Scuba Diving Egypt
- March 1, 2024
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Thinking about scuba diving in Egypt?
This is our complete dive travel guide. Read on to find out everything you need to know about scuba diving in Egypt.
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Egypt, a land of rich history and mesmerizing landscapes, also boasts a spectacular underwater world along its Red Sea coast. For divers of all levels, Egypt offers diverse dive sites, vibrant marine life, and historical wrecks, making it a captivating destination. Here’s what makes diving in the Red Sea so special:
Unmatched Biodiversity: The Red Sea is home to one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. It boasts over 1200 species of fish, 200 species of hard and soft coral, and a vast array of invertebrates. The dazzling variety of life is unmatched by many other diving destinations.
Pristine Reef Systems: Due to minimal river input and less pollution relative to other seas, the Red Sea’s coral reefs are exceptionally well-preserved.
Excellent Visibility: Minimal river runoff, currents that bring in clear water, and year-round sunshine contribute to outstanding visibility.
Warm Waters Year-Round: The Red Sea boasts warm temperatures even in winter, making it a pleasant diving destination throughout the year. This eliminates the need for exceptionally thick wetsuits and reduces cold-induced fatigue on longer dives.
Here’s our Complete Guide to Diving in Egypt.
What is the best time of year to visit Egypt for diving
For Optimal Diving and Exploration:
Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November): These months offer the best balance of calm seas, excellent visibility, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds. This is also a prime time for manta ray sightings.
For Fewer Crowds and Potential Bargains
Summer (June – August): Although peak tourist season in Egypt is from December to February, Summer is also considered peak season for tourism in the coastal region. Though water temperatures are their warmest, topside conditions can be hot. However, you might find fewer crowds at popular dive sites and potentially lower prices. Consider choosing early morning or late afternoon dives to mitigate heat. This is also the best season to spot hammerhead sharks.
For Whale Shark Encounters:
May – July: Increase your chances of observing whale sharks.
The Top 3 Dive Destinations of Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh / Ras Mohammed National Park
This legendary spot lives up to the hype. Ras Mohammed National Park boasts the convergence of three water systems, creating a kaleidoscope of coral reefs and staggering biodiversity. Shark and Yolanda Reef is a must-do, but the entire area offers everything from beginner-friendly dives to exhilarating drift dives along vibrant island reefs. Keep your eyes peeled for those iconic encounters with sharks and stunning pelagic fish.
Marsa Alam
Craving pristine reefs with a remote feel? Marsa Alam delivers. The marine life here is exploding with color and variety. Elphinstone Reef is the star of the show, with opportunities to snag sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks, hammerheads, and majestic manta rays. For the ultimate adventure, Marsa Alam is your launchpad for epic liveaboard trips to the Brothers Islands, famed for their abundance of pelagic creatures.
Hurghada
Don’t underestimate Hurghada! While fantastic for beginners, this established area offers a ton for experienced divers as well. El Gouna’s wrecks at Abu Nuhas reef system are legendary, remnants of sunken ships teeming with marine life. The Giftun Islands cater to various skill levels, with stunning coral formations, dramatic walls, and intriguing underwater caves waiting to be explored.
Liveaboards in Egypt
Liveaboards offer an unparalleled scuba diving experience. Imagine waking up to pristine dive sites untouched by tourism, maximizing your dives with prepped gear and nitrox options.
Ditch the daily boat commutes and consider a liveaboard trip. Forget packing and unpacking – dive multiple times a day, fueled by delicious meals. Relax in comfortable cabins, unwind on sundecks, and forge friendships with fellow divers.
Liveaboards aren’t just convenience, they are expertise. Skilled captains and divemasters guide you through diverse underwater landscapes, maximizing your chances of encountering unique marine life. Enjoy night dives, starlit skies, and unforgettable wildlife encounters like dolphins leaping alongside the boat. Reconnect with yourself and nature in a paradise far away from your digitally connected life.
Dive Friendly Resorts In Egypt
Here are some of our favorite diver friendly resorts.
Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort, Sharm El Sheikh
A perfect choice for divers of all experience levels, Reef Oasis Dive Resort is a 5-star PADI IDC center offering a complete range of scuba diving courses, from beginner Discover Scuba Diving to technical diving certifications. They also organize various day trips to explore the incredible dive sites of the Red Sea.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Four Seasons Resort Sharm EL Sheikh
Experience luxury and relaxation alongside your diving adventures at the Four Seasons Resort. This 5-star resort features stunning mountain views, an outdoor pool, a spa center, and several restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Their on-site dive center offers courses and dives for all levels, ensuring an unforgettable underwater experience.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Rixos Premium Seagate, Sharm El Sheikh
An ultra all-inclusive resort ideal for families and divers alike, Rixos Sharm El Sheikh offers a vast array of amenities including water parks, multiple pools, a kids’ club, and a luxurious spa. The on-site diving center is partnered with the renowned Emperor Divers and caters to divers of all levels.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort, Hurghada
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort is a popular all-inclusive resort in Hurghada, Egypt, offering direct beach access to the stunning Red Sea. The resort’s prime location makes it an ideal choice for divers, with partnerships to a variety of world-class dive centers.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Sentido Mamlouk Palace Resort, Hurghada
This resort offers a great location on the beachfront and has its own diving center called Red Sea Divers. They offer courses for all levels and fantastic day trips to explore the reefs and wrecks of the Red Sea. The resort also features a large outdoor pool, a pool bar, a buffet restaurant, and a variety of other amenities.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Marsa Shagra Village, Marsa Alam
This relaxed resort provides comfortable accommodations in a laid-back atmosphere ideal for divers. Their well-regarded dive center, Marsa Shagra Divers, caters to all experience levels with courses, fun dives, and trips to explore the diverse marine life of the Red Sea. Marsa Shagra Village offers a good value for budget-conscious divers.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
IBEROTEL Costa Mares, Marsa Alam
The IBEROTEL Costa Mares partners with Scuba World Divers Costa Mares. They offer a range of diving options suitable for all experience levels, from discovery dives to PADI courses. The resort itself offers comfortable 5-star accommodations and a prime location for diving, with easy access to popular dive sites. Positive reviews highlight the professionalism and helpfulness of the dive center team.
Book with Expedia or Booking.com
