Best Dive Sites in Egypt: Where to Dive, What to See & When to Go (2025 Guide)

If you're searching for the best dive sites in Egypt might not be the first destination that comes to mind. But it should be. The Red Sea offers an underwater experience that rivals any diving hotspot in the world, with easier access, lower costs, and fewer crowds.

Here’s why Egypt quietly dominates the global diving scene:

Marine Biodiversity You Can See

The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 species of fish and more than 200 species of coral, nearly 20% of which are found nowhere else on Earth. From clouds of anthias to slow-gliding turtles and the occasional oceanic whitetip, the variety is staggering.

• Reef sharks

• Sea turtles

• Whale sharks (in season)

• Rare nudibranchs and macro critters

Water Clarity and Temperature: Ideal for Every Level

With visibility that often exceeds 30 meters and water temperatures ranging between 22°C in winter and 29°C in summer, Egypt's Red Sea coast is one of the most reliable year-round dive zones on the planet.

You can dive here any month of the year. Even winter months like January and February still offer warm water, mild conditions, and fewer crowds.

A Variety of Dive Experiences in One Country

Egypt offers something for every kind of diver:

• Easy reef dives for beginners

• Wall dives at Ras Mohammed

• Shark dives at Elphinstone Reef

• Wreck dives like the SS Thistlegorm

• Easy-access reef dives in Hurghada and Dahab

• Snorkel-friendly spots near the shore

• Photo-friendly sites full of life

1. Red Sea (Egypt’s Diving Powerhouse)

• Rich coral reefs and marine biodiversity

• Water visibility up to 30 meters

• Ideal for reef diving, wrecks, pelagics, and liveaboards

• Warm year-round temperatures (22°C to 29°C)

• Home to Egypt’s best dive sites (Sharm, Dahab, Marsa Alam, Hurghada)

2. Mediterranean Sea (North Coast/Alexandria)

• Lower fish density and coral presence

• Cooler water temperatures

• Shore dives with limited reef structures

• Interesting for archaeological or historical dives (e.g., ruins in Alexandria)

• Not suitable for typical coral reef diving

3. Dead Sea

• Not suitable for scuba diving due to extreme salinity

• No marine life

• Not a diving destination (more for floating and spa experiences)

Egypt offers more than 100 mapped dive spots along the Red Sea coast, but a handful consistently rank among the best. In this section, we break down the top regions, what kind of diving they offer, who they’re for, and what to expect below the surface.

1. Dahab: For Adventurous Divers and Shore Access

Best Known For: Blue Hole, The Canyon, shore dives, free diving

Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced (some beginner sites available)

Dive Type: Wall dives, deep dives, drift dives, shore entries

Location: Eastern Sinai Peninsula

Must-Dive Sites in Dahab:

• Blue Hole, Dahab One of the most infamous and inspiring dive sites in the world. The Blue Hole is a vertical sinkhole dropping down to over 100 meters, but most recreational divers stay above 30 m. Notorious for its “Arch” at 56 m (tech-only).

• The Canyon A surreal underwater trench formed by tectonic activity. Expect swim-throughs, glassfish, and occasional eagle rays. The lighting inside the canyon is especially dramatic in the morning, perfect for photographers chasing mood and mystery.

Best For: Confident divers ready to explore unique geological formations without needing deep certifications.

• Lighthouse Reef Ideal for training dives, night adventures, and relaxed reef exploration. Easily accessible from shore with colorful reef life and sandy bottom patches.

Best for beginners, underwater photographers, night diving fans, and those who prefer shore access over boat trips.

Traviio Tip:

Dahab is the best place for budget-friendly shore diving in Egypt. You can walk into most dive sites from the coast, and dive centers are compact and personal. It’s also a free-diving hub.

2. Sharm El Sheikh: For Wrecks, Walls, and Big Fish

Best Known For: Ras Mohammed, Tiran Island, strong currents, sharks

Skill Level: Beginner to advanced

Dive Type: Drift dives, reef dives, wrecks, boat-only dives

Location: Southern tip of Sinai Peninsula

Must-Dive Sites in Sharm El Sheikh:

• Shark and Yolanda Reef (Ras Mohammed National Park)One of the most legendary drift dives in the world. Expect strong currents, giant schools of snapper and barracuda, and sightings of gray reef sharks. Yolanda’s wreckage, including a cargo of bathtubs, is still visible.

This site is famous for its adrenaline-pumping current and surprise visits from grey reef sharks and giant trevallies.

Best for: Experienced divers, underwater photographers, thrill-seekers

• Tiran Island Reefs (Jackson, Thomas, Gordon, Woodhouse): Tiran Island’s four main reefs are legendary for a reason. Here, you’ll ride gentle drifts over coral plateaus teeming with color, duck into canyons filled with glassfish, and scan the blue for oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, and even mantas.

Each reef has its personality:

• Jackson Reef is the hotspot for shark encounters in summer

• Thomas Reef has a thrilling deep canyon for advanced divers

• Gordon Reef is great for coral lovers and wide-angle shots

• Woodhouse Reef offers peaceful, scenic drifts with minimal traffic

Best for: Intermediate to advanced divers, drift dive fans, shark lovers

• Ras Um Sid It’s one of the area’s most colorful and easy-to-enjoy dives. Expect gentle coral slopes, plenty of macro life hiding in the crevices, and regular sightings of lionfish, parrotfish, and blue-spotted stingrays.

Perfect for a slow afternoon dive, a night dive, or your first taste of Red Sea coral life. The shallow wall and sheltered conditions make it ideal for intermediate divers or underwater photographers looking to stay in one spot and observe.

Best for: Intermediate divers, photographers, relaxed reef lovers

3. Hurghada: Easy Diving and Good Value

Best Known For: Daily boats, reef dives, dive schools

Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate

Dive Type: Reef dives, wrecks, shallow and easy drift dives

Location: Mainland Egypt, 1-hour flight from Cairo

Must-Dive Sites in Hurghada:

• Giftun Island Reefs (Big and Small Giftun) Colorful coral gardens, great visibility, and beginner-friendly. Expect large schools of fusiliers, moray eels, and occasional turtles.

• Carless Reef Shallow coral spires and good macro life. Excellent for underwater photography.

• Abu Nuhas Wrecks Nicknamed the "Ship Graveyard of the Red Sea," this area near Hurghada features four major wrecks, including the Giannis D, the Carnatic, the Chrisoula K, and the Kimon M, all accessible to recreational divers.

Traviio Tip:

Hurghada is ideal for first-timers or those traveling with family. There are plentyy of affordable dive centers and smooth conditions for scuba training.

4. El Gouna: A Dive Base with Style

While it's more known for kite surfing and gated marina communities, it also offers access to excellent diving:

El Gouna Dive Highlights:

• Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House North) A horseshoe-shaped reef where bottlenose dolphins are often seen. Also known for Napoleon wrasse, glassfish, and gentle drift dives.

It’s peaceful, surreal, and easily one of the most family-friendly dive experiences in the Red Sea.

• Umm, Gamar. Features dramatic drop-offs, coral-covered plateaus, and occasional sightings of reef sharks and barracuda.

As you drift along the reef walls, keep your eyes peeled; this is prime territory for reef sharks, barracuda, and large tuna cutting through the blue.

• Bluff Point

A true gem near Gubal Island, Bluff Point is where color and calm collide. This shallow drift dive starts with a gentle current and opens into coral gardens alive with moray eels, butterflyfish, and vibrant soft coral formations.

It’s a great site for long, relaxing dives where every turn reveals something new, from hidden nudibranchs to hovering lionfish.

5. Marsa Alam: Remote Reefs and Big Encounters

Best Known For: Elphinstone Reef, dugongs, dolphins, sharks

Skill Level: Intermediate to expert

Dive Type: Wall dives, drift dives, large pelagics, house reefs

Location: Southern Red Sea.

Must-Dive Sites in Marsa Alam:

• Elphinstone Reef A world-famous reef for oceanic whitetip and hammerhead shark sightings, especially from October to December. Strong currents and dramatic drop-offs make this a dive for confident, experienced divers.

• Abu Dabbab Shallow seagrass beds are where dugongs and green turtles often feed. Entry from the shore makes it beginner-friendly.

• Dolphin House (Shaab Samadai) A large horseshoe-shaped reef where spinner dolphins frequently rest and play. Offers snorkeling and diving options, but visitor numbers are now regulated to protect the pod.

6. Liveaboard Routes: For Serious Dive Travelers

Best Known For: Multi-day itineraries, remote reefs, big animals

Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced

Dive Type: Liveaboard-only, drift, reef, deep, and wreck dives

Popular Itineraries:

• Northern Route: Wrecks like SS Thistlegorm, Abu Nuhas, and reef systems near Sharm

• Southern Route: Brothers Islands, Daedalus, Elphinstone, known for sharks, deep reefs, and powerful currents

• St. John’s Reef and Zabargad: Extreme south, pristine coral systems, excellent macro and pelagic mix

Most divers fly into one of Egypt’s major Red Sea hubs:

• Sharm el-Sheik International Airport (SSH): Best for Sinai Peninsula dives

• Hurghada International Airport (HRG): Access to Hurghada, El Gouna, Safaga

• Marsa Alam Airport (RMF): Closest to southern dive sites and liveaboard departures

From Cairo, you can fly, bus, or take private transfers to reach these destinations in a few hours.

If you're new to diving, Egypt offers some of the best beginner-friendly spots in the world:

• El Gouna and Hurghada: Calm conditions, sandy bottoms, easy entries

• Dahab: Shore dives, clear water, great for Open Water courses

• Sharm el-Sheik: Many protected reefs and excellent dive schools

Stick to sites like Giftun Reefs, Lighthouse Reef, and Ras Um Sid to build confidence while enjoying vibrant marine life.

When planning a trip to the best dive sites in Egypt, timing matters more than you might think. While Egypt is a year-round dive destination, the season you choose affects everything, from water temperature and marine life to visibility and crowd levels.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, month by month.

Spring (March to May)

Conditions

• Water temperature: 23°C to 25°C

• Visibility: 20–30 meters

• Calm seas and moderate currents

Why Go

• Reef life is vibrant after the winter bloom

• Excellent time for wreck diving and coral photography

• Water starts warming up, but dive sites are still quiet

Best For: First-timers, underwater photographers, travelers who want mild weather both above and below the surface

Summer (June to August)

Conditions

• Water temperature: 27°C to 29°C

• Hot air temperatures, especially in southern Egypt

• Great visibility but stronger currents in some areas

Why Go

• Prime season for shark sightings (especially hammerheads and oceanic whitetips)

• Best for liveaboards going to Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone

• Warm water makes it comfortable for multiple long dives a day

Best For: Advanced divers, pelagic lovers, liveaboard travelers, those who don’t mind the heat

Autumn (September to November)

Conditions

• Water temperature: 25°C to 28°C

• Sea conditions remain calm.

• Visibility remains high

Why Go

• One of the best all-around seasons for diving

• Great chance to see big marine life with fewer tourists

• Reefs are healthy and active after summer.

Best For: Couples, experienced divers, and anyone wanting top conditions without summer crowds

Winter (December to February)

Conditions

• Water temperature: 21°C to 23°C

• Cooler air temperatures, especially at night

• Visibility remains strong (15–25 meters)

Why Go

• The least crowded season

• Best time for budget diving and deals on packages

• Excellent for macro life and wreck diving

Best For: Budget travelers, drysuit divers, and those seeking a quieter experience

From sharks to macro critters and dolphins to dugongs, it’s home to species you can’t find anywhere else, many just meters from shore.

Sharks of the Red Sea

Shark diving in Egypt is thrilling, safe, and highly underrated. Most sharks in the Red Sea are curious but non-aggressive. Here’s what you might see, especially on liveaboard routes:

Egypt’s Red Sea is one of the top destinations in the world for diving with sharks, offering encounters with several impressive species throughout the year. Oceanic whitetip sharks are commonly seen from October to December, especially around Elphinstone Reef and Daedalus Reef. If you're hoping to dive with hammerhead sharks, the best time to visit is between June and September, with top sightings at the Brothers Islands and Jackson Reef.

Grey reef sharks are more widespread and can be spotted from May to November in well-known diving spots like Ras Mohammed and St. John’s Reef. Thresher sharks, although rare, are occasionally seen in deep offshore waters during late summer. For a chance to swim alongside the gentle giant of the sea, the whale shark, head to Marsa Alam and the southern reefs between May and July, keeping in mind that sightings are sporadic and not guaranteed.

Whether you're a seasoned diver or planning your first shark dive in Egypt, understanding where and when to go greatly enhances your chances of a thrilling underwater encounter.

Dolphins, Turtles, and Dugongs

Not every marine animal is shy. Egypt’s waters are home to social dolphins, graceful sea turtles, and even the elusive dugong, also known as the sea cow.

• Spinner Dolphins: Often seen at Shaab El Erg and Samadai Reef (Dolphin House)

• Green & Hawksbill Turtles: Common at Abu Dabbab, Ras Um Sid, and around Giftun

• Dugongs: Mostly in Marsa Alam, near shallow seagrass meadows

Small Creatures with Big Personality (Macro Life)

Macro lovers won’t be disappointed. Among the coral crevices and sandy bottoms, you’ll find:

• Nudibranchs in neon patterns

• Ghost pipefish and leaf scorpionfish

• Cleaner shrimp, blennies, and crinoids

• Cuttlefish displaying mesmerizing color shifts

Schooling Fish and Reef Life

Every dive in Egypt feels alive, thanks to massive schools of fish swirling around coral heads and pinnacles.

Common reef inhabitants include:

• Anthias, sergeant majors, and butterflyfish

• Lionfish and moray eels hide in coral ledges

• Blue-spotted stingrays gliding along sandy patches

• Napoleon wrasse, some as big as a diver

Diving the best dive sites in Egypt isn’t just about where you go; it’s also about how you dive. Proper planning, safety awareness, and responsible behavior make the difference between a good dive trip and an unforgettable one.

General Safety Tips:

• Always dive with a certified guide, especially at sites like Elphinstone or Blue Hole

• Double-check your gear: Rental quality can vary between dive centers

• Log your max depth and bottom time: Many dive centers enforce conservative profiles

• Bring DAN insurance or equivalent: hyperbaric treatment is available in Sharm, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam, but costs can be high.

How Safe Is Red Sea Diving?

• Diving in Egypt is very safe when done through certified dive centers. Rescue and hyperbaric facilities are available in all major dive regions. Follow standard dive protocols, and you’ll have a smooth, unforgettable experience.

Most dive centers offer full equipment rentals, but seasoned travelers know that bringing your essentials improves comfort and safety.

Essentials to Pack:

• Mask and snorkel (fit and hygiene matter)

• Wetsuit: 5mm for winter, 3mm for summer; shorty works in shallow dives

• Dive computer: Especially useful for drift and multi-day diving

• Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based, biodegradable)

• Surface marker buoy (SMB): Required for many liveaboards

• Rash guard or dive skin: For snorkel days or sun protection

What Not to Do

• Don’t wear regular sunscreen before diving; it damages coral.

• Don’t take boats to protected dolphin areas without permits.

• Don’t follow photographers too closely; you may disturb the subject or the reef.

• Don’t skip safety stops, even on shallow dives

Renting Gear vs. Bringing Your Own

• Rental Gear: Widely available and affordable, especially in Hurghada and Sharm. Quality varies; ask to inspect the equipment before committing.

• Bringing Your Own: Ideal if you're doing 10+ dives or visiting multiple regions. Saves time and gives peace of mind.

While Sharm is safe overall, tourist-targeted scams do happen:

• Book dives only through licensed dive centers (check PADI or CMAS affiliations)

• Confirm pricing in writing before booking day trips or gear rentals

• Avoid "too good to be true" street offers, especially from non-official reps

• Don’t hand over your passport to unverified operators

But what's the difference between a good dive trip and an unforgettable one? The right partner.

At Traviio, we’re more than a travel company. We’re your trusted dive partner in Egypt, combining deep local knowledge with international safety standards. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned diver, we help you navigate the Red Sea the right way, responsibly, confidently, and with real insight.

• We work only with certified, ethical dive centers.

• We craft custom trips based on your goals, not a generic package.

• Our team includes professional divers and Egyptologists, so you get more than just a dive; you get the full story.

• We’re here for you before, during, and after your trip, no surprises, no stress

The Red Sea is calling. Let us help you answer it.