Best diving sites in Egypt

From the bustling dive spots in Sharm El-Sheikh to the serene underwater landscapes of Dahab, Egypt is a diver’s paradise. In this blog, we’ll explore the best diving sites across Egypt, the top agencies to book your dive adventures with, and why diving in Egypt is a must for any underwater enthusiast.

Top Diving Sites in Egypt

 

1. Hurghada

• Best Dive Sites:
  • Giftun Islands: Known for its diverse coral reefs and colorful fish, Giftun Islands are a must-visit for both beginners and advanced divers.
  • Carless Reef: A pinnacle dive site surrounded by abundant marine life, including moray eels, barracudas, and occasionally white-tip sharks.
• Why Dive Here: Hurghada is a bustling hub for divers, offering a range of dive sites that cater to all levels of experience.
  
  Where to Stay:
• Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna: A luxurious resort offering stunning views and easy access to dive sites.
• Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel: A premium beachfront hotel with top-notch amenities and diving facilities.
   
  
   

2. Sharm El-Sheikh

• Best Dive Sites:
  • Ras Mohammed National Park: This protected area offers some of the most breathtaking coral reefs in the world, with steep drop-offs, schools of fish, and even the occasional sighting of hammerhead sharks.
  • SS Thistlegorm: A world-renowned wreck dive, the SS Thistlegorm is a World War II shipwreck that is now home to an array of marine life.
• Why Dive Here: Sharm El-Sheikh is famous for its easy access to a variety of dive sites, making it a favorite among divers from around the globe.
  
  Where to Stay:
• Four Seasons Resort Sharm El-Sheikh: An ultra-luxury resort with exceptional services and private access to dive sites.
• Rixos Premium Seagate: A family-friendly resort with all-inclusive services and excellent diving amenities.
  
   

3. Dahab

• Best Dive Sites:
  • Blue Hole: One of the most famous dive sites in the world, the Blue Hole offers a deep vertical drop that attracts thrill-seeking divers.
  • Canyon: A stunning underwater canyon that provides a unique and exhilarating diving experience, surrounded by a rich array of marine life.
• Why Dive Here: Dahab is known for its laid-back atmosphere and unique dive spots that offer something for everyone, from easy shore dives to challenging deep dives.
  
  Where to Stay:
• Le Meridien Dahab Resort: A tranquil resort offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Aqaba.
• Dahab Paradise: A boutique hotel known for its personalized service and proximity to prime dive sites.
  
   

4. Marsa Alam

• Best Dive Sites:
  • Elphinstone Reef: A site famous for its stunning coral walls, vibrant marine life, and the chance to spot oceanic whitetip sharks.
  • Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai): A horseshoe-shaped reef that is home to a large pod of friendly dolphins.
• Why Dive Here: Marsa Alam is less crowded and offers pristine dive sites with incredible visibility and a wide range of marine species.
  
  
   

5. Marsa Shagra

• Best Dive Sites:
  • Marsa Shagra House Reef: A well-preserved house reef that offers easy access to stunning coral gardens and an abundance of marine life.
  • Abu Dabbab: Famous for its resident dugongs and large green sea turtles, Abu Dabbab is a must-visit for nature lovers.
• Why Dive Here: Marsa Shagra is ideal for those seeking a more eco-friendly and sustainable diving experience.
  
  Where to Stay:
• Red Sea Diving Safari - Marsa Shagra Village: An eco-lodge offering direct access to the best diving spots.
• Ecolodge Marsa Shagra: Focused on sustainable tourism, this lodge offers simple yet comfortable accommodations.
  
   

6. Taba

• Best Dive Sites:
  • Pharaoh's Island: A small island with clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for a relaxing dive.
  • Fjord Bay: Known for its stunning underwater landscapes and calm waters, Fjord Bay is a great spot for all levels of divers.
• Why Dive Here: Taba offers a quieter diving experience with unique underwater topography and beautiful coral formations.
  
  Where to Stay:
• Mövenpick Resort Taba: A luxury resort with direct beach access and excellent diving facilities.
• Strand Beach & Golf Resort Taba Heights: Offers a beautiful setting and close proximity to popular dive sites.
  
  
   

Top 10 Dive Agencies in Egypt

1. Emperor Divers (Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El-Sheikh): Known for their exceptional service and well-maintained equipment.
2. Blue O Two (Nationwide): Specializes in luxury liveaboard diving experiences.
3. Red Sea Diving Safari (Marsa Alam, Marsa Shagra): A pioneer in eco-diving with sustainable practices.
4. Camel Dive Club (Sharm El-Sheikh): Offers a variety of dive courses and trips.
5. Divers' Lodge (Hurghada): Well-established with daily dive trips and PADI courses.
6. Sea Serpent Fleet (Nationwide): Offers liveaboard experiences to remote dive sites.
7. Scuba Seekers (Dahab): Friendly staff and professional service in Dahab.
8. Orca Dive Club (El Gouna, Safaga, Soma Bay): Renowned for professionalism and well-organized dive trips.
9. Sinai Divers (Sharm El-Sheikh): One of the oldest and most respected dive centers.
10. Extra Divers Worldwide (Marsa Alam, Sharm El-Sheikh): A global operator with a strong presence in Egypt.
     

Why Diving in Egypt is Considered One of the Best

Diving in Egypt is often regarded as one of the best in the world due to the combination of factors that create an unparalleled underwater experience. The Red Sea is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, often with visibility exceeding 30 meters. The diverse marine life, which includes over 1,200 species of fish and more than 200 species of coral, offers a vibrant and colorful underwater world that rivals any other diving destination.

Moreover, Egypt’s dive sites cater to all levels of divers, from beginners to advanced, with a variety of experiences ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. The warm water temperatures, typically ranging between 22°C to 28°C, make it possible to dive year-round. The infrastructure is well-developed, with numerous dive centers and liveaboard operators that provide top-notch services.

 

Marine Life in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is home to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. The vibrant coral reefs are teeming with life, from the smallest reef fish to large pelagic species. The coral formations are among the most pristine globally, with both hard and soft corals creating a stunning underwater landscape.

Fish and Marine Creatures: The Red Sea is known for its abundance of fish species, including iconic creatures like Napoleon wrasses, lionfish, and various species of rays and sharks. Schools of colorful fish such as butterflyfish, angelfish, and parrotfish are common sights on the reefs. The Red Sea is also home to larger pelagic species, including manta rays, whale sharks, and dolphins.

Coral Reefs: The coral reefs in the Red Sea are some of the healthiest and most diverse in the world. The coral gardens are often composed of a mix of hard corals like Acropora and Porites, as well as soft corals that add a vibrant array of colors to the underwater scene. These coral reefs not only provide shelter for countless marine species but also contribute to the overall health of the ocean ecosystem.

Unique Marine Life: In addition to the common species, the Red Sea is home to several unique and endemic species. For example, the Red Sea is one of the few places where divers can encounter the dugong, a rare and endangered marine mammal. The Red Sea also hosts a variety of macro life, including nudibranchs, seahorses, and pipefish, making it a paradise for underwater photographers.

Diving in Egypt is more than just an adventure; it's a journey into one of the most vibrant and diverse underwater ecosystems in the world. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Blue Hole in Dahab, diving with dolphins in Marsa Alam, or discovering the hidden treasures of the SS Thistlegorm, Egypt offers something for every diver. With top-notch dive centers and a rich marine life, it’s no wonder that the Red Sea remains one of the best diving destinations on the planet.


Q&A with iEgypt Tours & Travels

Q1: What makes Egypt one of the best diving destinations in the world?

A1: Egypt is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, thanks to the Red Sea's crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and vibrant coral reefs. With over 1,200 species of fish and more than 200 species of coral, the underwater world here is teeming with life. The variety of dive sites, from shallow coral gardens to deep wrecks, caters to all levels of divers, making Egypt a top choice for diving enthusiasts worldwide.

At iEgypt Tours & Travels, we specialize in crafting personalized diving experiences. Whether you’re a beginner looking to explore shallow reefs or an advanced diver seeking thrilling deep dives, we can help you book the perfect trip.

Q2: What are the best diving sites in Hurghada?

A2: Hurghada is a popular diving hub with numerous dive sites. Two of the best are:

• Giftun Islands: Known for its diverse coral reefs and colorful fish, making it a perfect spot for all levels of divers.
• Carless Reef: Famous for its abundant marine life, including moray eels and barracudas.

If you're planning a diving trip to Hurghada, iEgypt Tours & Travels can assist with all your booking needs, including dive packages, accommodations, and more.

Q3: Where should I dive in Sharm El-Sheikh?

A3: Sharm El-Sheikh is a diver's dream with sites like:

• Ras Mohammed National Park: Offers stunning coral reefs and the chance to see sharks.
• SS Thistlegorm: A world-renowned wreck dive, ideal for history buffs and advanced divers.

For a seamless diving experience in Sharm El-Sheikh, trust iEgypt Tours & Travels to handle your bookings and ensure a hassle-free trip.

Q4: What makes Dahab a unique diving destination?

A4: Dahab is known for its relaxed vibe and extraordinary dive sites like:

• Blue Hole: A deep vertical drop that's famous worldwide.
• Canyon: A breathtaking underwater canyon offering an exciting dive.

Whether you're after the thrill of the Blue Hole or the serenity of the Canyon, iEgypt Tours & Travels can organize your entire dive adventure in Dahab.

Q5: What are the must-visit dive sites in Marsa Alam?

A5: Marsa Alam is less crowded, offering pristine dive sites such as:

• Elphinstone Reef: Known for its stunning coral walls and oceanic whitetip sharks.
• Dolphin House (Sha'ab Samadai): Home to a large pod of friendly dolphins.

iEgypt Tours & Travels can help you plan your Marsa Alam diving trip, including accommodations and dive site arrangements.

Q6: How about diving in Marsa Shagra?

A6: Marsa Shagra is perfect for eco-friendly diving, with sites like:

• Marsa Shagra House Reef: Easy access to coral gardens right from the shore.
• Abu Dabbab: Famous for its dugongs and large green sea turtles.

For an eco-conscious diving experience, let iEgypt Tours & Travels assist you in organizing a sustainable diving trip to Marsa Shagra.

Q7: Are there any good diving sites in Taba?

A7: Taba offers a quieter diving experience with sites like:

• Pharaoh's Island: Known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
• Fjord Bay: Offers stunning underwater landscapes ideal for all divers.

Explore Taba’s tranquil dive sites with the help of iEgypt Tours & Travels, where we can customize your trip to suit your preferences.

Q8: What can I expect from diving in Ain Sokhna?

A8: Ain Sokhna is perfect for a quick dive getaway, featuring:

• Seven Sisters: Coral pinnacles teeming with marine life.
• El Gilwa: A calm site with colorful coral gardens.
   

iEgypt Tours & Travels can plan a convenient and enjoyable diving trip to Ain Sokhna, making it easy to explore these close-to-Cairo dive sites.

Q10: What can I expect in terms of marine life when diving in the Red Sea?

A10: The Red Sea is a marine biodiversity hotspot. Expect to encounter vibrant coral reefs, schools of colorful fish, rays, turtles, and even large pelagic species like sharks and dolphins. The coral reefs are among the healthiest in the world, with a stunning array of both hard and soft corals.

Diving in the Red Sea with iEgypt Tours & Travels not only allows you to explore this underwater paradise but also ensures you have a hassle-free experience with our comprehensive planning and booking services.

Dive into Egypt with iEgypt Tours & Travels

At iEgypt Tours & Travels, we’re dedicated to making your diving experience in Egypt as seamless and enjoyable as possible. From booking your dives with top-rated agencies to arranging accommodations and transportation, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to start planning your next diving adventure in Egypt!