Explore Egypt's Top Scuba Diving Havens
Imagine you're lying on the beach of the Red Sea, getting sunbathed. Hot wind whisks your hair away. You spot a group of divers jump into the sea.
They emerge, ear-to-ear grin full of joy. They tell you about red and blue coral reefs and wonderful sea turtles. This is not a vacation; this is an initiation to a mythological underwater realm.
Egypt is a country with a rich history. It is also home to some of the world's most incredible scuba diving. Egypt attracts scuba divers for thrills and unparalleled natural beauty.
Here, you will discover the best scuba diving in Egypt. We'll dive into the crystal waters of the Red Sea. From Elphinstone Reef to Marsa Shagra, we'll show you what makes this region a diver's paradise.
Get ready to unveil secrets beneath the waves. We'll sail off to Egypt's finest scuba diving heaven!
Introduction to Scuba Diving in Egypt
Egyptian scuba diving is a top adventure sport for you. Egypt has over 1,800 miles of coastline. That offers many dive sites for all.
From their breathtaking coral reefs to an endlessly varied array of sea creatures, Egypt is paradise for underwater explorers. It's renowned for some of the best dives on earth.
The country has lots of diving destinations. Hurghada is a key place for liveaboard diving trips. Marsa Alam is suitable for easy shore diving.
Dahab is renowned for the Blue Hole, a 100-meter dive. It's ideal for experienced divers to spot large fish such as barracuda and tuna.
Sharm El Sheikh is renowned for its best dive sites. Sites such as Shark and Yolanda Reefs, and Anemone City, are teeming with life. The Red Sea contains approximately 1,200 fish species and more than 200 coral species.
El Quseir is a quieter dive site. It has vibrant reefs and plenty of Red Sea marine life. You can even see big pelagic creatures. Egypt invites you to explore its underwater riches on your next dive.
The Allure of the Red Sea for Divers
The Red Sea diving experience cannot be beat, attracting divers all over the world. It features beautiful coral gardens and varied sea life. The magnificent body of water is 1,200 miles long with numerous premier dive locations for a memory to be remembered.
Visibility generally exceeds 30 meters (100 feet), and temperatures between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F) in the prime diving period. Scuba divers have a chance to explore underwater worlds with over 400 species of coral and about 1,500 fish species.
Experience once-in-a-lifetime incredible dives at internationally renowned locations like Dahab and Sharm El Sheikh.
Discover strange sea creatures like clownfish, moray eels, and beautiful manta rays.
Unwind in the serene beauty of Ras Mohamed National Park, a perfect destination for single diving and camping.
Red Sea diving not only opens up vibrant sea life but also promotes eco-tourism. The indigenous administration makes sure that this diverse framework remains intact. They do it by controlling diving and fishing in close fashion.
Red Sea diving will have you diving in a colored world underwater, and no two dives will ever be the same. Whether seasoned diver or beginner, you will be amazed by Red Sea beauty. Make use of the mixed conditions and varied landscape dive sites to plan your ideal scuba diving holiday.
Ras Mohamed National Park
Ras Mohamed National Park is one of Egypt's best diving areas, with an area of 480 km². It was declared a national park in 1983, initially beginning at 97 km². It is located close to Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, with stunning underwater worlds.
This national park is famous for its coral gardens, drop-offs, and top diving sites. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are home to reef sharks and big schools of fish. There are over 12 dive sites, from 5 to over 40 meters in depth, for divers of all experience levels.
Visibility ranges from 10 to 40 meters, enabling divers to see the rich marine life. Currents range from moderate to strong, making dives exhilarating. The underwater walls are covered with soft corals, fans, and fish, making them perfect for photography and exploration.
Snorkelling is also available for those who would rather view the sea creatures from the surface. It is an hour by boat from Sharm El Sheikh. Ras Mohamed offers a thrilling dive into the secrets of the sea, making your tours unforgettable.
Sharm El Sheikh - A Diver’s Paradise
Sharm El Sheikh is among the top destinations for diving holidays in Egypt. It is a magnet for divers from all over the world. The resort offers great dives for every level, thanks to its location near the Red Sea.
Two boat dives a day are included in the usual diving packages. They are guided by professionals. Dive times vary from 08:00 until 15:30 or 17:00, depending on the site.
A dive in Ras Mohamed or the Straits of Tiran marine parks costs a nominal fee of €7 per day.
Diving is great here. Places like Ras Nasrani and Sharks Bay offer superb reefs and abundant fish. Ras Ghamila enables one to dive through stunning coral.
The Gardens offer enchanting dives during the day and night. And the Amphoras wreck enables one to see a bit of the past underwater.
- Jackson Reef: Well-known for wall diving with scalloped hammerheads.
- The Thistlegorm wreck: Considered one of the world's top ten wreck dives.
- Shark Reef: Vivid marine life, suitable for all divers.
- Sharm El Sheikh draws more divers each year. They come to see its thriving ecosystems and top dive spots. The area's beauty and luxury resorts merge to form a perfect location for adventure and relaxation.
The Best Scuba Diving Spots in Egypt
Egypt is famous for its amazing scuba diving sites. It has over 1,800 miles of coastline. This attracts divers from all over the world.
No two dives are ever the same. You can see colorful coral reefs or explore shipwrecks.
Ras Mohammed National Park: One of the top sites of Sharm El Sheikh, it's famous for its exquisite coral and abundant sea life. You can see trevallies, jacks, and barracuda.
Dahab: It is renowned for the Blue Hole and is extremely relaxed. The Blue Hole is a deep sinkhole with strong currents, perfect for adventurous scuba divers.
Hurghada: Hurghada offers many dive sites like Abu Nuhas and Giftun Island. There are wreck dives and shallow bays. Keep an eye out for reef sharks and vibrantly colored fish.
Marsa Alam: Marsa Alam is perfect for a laid-back dive. You can see colorful reefs, even dugongs. Elphinstone Reef and Dolphin House are favorite sites.
El Gouna: A Red Sea resort, El Gouna is perfect for all divers. Its beautiful dive sites offer great marine life and nice coral.
Alexandria: Dive through history at Alexandria. Find sunken remains of Cleopatra's palace and the Alexandria Lighthouse. A mix of underwater beauty and history.
These are just a few of Egypt's best scuba diving spots. There are special features at each site. Whether you want to dive wrecks or swim through colorful reefs, Egypt's Red Sea has an amazing adventure waiting for you.
Dahab - The Bohemian Diving Retreat
Dahab is a top adventure holiday resort in Egypt's most scenic area. Dahab offers simple and thrilling diving vacations. Famous destinations like the Blue Hole and The Canyon bring scuba divers from around the world.
The resort balances diving fun with on-shore activities. You can dive into the village culture and absorb Egyptian hospitality. Bedouin villagers add to your vacation with welcoming gestures and fantastic experiences.
- Make the most dives at the Blue Hole, a 92-meter deep dive site as lovely as it is thrilling.
- Discover The Canyon, renowned for its slender passages that invite divers to venture in within it.
- Spend beach days with snorkeling in Egypt, perfect for tourists who wish to see the reefs without scuba diving gear.
- Indulge in an ample range of dining options with local cuisine as well as international, with some places even welcoming people to bring their own beverage.
- A large selection of accommodations includes guesthouses with minimal amenities and luxury hotels. The evening life is quiet but there are clubs and live music venues. The best times for diving are between March and June and September to December, when the climate is cooler.
The mix of Dahab dive sites and town environment creates a perfect combination of action and peace. It is a perfect spot for a holiday with a difference.
Legendary Shipwrecks - The SS Thistlegorm
The SS Thistlegorm is a legendary Red Sea shipwreck. It's a 124-meter British steamship torpedoed and sunk in 1941, World War II. Its perfectly preserved artifacts can be discovered by divers at a depth of about 30 meters (100 feet).
As you go down, you can see lots of interesting things. There are army cars like Jeeps and trucks, even bikes and ammunition. The wreck also has brightly colored corals and all sorts of fish like barracuda and tuna.
Two dives are taken during day excursions to SS Thistlegorm. You'll be exploring the wreck both outside and inside, where historical artifacts abound. In the 1950s, Jacques Cousteau discovered it, so it's one of the greatest diving sites. Plentiful marine life surrounding the area makes the adventure exciting.
Diving this shipwreck is an experience you'll never forget. It's rated as the world's best wreck dive by PADI. You'll witness incredible views and travel back in time, all in the beautiful Red Sea.
Exploring Tiran Island
Tiran Island diving is a top choice for divers who are interested in the world of the sea. It's found in the Straits of Tiran and is famous for its beautiful coral reefs and sea animals. Dive sites like Jackson Reef and Woodhouse Reef are world-renowned for their amazing sea animals.
Jackson Reef is a dive you cannot do without. You get to see barracudas, reef sharks, and colourfully painted fish. The current is strong, so each dive is an experience. The water is clear enough for you to see right down.
The season determines the water temperature. In August, the water is at its warmest, around 82°F. In February, it's coldest, ranging around 72°F, meaning you might need a 5mm wetsuit.
It would take about an hour and a half by boat from Sharm el-Sheikh to get to Tiran Island. There are flights from anywhere to the airport at Sharm el-Sheikh, so it is not difficult to arrive. The dives are for experienced individuals because of the strong currents.
For a long-term diving experience, day tours and liveaboard excursions are the best option. They help you visit various dive sites in the vicinity of Tiran Island. You can see the unbelievable marine life by yourself.
Marine Biodiversity of the Red Sea
The Red Sea is incredibly diversified in marine creatures. It accommodates over 1,500 fish species and 400 types of coral. You can observe the likes of Napoleon wrasse, lionfish, and sharks.
Conservation is required to protect these underwater environments. Places like Ras Mohammed National Park are great to find sharks and coral. Divers can go to these places in safety.
Straits of Tiran offer exciting dives with current and plenty of sea life. Divers such as Jackson Reef and Thomas Reef are famous for their appearance. The Brothers Islands and Daedalus Reef offer chances for finding large pelagic animals.
Look out for blue spotted ribbontail rays and giant morays as you dive deeper. Dolphins and whale sharks are also present. Each dive in the Red Sea is an experience, acquainting you with the beauty of sea life.
Best Seasons for Scuba Diving in Egypt
Organizing your Egypt diving holidays? Know the high seasons for diving. The best times are March and May, and September and November. You'll enjoy a pleasant climate and crystal clear waters more than 30 meters deep, perfect for viewing amazing sea creatures.
Spring is hot, with air temperatures from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Water temperature is between 23 and 26 degrees Celsius, and thus a 5mm wetsuit is enough. It's a great time to dive in Egypt, with vibrant reefs full of life.
Summer is hot, with as much as 45 degrees Celsius air temperatures. Water also heats up, with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius in August. Although it's hot, it's a good time to see big ocean creatures like hammerheads and mantas. Most divers, though, prefer diving during the cooler months.
Winter, from December to February, is cold, with a temperature of between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The water is clearer, and it is great for viewing marine life. You can need a thicker wetsuit, 5 to 7mm, to be warm.
Autumn season, September to November, is similar to spring season. Air is 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, and water is 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. Autumn is an excellent time for license holders who don't like crowds.
Knowing the season improves your trips. Whether you dive Ras Mohamed coral gardens or dive the SS Thistlegorm wreck, diving in the appropriate season makes the trip more satisfactory.
Diving Adventures - Tours and Packages
Start an experience that will be remembered with Egypt diving tours. There are ones for all skill and interest levels. Egypt Day Trips has various diving packages. They have one for all skill levels, from beginner to pro.
Each package includes the essentials of equipment, guides, and hotels. All you need for an awesome dive is included.
Guided Tours: Explore legendary sites like SS Thistlegorm or Elphinstone Reef. You will be seeing wonderful sea creatures.
Customizable Packages: Get your holiday tailored. Dive your own choice of spots, for a dive alone by yourself.
Adventure Trips: Take shots at offbeat dives at places like the Blue Hole in Dahab and offbeat Hamata region.
Wreck Diving: Experience history at wrecks like the Salem Express or freighters at Shark and Yolanda Reef.
Sharm El Sheikh or Southern Red Sea coastline dive off. Adventure every holiday. Experience your diving holiday in Egypt in these packages. Dive in.
Conclusion
Egypt diving is unique. The Red Sea is jaw-droppingly beautiful and full of adventure. Full of color coral reefs and variety marine life.
It has over 1,400 miles of water and some of the best diving spots. You can dive wrecks or swim on peaceful beaches. Egypt is perfect for beginners and experts both.
Planning your Egyptian diving holidays? There is ample choice alo
