motorcycles to ammunition. Submerged in 1941, this fascinating wreck now attracts divers with its rich history and marine life. Schools of fish weave through the skeletal remains, and coral growth adorns the vessel. Exploring the Thistlegorm is a captivating journey through time, blending history and marine biodiversity in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, creating an unparalleled diving experience.

 

Hurghada

One of the most popular and easily accessible spots is Hurghada. The touristy town an immersive diving experience for enthusiasts of all levels. With numerous dive sites easily reached from Hurghada’s shores, the area promises thrilling encounters with schools of fish, rays, and the occasional turtle. From boat you can dive splendid hard coral gardens and swim with dolphins.

 

Elphinstone Reef

Known for its steep walls plunging into the blue abyss, Elphinstone offers a thrilling experience for divers of all skill levels. The vibrant coral gardens along the plateau showcase a kaleidoscope of marine life, from playful dolphins and turtles to pelagic species like sharks. Its strategic location invites encounters with oceanic whitetip sharks , tigers and hammerheads. With strong currents and excellent visibility, Elphinstone captivates divers with its underwater spectacle, making it a premier destination for those seeking awe-inspiring marine encounters in the heart of the Red Sea.

Elphinstone reef is a popular stop for liveaboards, but can also be visited by day boats from Marsa Alam.

 

Daedalus

This isolated reef promises unparalleled marine encounters. The steep walls adorned with vibrant corals provide a breathtaking backdrop for divers exploring its depths. Daedalus is a haven for pelagic species, including hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, and graceful manta rays. The challenging currents add to the thrill, creating an adrenaline-pumping diving experience. With clear waters and diverse marine life, Daedalus Reef emerges as a must-visit destination for avid divers seeking extraordinary underwater landscapes and the chance for mind-blowing pelagic encounteres.

 

Dahab Blue Hole

A natural sinkhole surrounded by the azure waters of the Red Sea, the Blue Hole boasts crystal-clear visibility and captivating underwater landscapes. Known for its unique geological formation, the site lures divers into an otherworldly realm adorned with vibrant corals and diverse marine life.

This dive site is accessible from shore and a magnet for freedivers (due to the lack of current) as well as technical divers.

 

Ras Mohammad

Ras Mohamed Marine Reserve is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The park’s strategic location at the convergence of Gulf of Suez and Aqaba Gulf currents creates a rich underwater tapestry. Shielded entirely from fishing and commercial operations, the reefs remain splendid and unspoiled.

You can dive what are deemed the most gorgeous reefs of the Red Sea from a liveaboard or from Sharm El-Sheik.

 

Straits of Tiran

Diving in the Straits of Tiran, where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea, unveils a captivating underwater realm. Famed for its four iconic coral reefs—Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon—this marine paradise offers thrilling encounters with vibrant coral formations and an abundance of marine life. The strong currents attract pelagic species, including sharks and rays, creating an exhilarating diving experience.

 

Abu Dabbab

The sandy seabed hosts seagrass meadows where gentle dugongs graze, providing a rare and magical encounter. Abundant marine species, from colorful reef fish to turtles and rays, adorn the underwater landscape.

You can book a day trip to Abu Dabbab from El Quseir and Marsa Alam.

 

Fury Shoals

Comprising a cluster of vibrant coral reefs and intricate seascapes, Fury Shoals is renowned for its biodiversity and pristine underwater conditions. Here you will find Sataya reef, where you can expect to have mind-blowing dolphin encounters. Claudia is a gorgeous underwater labyrinth. Abu Galawa is a huge off-shore reef with multiple dive sites. Here you can find a small and a big wreck, but the most impressive thing about this underwater mountain are the towering hard corals. Many different types stacked on top of each other, like in a rainforest, but with corals. It all looks very dramatic and slightly surreal because you can see the whole grandness of it with the perfect visibility.

Fury Shoals are in the deeper South and can be reached by liveaboard as well as zodic trips from Wadi Lahami.

 

Where is the best place to dive in Egypt for beginners?

Literally anywhere! You can’t go wrong. There is shore diving with clear visibility and calm waters everywhere along the Egyptian Red Sea coast.

 

How to get there & Ports of Departure

Divers usually enter at Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el Sheik (SSH) or Marsa Alam (RMF) International airports. You can also fly through Cairo and connect to your destination via a domestic flight.

Liveaboards depart from Hurghada, Port Ghalib and Sharm El-Sheik.

 

Insider tips

Egypt maintains a consistently hot and dry climate, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 30°C, depending on latitude. Notable temperature variations occur in the Gulf of Aqaba, dropping to 15°C in winter and rising to 45°C in summer. Sea temperatures are slightly cooler than coastal temperatures. The region is generally windy, alleviating discomfort from high temperatures. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, warranting a light jacket. Humidity fluctuates from 60% in winter to 70% in summer, with minimal rainfall, typically a day or two in winter. The dry air in spring is a relief for allergy sufferers, allowing divers with pollen allergies to enjoy their trip.

In summer, the Red Sea experiences significant evaporation, surpassing the water flowing in through the narrow Bab-el-Mandeb strait. Sea levels drop by up to 0.7 m during this period and rise again in winter. This substantial evaporation results in a higher salinity compared to other seas. While the Indian Ocean has a salinity of 3.4%, the Red Sea averages 4.1%. Divers usually need additional weights to counteract the increased buoyancy caused by this elevated salinity.