Scuba Diving Holidays Egypt
Going on scuba diving vacations in Egypt encapsulates adventure, relaxation, and a wealth of culture. By day, one can enjoy some of the world's most beautiful underwater scenery, and in the evenings, one can warm oneself in the fires of ancient history and warm hospitality. Resorts, liveaboards, and dive schools around the country cater to all experience levels, making it easy to organize the perfect diving holidays.When to Dive in Egypt
| Season | Water Temp | Visibility | Marine Life Highlights | Conditions |
| Spring | 24–26°C | 20–30 meters | Sharks, reef activity | Calm, clear, ideal |
| Summer | 27–30°C | 25–30 meters | Reefs, turtles, tropical fish | Hot on land, busy |
| Autumn | 26–28°C | 20–30 meters | Pelagics, vibrant reefs | Excellent conditions |
| Winter | 22–24°C | 15–25 meters | Wrecks, fewer crowds | Cooler, possible winds |
Is Diving in Egypt Safe?
Yes, when you Visit Egypt, you will know that diving in Egypt is generally safe. Dive operators follow international safety standards, and many instructors are certified by PADI or other reputable agencies. However, always choose a reputable diving center, follow your dive plan, and stay within your limits. As with any travel activity, it’s important to have proper insurance and be aware of these conditions.- Professional Dive Facilities
- There are trained guides and instructors available.
- Organized dive centers in main locations like Sharm el-Sheik, Hurghada, Dahab, and Marsa Alam.
- Many operators are certified by international organizations like PADI, SSI, or CMAS.
- Diving Conditions
- Relatively good visibility (15–30 meters) and weak currents in most dives make the conditions safe for diving.
- More advanced sites like the Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone have tighter currents and should be attempted by experienced divers.
- Common Safety Procedures
-
Pre-dive briefings, buddy checks, and emergency procedures are routine.
-
Nitrox is provided by most centers.
-
Hyperbaric chambers exist in major diving locations (e.g., Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam).
- Marine Life
- There are no aggressive sharks that have been known to attack divers in the usual circumstances present in the Red Sea.
- Do not touch coral or creatures such as lionfish, stonefish, or fire coral, which can sting or injure if provoked.
- Travel and Political Safety
- Diving spots like the Red Sea coast are resort-based and safe, with considerably more safety than border or inland areas in some instances.
- It makes sense to keep up with government travel warnings, but the dive resorts themselves are generally very safe and friendly.
- Safety on Liveaboards
- Egypt has one of the most popular liveaboard circuits in the world, and safety on these boats is generally high.
- Boats are licensed and follow international safety standards.
- Make sure you book with a good operator that has proper safety provisions in place (e.g., emergency oxygen, briefings, evacuation plans).
- Good for All Levels of Experience
- Sheltered reefs like those at Hurghada and Dahab are safe for diving for beginners.
- Advanced divers can also see deeper wrecks, drift dives, and shark dives in the south.
Also read about: good time to go to Egypt
Where Are the Spots for Scuba Diving Holidays Egypt?
- Sharm El Sheikh
-
Ras Mohammed National Park – stunning coral walls and a profusion of fish
-
Wreck of the SS Thistlegorm – iconic WWII cargo ship wreck
-
Tiran Island Reefs – strong currents, great visibility, large pelagics
Ideal for: All levels but particularly good for divers looking for the variety of dives and great nightlife.
- Hurghada
Location: Mainland Red Sea coast
Best for: Easy reef dives and budget diving holidays
Highlights:
-
Dozens of local reef dives just a short boat ride away
-
Giftun Islands – colorful reefs and clear shallow waters
-
Approach to the Abu Nuhas wrecks (Carnatic, Giannis D, Chrisoula K)
Ideal for: Beginners and families who want to go for cheap packages
- Marsa Alam
Location: Southern Red Sea coast
Best for: Pristine coral, big marine life, shore and boat diving
Highlights:
-
Elphinstone Reef – famed for oceanic whitetip sharks
-
Dolphin House (Sha’ab Samadai) – swim with spinner dolphins
-
Abu Dabbab – the resident of dugongs and giant green turtles
Ideal for: Advanced divers, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility
- Dahab
Location: East coast, Sinai Peninsula
Best for: Shore diving, relaxed atmosphere, tech diving
Highlights:
-
Blue Hole, an enormous sinkhole and perhaps the world's most renowned (or infamous) one amongst divers
-
Canyon underwater canyon system with unique topography
-
Eel Garden is a shallow reef with dancing garden eels
Ideal for: Backpackers, free divers, tech divers, and laid-back vacations
- Safaga
Location: South of Hurghada
Best for: Wrecks and reefs with less crowded conditions
Highlights:
-
Salem Express wrecked a large passenger ferry with a tragic history
-
Great wall and drift dives at Tobia Arbaa and Panorama Reef
Best for: Wreck lovers and quieter diving holidays.
Also read about: cheapest time to visit Egypt
Where Is the Best Diving in Egypt?
1. The Brothers Islands: Best Destination for Shark Diving Location: Offshore, between El Quseir and Marsa Alam Type: Liveaboard only➡️ Try it on a liveaboard adventure
Why is it ideal?- World famous for huge pelagics: hammerheads, thresher sharks, oceanic whitetips.
- Steep drop-offs, strong currents, soft coral-covered walls.
- Minimal diver traffic = pristine conditions.
- SS Thistlegorm - Best Wreck Dive
➡️ Add it to your Red Sea wreck itinerary
Why it's the best:- Legendary WWII wreck. Contains intact trucks, motorcycles, and rifles.
- History, marine life, and underwater photography.
- Commonly paired with Ras Mohammed in a single trip.
- Elphinstone Reef - For Oceanic Whitetips
➡️ Part of many advanced dive packages
Why it's the best:- Vertical walls, strong currents, and very abundant life.
- Great chance for oceanic whitetips and hammerheads.
- Coral-covered plateaus are very exciting for schools of fish.
- Ras Mohammed National Park:
➡️ Included in Islamic Cairo to Red Sea combined tours
Why it's the best:- Superb coral gardens, superb walls, gorgeous drop-offs.
- Massive schools of thousands of fish, barracuda, trevallies.
- Perfect easy access from resorts and dive centers.
- The perfect mix of biodiversity, visibility, and accessibility.
- St. John's Reefs- The best remote diving.
➡️ Often included in explorer tours or nature-focused trips
Red Sea
Which part is the Red Sea?
Which part is the Red Sea?An Egyptian coastline along the Red Sea stretches over 1,000 kilometers...
➡️ Great for coastal adventures
Why Dive in the Red Seas?
- Spectacular Visibility
- Runs for normal 20-30 meters (65-100 ft)
-
Coral gardens bursting with color
- Great Diversity
-
Marine biodiversity and sunny conditions
- More than 200 coral types.
- Marine highlights: sharks, turtles, dolphins, moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, lionfish.
- Variety of Diving Experience
- Shore dives (i.e., Dahab).
- Boat dives to offshore reefs (a.k.a. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada).
- Liveaboard safaris to remote sites (the Brothers, Daedalus, St. John's).
Why You'll Love Diving in Egypt!
- The Red Sea - A Wonder of Nature
- Coral gardens bursting with color
- Walls that plunge into the depths of powdery blue
- Shark encounters in the open ocean
- Things like caverns, caves, and wrecks steeped in mystery
- A Million Populations of Marine Species
- More than 1,000 species of fish
- The endemic ones, unique to nowhere else
- Close encounters with turtles, dolphins, reef sharks, moray eels, and more
- Macro-life for the obsessed: nudibranchs, shrimp, pipefish
- World-Class Wreck Diving
- The SS Thistlegorm, the famous wreck from World War II, comes complete with motorcycles and rifles aboard.
- The Salem Express: A huge passenger-ferry with a chilling past.
- Many wrecks in Abu Nuhas, aka "Ship Graveyard."
- Always Sunshine with Warm Water
- Water temperatures: 22-30 (72-86)
- Air temperatures: Ideal for basking between dives
- No thick wetsuits for most of the year, just grab your mask and go!
How to Get to the Red Sea
You can reach the Red Sea via international airports in:- Sharm El Sheikh
- Hurghada
- Marsa Alam
Fly in with any custom itinerary
How to Dive the Red Sea
You can dive the Red Sea via:- Resort-based diving (ideal for beginners and families)
- Liveaboards (perfect for advanced divers looking to access remote sites)
Other Things to Do in Egypt and the Red Sea
-
Explore Luxor and the Valley of the Kings
-
Snorkeling, safaris, kitesurfing
-
Spa days, cultural tours, local shopping
- How Safe Is Red Sea Diving?
Do I Need a Wetsuit to Go Diving in Red Sea?
Yes, a wetsuit is recommended. In summer, a 3mm shorty is often sufficient. In winter, a 5mm full wetsuit is advisable as water temperatures can drop to 22°C (72°F). Also read about: How Wide Is the Red SeaThe Mediterranean Sea
While less famous than the Red Sea, Egypt's Mediterranean coast offers a different kind of diving experience, with historical wrecks and cooler waters.Best Time to Go Diving in the Mediterranean Sea
The best time to dive the Mediterranean in Egypt is between June and September, when water temperatures are at their warmest.How to Get to the Mediterranean Sea
Fly into Cairo or Alexandria and travel to diving locations by road. Alexandria is the most popular Mediterranean diving hub in Egypt.How to Dive the Mediterranean Sea
Most diving here is shore-based or conducted through local dive centers. The Mediterranean is ideal for historical wreck diving and underwater archaeology enthusiasts.Other Things to Do in Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea
- Explore Ancient Egypt’s Treasures
-
Pair your dive trip with visits to:
-
Cairo: Pyramids and GEM
-
Luxor and Aswan adventures
-
Desert safaris and Bedouin nights
-
Culinary experiences and local culture
-
- Bedouin Encounters and Desert Safaris
- Drive ATVs or 4x4s across stunning sand dunes
- Go on a camel trek at sunset
- Have tea, dinner, and star-gazing at a Bedouin camp in the Milky Way
- Favorite in: Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Marsa Alam
- Dolphin Trips and Snorkeling
- Giftun Island (Hurghada): Coral reefs and beaches
- Sha'ab Samadai (Marsa Alam): Nicknamed Dolphin House, where dolphins regularly appear
- Blue Hole (Dahab): Shore-entry shallow water with stunning coral walls
- Sunset Cruises and Island Hopping
- Go for a sunset sail or glass-bottom boat tour
- Day cruise to islands and snorkeling beaches like Orange Bay or Mahmya
- Day of rest on white sand paradise islands and blue seas
- Spa Days and Wellness Retreats
- Massage and hammam to unwind after the dive
- Yoga classes, typically beachfront or at sunrise
- Dahab and El Gouna wellness-oriented resorts
- Souk Shopping and Cultural Walks
- Shop spices, jewelry, perfumes, and fabrics at local souks
- Explore the Old Market in Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab's bazaar
- Visit mosques, churches, and local cafes
- Indulge in Egyptian Cuisine
- Koshari: a satisfying mix of pasta, lentils, rice, and crispy onions
- Grilled fish and seafood: just-caught from the Red Sea
- Foul and falafel: Egyptian breakfast
- Sweet pastries such as basbousa, kunafa, and date-filled pastries
- Water Sports and Adventure Activities
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing (specifically at El Gouna and Dahab)
- Parasailing, jet-skiing, paddleboarding
- Beach volleyball, banana boats, etc.
- Entertainment and Nightlife
- Live music and beach bars at Hurghada and Sharm
- Fire shows and belly dancing at hotels or Bedouin-themed events
- Stargazing from the desert or rooftop verandas at Dahab
How Safe Is the Mediterranean Sea Diving?
Mediterranean diving in Egypt is safe and less crowded than the Red Sea. However, the waters can be cooler and visibility more limited, so it's best for experienced divers.Do I Need a Wetsuit to Go Diving in the Mediterranean Sea?
Yes. Due to cooler water temperatures, especially outside the peak summer months, a 5mm wetsuit is recommended for comfort and safety.Diving Conditions
- Visibility: 20–30 meters in the Red Sea, 10–15 meters in the Mediterranean
- Water Temperatures: 22–29°C (72–84°F) in the Red Sea; 18–26°C (64–79°F) in the Mediterranean
- Currents: Generally mild but can be strong around reefs and islands
- Marine Life: Reef sharks, turtles, rays, barracuda, and abundant reef fish
- Wrecks: Thistlegorm (WWII shipwreck), Dunraven, Rosalie Moller
Practical Information
| Category | Details |
| Main Airports | Cairo (CAI), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG), Marsa Alam (RMF) |
| Visa Requirements | Visa on arrival ($25 for 30 days) or apply via Egypt e-Visa portal |
| Currency | Egyptian Pound (EGP) |
| Credit Cards | Accepted in hotels/dive centers; carry cash for small shops, tips, and markets. |
| Tipping | Expected: 10–15% for dive guides, crews, drivers, hotel staff |
| Best Time to Dive | - Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) for best conditions - Summer (Jun–Aug) hot but good for liveaboards - Winter (Dec–Feb) cooler water |
| Water Temperature | 22°C (winter) to 30°C (summer) |
| Recommended Wetsuit | 3mm shorty (summer), 5mm full suit (winter) |
| Packing Essentials | Reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, travel insurance, dry bag, microfiber towel, Type C/F plug adapter (220V) |
| Health & Safety | - Bottled water only - Dive insurance recommended - Hyperbaric chambers in major dive towns |
| Vaccinations | Standard vaccinations are usually sufficient |
| Diving Requirements | - Max recreational depth: 30m - Bring certification and logbook - Advanced certification required for certain dive sites |
| Cultural Etiquette | - Dress modestly in towns - Swimwear OK at resorts - |