7 Best Spots for Diving in Egypt
Egypt is famous for its amazing beaches on the Red Sea which makes it the favorite option for scuba diving lovers. The famous Red Sea with its colorful corals and sea creatures extends along the Eastern coastline of Egypt. Diving in Egypt is a unique activity you should experience at least once in a lifetime. Blue Hole Egypt, located in Dahab, is a must-visit location to enjoy diving whether you are a beginner or a professional. The Red Sea is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world for its clear blue water, various species of fish, and more than 200 different species of corals that gave it the name “Red Sea”. Egypt doesn’t only have the Eastern coastline which is the Red Sea, but also it is famous for its Northern coastline on the Mediterranean. Being located between these two main coastlines makes Egypt the best place for scuba divers around the world. Egypt is not only about the famous Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, but there are plenty of other amazing diving spots worth visiting. Here are some of the most amazing diving spots in Egypt.
Dahab
Dahab is one of the most amazing places for diving in Egypt. With its famous three poles and blue hole, Dahab is a favourite spot for divers. Even if you are not a professional diver, you will always find expert divers there who will take you on a spectacular diving adventure. With Sharm El Sheikh 80 Km to the South, Dahab is a destination you shouldn’t miss to visit. The humble and warm community in Dahab will make you feel at home, and with its amazing sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets, you will never wish to leave. The most popular diving spots in Dahab are the popular Blue Hole and the Canyon, a deep rock crevice with amazing views of corals and large numbers of fish. At night you can enjoy your time at Bedouin cafe or at one of the beachfront restaurants and bars. You can also enjoy day trips to Tiran Island and Ras Muhammed nature reserve during the day. You can easily travel to Dahab from Sharm El Sheikh by taking an affordable taxi to Dahab. The distance is about one and a half hours while enjoying the amazing scenery of the desert.
Hurghada
Hurghada is one of the best and most famous destinations in Egypt for its beautiful beaches, corals, diving spots, and nightlife. Hurghada was once just a small fishing village back in the 1980s. When regular tourism began in 1980, Hurghada became one of the largest tourist resorts in Egypt. It is the best and most wanted spot for beginner level divers and diving courses. It is also famous for its rich marine life and breathtaking corals covering the bed of the Red Sea. Even professional divers will feel at home, with Hurghada ‘s deeper spots and places with stronger water current. The famous Hurghada ‘s Giftun Islands are the perfect spots for divers with different abilities. Aso El Gouna, just North of Hurghada, is a perfect place for divers.
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is such a beautiful place in Egypt, not far from the amazing city of Port Ghalib. There are so many spots at Marsa Alam that are definitely worth diving and snorkeling at like Satayeh Dolphin Reef. You can also take a day trip to nearby places from Marsa Alam like Hamata Islands where you can closely discover the beautiful nature at Hamata National Park and explore the corals and colored species of fish. Marsa Alam is considered the home for divers in Egypt as in 2003 the international airport in Marsa Alam was opened and that resulted in the growth of Marsa Alam’s popularity among tourists. You can also visit a place called Marsa Abu Dabab, which is a highlight in Marsa Alam where you can see the population of dugong. Marsa Abu Dabab is now one of the few spots where these animals can be closely seen during a day trip. Marsa Alam is also a great place for people who love to spot sharks and hammer heads.
Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is the most famous tourist destination in Egypt and the favourite spot for scuba divers. Sharm El Sheikh is located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula which is considered the best and most beautiful destination in Egypt for relaxation and of course diving. Shark and Yolanda reefs are the two most famous diving spots at the National reserve of Ras Mohamed. Sharm is suitable for various diving levels from entry-level to professional, which makes it the most desired destination for divers. Most of the diving trips there are conducted by boats for divers to be able to explore amazing reefs, corals, and different species of fish. Also, don’t miss the chance to explore one of the most famous shipwrecks in the world which is the SS Thistlegorm near Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve.
El Gouna
El Gouna is the paradise of Egypt, you will experience the luxury with the serenity and peace of that amazing Egyptian location.It is carefully crafted and designed to stand out among other resorts in Egypt. The city is located only 25kms North of Hurghada and is a privately developed resort. It has a wide range of boutique hotels, private villas, and chalets for rent. What makes El Gouna more significant than other resorts is that it has that sense of tranquility and peace unlike the busy style of Hurghada.
El Gouna is the most desired spot among wreck divers because of its proximity to Sha’ab Abu Nuhas, the location where the famous wrecks of the Chisola K, Carnatic, and Giannis D are lying.
Safaga
Safaga is located approximately 70km south of Hurghada, a well-known scuba diving spot and most famous for wall dives, amazing corals, and more. The most significant thing to see for wreck divers at Safaga is the famous wreck of the Salam ferry that sank on 3 February 2006 in the Red sea on its way from Saudi Arabia to Safaga, and was carrying about 1400 passengers and crew. Ras Abu Soma is considered the place for best dives at Safaga where you can witness some amazing kinds of fish and corals. Makadi Bay is also one of the best choices for divers, it is about 30km to the North. It is almost half way between Hurghada and Safaga which gives you the chance to go from there easily.
Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve
This unique and spectacular location between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba where Ras Mohamed Nature reserve is located makes it one of a kind. Because of the different salinity of waters from both gulfs, some amazing reefs and various kinds of fish were gathered there making Ras Mohamed the perfect spot for scuba divers.
Because of the location’s exceptional beauty, the Egyptian government declared it as a protected area back in 1983. For divers, diving at Ras Mohamed reserve is only allowed in specific areas and all visitors must leave by sunset. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are the two most amazing spots for diving at Ras Mohamed. These two reefs are an amazing opportunity to explore different species of fish up close. You will have the chance to see gigantic tuna fish and hammerheads like never before.