Alexandria
Diving in Alexandria is not Red Sea diving; dive here, and you’re diving in the Mediterranean Sea. The sites here are ancient ruins; think Cleopatra, pharaohs, and Sphinx. Alexandria’s diving is a historical exploration and not colorful reef discovery.
Dahab
Dahab is the home of the infamous Blue Hole; the deep site that lures many divers to explore the archway’s depths. Most of Dahab’s diving is from the shore, and there are sites suitable for all. You can even dive via camel safari. Dahab itself has more of a laid-back vibe than other resort areas in Egypt.
El Gouna
Just north of Hurghada,
El Gouna’s diving opportunities have some overlap with its neighbor. El Gouna, however, is closer to Abu Nuhas where wreck divers can revel at the wrecks of the Giannis D, Carnatic, and Chrisoula K. Further afield but still accessible; the wreck of the Rosalie Moller should not be missed. El Gouna is a modern tourist resort created around watersports facilities and is home to 18 hotels featuring some great Red Sea diving resorts.
Hurghada
Hurghada’s diving is perfect for newer divers, those learning, children and experienced divers who enjoy calm, clear and shallow dives. There are some more challenging dives, and the wrecks of the Thistlegorm and the Giannis D are reachable by day trip. Hurghada is also a popular Red Sea liveaboard departure point and a holiday hotspot for divers and non-divers alike.
Marsa Alam
Further south and much less hectic,
Marsa Alam’s diving is a mix of shore and day trip diving departing from your resort. Elphinstone trips run regularly, and manatees are known to snuffle around the shallower bays. Marsa Alam’s Port Ghalib is the departure point for liveaboard itineraries that include St Johns Reef, Daedalus, Fury Shoals, The Brothers, and Elphinstone. Unlike Hurghada, Marsa Alam does not have a tourist-focused central town area; if you’re not diving, you’ll be relaxing in your resort.
Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is the most popular diving destination in Egypt. Sharm El-Sheikh’s dive sites include walls, wrecks, and reefs; there are around 30 sites that are easily accessible. Day trips frequent Ras Mohamed National Park and the wrecks of the Thistlegorm and Dunraven. Dahab can be dived in a day trip via road too.
A great many Red Sea safari boats depart from Sharm El-Sheikh; there’s a huge variety of routes, boats, and prices too. A Red Sea liveaboard is the best way to pack a lot of diving into your holiday and see some of the best diving in Egypt.
Sharm El-Sheikh itself is busy tourist area; it has lots to do for non-divers and buzzes with activity day and night.
Safaga
Safaga and Makadi Bay are neighboring diving areas offering a choice of reef and (somewhat controversial) wreck diving. Shore dives are available, but most operators access sites by boat. The wreck of the Salem Express is what pulls many divers here. It’s often touted as one of the best wreck dives, but it sank carrying hundreds of pilgrims from Mecca. This loss of life is the cause for debate; should it be left alone or dived only with respect? Only you can decide.
