Egypt. The name itself conjures images of ancient pharaohs, colossal pyramids, and the timeless Nile River. But beneath the surface, a different kind of ancient wonder awaits – a vibrant, living history carved not in stone, but in coral. The Red Sea is globally renowned as one of the planet’s premier diving destinations, a jewel box of biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and a rich tapestry of marine life and historical wrecks.
For many, the journey into this underwater marvel begins in Hurghada. However, the Red Sea coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers, offering a diverse array of dive experiences beyond our beloved local reefs. From the bustling hubs to the remote, wild south, each region of Egypt’s Red Sea offers its own unique charm and underwater spectacles.
At Scubadore Hurghada, our passion is the Red Sea as a whole. While we believe Hurghada offers an unparalleled diving experience for all levels, we also understand the curiosity to explore. So, let’s take an underwater tour of Egypt’s top scuba diving destinations, highlighting what makes each area unique.
Sharm El Sheikh: The Gateway to the Northern Red Sea
Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is arguably the most famous diving hub in Egypt, known for its dramatic landscapes both above and below the water.
- The Dive Experience: Sharm El Sheikh is the gateway to some of the Red Sea’s most legendary sites. Foremost among them is Ras Mohammed National Park, a marine protected area offering spectacular wall dives, vibrant coral gardens, and the famous Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef. Here, strong currents bring a rich mix of pelagic life, from barracudas and snappers to occasional reef sharks.
- Wreck Diving: For wreck enthusiasts, Sharm is the launching point for dives to the iconic SS Thistlegorm, a WWII cargo ship often hailed as the world’s best shipwreck dive. Its cargo of motorcycles, trucks, and armaments lies perfectly preserved, a frozen moment in history.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for experienced divers looking for thrilling drift dives, dramatic topography, and world-class wrecks. It also caters well to beginners with numerous sheltered bays.
- Topside Vibe: A bustling resort town with a lively nightlife, numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Dahab: The Bohemian Gem of Sinai
Just north of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab offers a distinctly different, more bohemian and relaxed diving experience. It’s famous for its shore diving and chilled-out atmosphere.
- The Dive Experience: Dahab is a mecca for shore divers. Its most famous site is the Blue Hole, a dramatic sinkhole that plunges to over 100 meters. While it attracts advanced technical divers, its shallow reef entrance is a beautiful spot for recreational divers. Other popular sites include the Canyon, a crack in the reef that descends into an underwater cavern, and the stunning coral gardens of Eel Garden.
- Shore Diving Focus: The ability to walk into the water directly from the beach for many dive sites makes Dahab unique and popular for independent divers and those on a budget.
- Who It’s For: Backpackers, independent travellers, technical divers, and those seeking a relaxed, bohemian vibe with easy access to spectacular shore dives.
- Topside Vibe: Laid-back, Bedouin-inspired town with beachfront cafes, small guesthouses, and a focus on yoga and outdoor adventure.
Marsa Alam: The Wild South & Pelagic Encounters
Further south along Egypt’s mainland coast, Marsa Alam serves as the jumping-off point for exploring the wilder, less developed reefs of the Southern Red Sea.
- The Dive Experience: Marsa Alam is renowned for its vibrant, unspoiled reefs and a higher probability of pelagic encounters. It’s the closest point to dive sites like Elphinstone Reef, famous for its oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads (seasonal), and Daedalus Reef, a remote offshore pinnacle known for its pristine corals and large pelagic species. Many sites here also offer amazing dugong (sea cow) sightings in seagrass beds, particularly at Abu Dabbab.
- Liveaboard Hub: Marsa Alam is a major departure point for liveaboard trips heading to the deep south (St. John’s, Fury Shoals), offering multi-day diving adventures to truly remote and pristine reefs.
- Who It’s For: Advanced divers, liveaboard enthusiasts, and those seeking more pristine, less crowded reefs with excellent chances for shark and large marine animal encounters.
- Topside Vibe: Quieter, more resort-focused, with fewer large towns and a greater sense of untouched nature.
Hurghada: The Accessible All-Rounder
And then there’s Hurghada. Centrally located on the mainland coast, Hurghada is often hailed as the most accessible and versatile diving destination in Egypt, offering a fantastic balance of everything the Red Sea has to offer.
- The Dive Experience: Hurghada boasts a vast array of dive sites catering to all levels. From shallow, sheltered coral gardens perfect for beginners and training, to vibrant drift dives for advanced divers. Our reefs are teeming with colourful reef fish, playful dolphins, graceful turtles, and curious moray eels. We also have fantastic wreck diving, including the famous El Mina warship and the stunning Abu Nuhas Wreck Alley (home to multiple shallow wrecks like the Ghiannis D and Carnatic), offering an amazing mix of history and marine life.
- Accessibility: With its international airport, vast choice of accommodations, and a bustling city atmosphere, Hurghada is incredibly easy to reach and stay in year-round.
- Who It’s For: Everyone! From first-time divers taking their PADI Open Water course, to families, to experienced divers looking for daily boat trips to diverse sites, Hurghada offers something for every interest and skill level.
- Topside Vibe: A dynamic city offering a mix of vibrant bazaars, modern marinas, diverse restaurants, and a wide range of desert and cultural excursions.
Choosing Your Egyptian Underwater Adventure
Each of these incredible destinations offers a unique slice of the Red Sea’s magic. Whether you dream of exhilarating drifts with sharks, tranquil shore dives, or a journey through underwater history, Egypt has a dive site waiting for you.
However, if you’re looking for the ideal blend of accessibility, variety, comfort, and world-class diving, all delivered with a focus on small groups and personalized service, then Hurghada truly stands out as the ultimate choice.
Here in Hurghada, you’ll find the perfect balance: a huge array of dive sites suitable for every level, consistently spectacular marine life, famous wrecks easily accessible by day boat, and a professional, welcoming atmosphere that makes every dive trip unforgettable. You get all the Red Sea’s wonders without the need for remote travel or limited options.
Why settle for just a season, or a single type of dive? In Hurghada, every day is a diving day, and every dive is an adventure waiting to happen.
