An Underwater Eden: What Marine Life Can You See While Diving in Hurghada?

One of the first questions on any diver’s mind when planning a trip is, “What am I going to see?” When your destination is Hurghada, the answer is a breathtaking, kaleidoscopic list of some of the most vibrant and diverse marine life on the planet. The Egyptian Red Sea is a global biodiversity hotspot, an underwater Eden teeming with creatures big and small, and Hurghada is the perfect gateway to this incredible world.

The sheer abundance of life here is staggering. Every dive is a new adventure, a new opportunity to encounter a familiar favourite or spot something entirely new. At Scubadore Hurghada, our greatest joy is sharing this vibrant ecosystem with our guests. Our expert guides know these reefs intimately—where the critters hide, where the big fish patrol, and how to show you the very best of what our waters have to offer.

So, let’s dive in and explore some of the amazing marine life you can expect to encounter on a typical dive trip with us.

The Icons of the Reef: The “Poster Fish”

These are the colourful characters that make the Red Sea famous. You are almost guaranteed to meet them on any given dive.

• Clownfish (Amphiprion bicinctus): The real-life “Nemo” is a star attraction. The Red Sea Two-Banded Anemonefish, with its vibrant orange body and two striking white bars, can be found nestled safely within the stinging tentacles of its host anemone. Watching their charming, symbiotic dance is a delight for divers of all ages.
• Angelfish: Regal and majestic, species like the Emperor Angelfish and the Royal Angelfish glide gracefully along the reef. The Emperor is particularly stunning, with its electric blue and yellow lines as an adult.
• Butterflyfish: These delicate, often paired-for-life fish flit around the coral heads like butterflies in a garden. Keep an eye out for the endemic Masked Butterflyfish, with its bright yellow body and distinctive black mask.
• Parrotfish: The reef’s gardeners, parrotfish are easily identified by their fused, beak-like teeth which they use to scrape algae from the coral. You can often hear the distinct crunching sound they make as they go about their important work.
• Picasso Triggerfish: A true work of art, this quirky fish looks like it was painted by a cubist master. Its angular patterns and splashes of colour make it a photographer’s favourite.

Graceful Giants & Formidable Hunters

While the small reef fish provide the colour, it’s the larger residents that often provide the most awe-inspiring encounters.

• Sea Turtles: Hurghada is home to both Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Witnessing one of these ancient mariners gliding effortlessly along the reef wall or munching on seagrass is a truly humbling and unforgettable experience.
• Moray Eels: Peer into the crevices of the reef, and you’re likely to be met by the curious gaze of a moray eel. The Giant Moray is the most impressive, but also look for the beautifully patterned Snowflake Moray or the Yellow-mouthed Moray.
• Rays: Keep your eyes on the sandy patches, and you’ll frequently spot the beautiful Blue-spotted Stingray, either resting under a coral ledge or gliding gracefully over the seabed. If you’re lucky, you might even see a majestic Eagle Ray soaring through the blue.
• Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus): The gentle, intelligent giant of the Red Sea. An encounter with this huge, curious, and endangered fish is a bucket-list moment for any diver.

Masters of Disguise: The Hidden Gems

Some of the reef’s most fascinating inhabitants are the ones you have to look for. This is where a small group and an expert guide make all the difference.

• Scorpionfish & Stonefish: The ultimate masters of camouflage, these ambush predators blend in perfectly with the surrounding rock and coral. Spotting one is a rewarding challenge for any observant diver.
• Crocodilefish: Lying perfectly still on the sand, these flat, elongated fish are almost impossible to see until you’re right on top of them. Their intricate skin pattern is a marvel of natural camouflage.
• Octopus: The shapeshifting genius of the sea. An octopus can change its colour and texture in the blink of an eye to match its surroundings. Finding one is a rare and special treat.

The “Clouds of Colour”: Schooling Fish

What gives a reef its sense of energy and life is the constant, swirling movement of schooling fish.

• Anthias: These small, brilliant-orange fish form vast, shimmering clouds above the coral gardens, especially on the edges of the reef that catch the current. They are like living confetti, bringing the whole scene to life.
• Fusiliers: Often seen in large, river-like schools, fusiliers stream through the blue water, their silver bodies flashing in the sunlight.
• Bannerfish: With their elongated white dorsal fins trailing behind them like banners, these elegant black and yellow fish often form large, mesmerizing schools.

Lucky Encounters in the Blue

While never guaranteed, the Red Sea always holds the possibility of a truly special surprise. On the boat journey to and from the dive sites, it’s common to be joined by a playful pod of Dolphins. If you are exceptionally lucky, you may even have a brief encounter with them underwater. On the outer reefs, a rare sighting of a White-tip Reef Shark is also possible, adding a thrill to any dive.

The Scubadore Advantage: Seeing More

The key to having incredible marine life encounters is to be a patient and unobtrusive visitor. Our small-group philosophy is designed for exactly this.

• We Don’t Crowd the Animals: A small, calm group is far less likely to scare away marine life, allowing for closer and more natural interactions.
• We Take Our Time: We move slowly and encourage observation, giving you the time to spot the hidden gems that larger, faster groups swim right past.
• Expert Eyes: Our guides have spent thousands of hours on these reefs. They know where to look and have an uncanny ability to spot the masters of camouflage.

The Red Sea is a treasure chest of biodiversity, and every dive in Hurghada is an opportunity to discover another one of its precious jewels. We invite you to come and see it for yourself.