Egypt’s Top Diving Destinations

The Red Sea holds one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, home to over one thousand species of fish, more than three hundred diverse types of corals and around forty-four species of shark. Its glistening crystal-blue waters and year-round warm temperatures make for the perfect place to dive. Designed for all competencies from nervous beginners to the more confident, experienced diver. Home to world-famous diving wrecks, including the historic SS Thistelgorm, a British cargo steamship that sank in 1941 and is now a famous diving site. With many dive sites located close to the shore, the most popular diving destinations include Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab and Marsa Alam, as well as less visited but equally impressive locations such as Hamata and Taba. Each unmissable diving destination has its own unique charm; each one is as beautiful as the next, with clear waters, bright corals, and a collection of marine species. Most locations provide shore-access snorkelling opportunities, while longer dive adventures can be enjoyed by liveaboards – floating hotels that allow divers to explore remote sites over several days, often reaching untouched reefs rarely visited by day boats.

Sunken Ships, Thriving Reefs and Endless Discovery

The northern part of the Red Sea boasts pristine waters and diverse wildlife, including turtles, dolphins, hammerheads, barracudas, and sharks. This region attracts both snorkellers and divers year-round, with the most popular times to visit being spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Popular spots include Sharm El Sheikh and the Ras Mohamed National Park - Egypt’s first national park - located around 20 km apart, and home to a range of diving centres offering a full range of beginner courses including programmes for children from the age of eight. Many divers are intrigued to visit the legendary wreck dive at the site of a sunken World War Two ship known as The SS Thistelgorm, lying in the Strait of Gubal and easily accessible from Sharm El Sheikh. Now serving as an unofficial underwater museum, the site contains well-preserved relics, including trucks, rifles, ammunition, and locomotives set against a backdrop of vibrant marine life.

Colour, calm and history beneath the surface

Abu Nuhas, also known as the “Ship Graveyard”, is home to more shipwrecks than any other reef in the Red Sea, including the Carnatic, one of the oldest wrecks but also considered to be one of the most beautiful. Located off the coast of Hurghada,  the waters here are shallower and calmer than the SS Thistelgorm diving site suitable for intermediate divers that can observe wrecks including Giannis D known for its easily accessible bridge and engine room, Chrisoula K, famous for being laden with Italian floor tiles and Kimon M – which sank whilst carrying lentils from Turkey to India and is now home to schools of glassfish, lionfish and vibrant, soft corals. 

Giftun Island, consisting of two islands – Kebir (big) and Sughayer (small), both easily reachable from Hurghada and includes snorkelling stops along the way during day trips. For those less interested in diving, there is also the chance to relax and unwind whilst enjoying the powdery white sand beaches surrounded by stunning turquoise waters. The shallow reefs and gentle slopes are ideal for beginner divers and those building their confidence, whereas the experienced diver can witness steep drop-offs, caves, tunnels and exhilarating drift dives created by strong currents, allowing divers to glide effortlessly using the natural flow of water.

Egypt’s Hidden Diving Gems

Marsa Alam is a pristine yet less-crowded diving destination that is home to famous reefs, including the Elphinstone Reef - a renowned drift diving hotspot with dramatic walls - and Dolphin House or Sha’ab Samadai, a protected marine area where dolphins are often spotted in the wild. Due to a lower number of visiting divers, the reef is well preserved and has sites directly accessible from the beach, making it an unforgettable location for visitors. The diving spots in the area welcome divers of all abilities, and the excellent visibility means it is an excellent location for underwater photography. The year-round warm climate means divers can explore even during the winter months.

Laid-back Diving and Iconic Underwater Landscapes

Dahab is famous for dive sites like the Blue Hole, a deep vertical sinkhole connected to the sea by a tunnel. This site is best suited for advanced divers, as less experienced divers have sometimes become disoriented and tragically lost their lives due to narcosis. Another well-known diving site is the Canyon – an underwater gorge with walls covered in colourful coral, which has an easy entry and exit point via a shallow, sandy lagoon that leads to beautiful coral gardens inhabited by butterflyfish, pufferfish, and octopuses. Known as a “hippie town” for its relaxed vibe, Dahab welcomes the more relaxed visitor with its bohemian culture and roots as a Bedouin fishing village. The shallow reefs just offshore are perfect for snorkellers and novice divers, with alternate dive sites only a short drive away from the town. Dahab's reefs are home to a variety of marine creatures, such as lionfish, parrotfish, seahorses, and garden eels.

Discover Untouched Reefs and Rare Sea Life

Taba is situated at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba, close to the Jordanian border and is one of the northernmost seaside resorts in Egypt. Taba has fewer crowds than Egypt's popular dive spots, so its reefs stay pristine. Diving sites are easily accessible by short boat rides from the shore, and liveaboards also offer the chance for the exploration of deeper reefs and dramatic walls. Hamata, located in the southern part of the Red Sea, offers the chance to spot rare species such as octopus, cuttlefish, and occasionally dolphins. Its year-round warm weather conditions and excellent visibility make for the perfect diving hidden gem.

Whether you are new to the world of diving or are a seasoned enthusiast, the Red Sea hosts a range of dive locations suitable for all. From snorkelling sites with shallow waters ideal for families to iconic and historical diving sites, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you want to visit bustling resort towns or more relaxed diving locations, the Red Sea remains one of the world’s most versatile and rewarding diving destinations. The hidden underwater world beckons explorers with its sunken treasures, colourful reefs and extraordinary marine life ready to be discovered by anyone seeking an unforgettable dive.