Egypt is known for its great history and the amazingly wonderful landscape, but beneath the waves of the Red Sea, another world of beauty urges to be explored. Vibrant coral reefs, marine life variety, and wrecks that raise a number of questions made Egypt one of the best options among worldwide diving destinations. Be it a beginner diver or an advanced underwater explorer, these prime diving spots will leave you in amazement. Here goes the exhaustive guide on the best diving destinations of Egypt.
1. Sharm El Sheikh
Overview
Sharm El Sheikh is probably the most famous diving destination in Egypt, positioned at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. It boasts a whole number of dive sites, accommodating all sorts of divers.
Highlights
– Ras Mohammed National Park: This is a marine park that possesses excellent visibility and amazing coral reefs that are full of life. Some of the best dive sites include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef.
– Tiran Island: This lies to the north of Sharm, featuring underwater dramatic landscapes that are famous for strong currents and big pelagic species.
Tips for Visitors
– Best Time to Dive: The best time is normally between March and November.
– Dive Centers: Dive with a recognized dive center that offers experiences led by an instructor.
2. Dahab
Overview
It is no longer just a Bedouin fishing village but has grown into a laid-back diving destination and is truly able to boast of many relaxing moments compared to Sharm El Sheikh.
Highlights
– Blue Hole: Known as one of the world’s most famous diving spots, the Blue Hole features a deep sinkhole surrounded by stunning coral gardens. It is a favorite among advanced divers.
– The Canyon: An underwater canyon of breathtaking dimensions to dive through, teeming with colorful corals and marine life.
Visitors’ Tips
– Wreck Diving: Go further to dive on the wreck of the USS Thistlegorm lying not so far from here and now filled with interesting artifacts.
– Hotels: Avail the beach-side bungalows for convenience to diving sites.
3. Hurghada
Overview
Hurghada, one of the oldest and most popular beach-resort towns in Egypt, combines vibrant nightlife with a plethora of dive sites.
Highlights
Giftun Islands: Known for the best snorkeling and diving areas around, it constitutes shallow waters and a variety of marine life.
Elphinstone Reef: Renowned for sharks such as hammerheads and oceanic whitetips, Elphinstone is considered one of the prime spots for advanced divers where one could experience the ‘big thrill.’
Eng malignancy.
– Night Diving: Explore an enchanted underwater world at night, teeming with life by other species.
4. Marsa Alam
Overview
Emerging Marsa Alam is a haven of immaculate reefs and abundant marine life. It’s also more tranquil compared to some of the other busy resorts.
Highlights
– Abu Dabbab: This is one of the famous spots-a beautiful beach area for dugongs and sea turtles; hence, this area turns out to be a paradise for diversified as well as snorkelers.
– Elphinstone Reef: This is one of the famous sites for drift dives and the possibility of meeting large pelagic fish.
Visitor’s Tips
– Eco-Tourism: Prefer dive centers that are into eco-friendly measures.
Marine-life Encounters: Treat marine life with respect and keep your distance from larger species.
5. El Gouna
Overview
El Gouna is the luxury resort town that lies north of Hurghada. It caters for several water sports and is an excellent center for divers.
Highlights
– Shab El Erg: With its colorful coral reefs teeming with fish life, together with dolphins, this is an excellent location to spot them.
– Sharm El Naga: Ideal for beginners, it provides easy access to beautiful coral gardens teeming with marine life.
Visitor’s Tips
Look for diving packages that include full board accommodation and a number of dives.
After diving, take advantage of all the amenities the resort has to offer.
6. North Coast
Overview
Less frequented by divers, the North Coast of Egypt, mainly around Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, provides special opportunities.
Highlights
– Alexandria: See the underwater ruins of ancient Alexandria and dive sites full of historic artifacts.
– Marsa Matrouh: With beautiful beaches and crystal waters, this spot is right for diving and snorkeling alike.
Tips for Visitors
– Historic Dive Sites: Make historical dives over old sites with diving operators.
– Local Life: Enjoy the coastal life by spending time in local markets.
7. The Red Sea Wrecks
Overview
Off Egypt’s coast, lie some famous shipwrecks adding charm to Egypt as a destination for wreck diving.
Highlights
– SS Thistlegorm: A cargo ship from World War II that was sunk in 1941, it is considered one of the most famous wreck dives in the world, with an array of military vehicles and artifacts.
– Dunraven Wreck: This is an easy dive near Ras Mohammed, with plenty of marine life and interesting structures to see.
– Wreck diving courses: A wreck diving course will emphasize your proficiency level in exploring wrecks safely. While there, respect the wrecks. Not at any time should you remove the artefacts from the wreck sites.
8. Safaga
Overview
Safaga is a small port town that boasts a beautiful beach and diving opportunities, especially for those seeking less crowded dive sites.
Highlights
Panorama Reef: a breathtaking dive site with colorful corals and many types of fish for beginners up to experienced divers.
Salama Reef: known for its great coral formations, this dive offers very different marine life than the usual ones from around other dive sites.
Tips for Visitors
Trying to Avoid Crowds: If possible, try going on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Dive Package: Look out for dive packages which offer several days of diving, inclusive of accommodation.
9. Dahab’s Underwater Canyon
General Info
The Dahab Underwater Canyon is a less famous but really breathtaking dive site and a very interesting underwater adventure.
Highlights
• Diverse Marine Life: Rich variety of fish and coral species against the background of a spectacular underwater landscape.
• Unique Geological Features: The walls and formations of this canyon offer an interesting dive.
Visitors’ Tips
• Photography: Do not forget an underwater photo camera to capture the views.
– Guided Dives: Take guided dives not only for safety but also to reach the best spots.
10. Ras Um Sid
Overview
In Sharm El Sheikh, Ras Um Sid is an excellent diving destination with colorful coral gardens teeming with all kinds of marine life.
Highlights
– Coral Gardens: Explore the beautiful coral formations full of colourful fish that attract both snorkelers and divers alike.
– Diverse Marine Life: Keep an eye out for rays and sharks among others.
Tips for Visitors
– Night Diving: Take part in night diving if possible to see this underwater world from a completely different perspective.
– Environmental Awareness: Always be prepared for any environmental request that will ensure the continuation of this fragile ecosystem.
11. The Brothers Islands
Overview
Brothers Islands: In the middle of the Red Sea, the Brother Islands form one of the most inaccessible destinations for diving in this sport, known for the underwater topography and marine life variety.
Highlights
– Rich Marine Biodiversity: A wide range of species, from sharks and dolphins to schools of fish.
– Stunning Coral Reefs: Dive between stunning coral formations with underwater cliffs.
Tips for Visitors
– Liveaboard Trips: A liveaboard diving trip would give you the ability to truly explore this very remote area and be able to access several dive sites.
– Planning: Plan for a trip well in advance as access is highly restricted.
12. Ras Mohamed National Park
Overview
Considered one of the world’s most famous dive sites, the Ras Mohamed National Park is found located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.
Highlights
– Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef: These were considered the best dive sites for their spectacular coral formations and varied marine life.
– Diverse Ecosystem: The park houses more than 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species.
Visitor’s Tips
– Environmental Guidelines: The rules set by the park in the interest of the marine environment are to be followed.
– Guided Tours: Prefer a guided tour for a safe and enlightening experience.
13. Sahl Hasheesh
Description
Sahl Hasheesh is a high-segment resort area nearby to Hurghada. Here you can dive along your whole beautiful coastline in various ways.
Points of Interest
– Coral Reefs: Well-known coral reefs with excellent fish life, suitable for divers of any category.
– Diving Centres: Excellent services and guided tours by numerous diving centres in this area.
Tips for Visitors
Package Deals: Packages that combine accommodation and diving trips.
Explore Beyond Diving: Take advantage of the luxury amenities and activities available within the precincts of the resort.
14. Elphinstone Reef
Overview
Located off the Marsa Alam coast, Elphinstone Reef is known for drift dives and encounters with big pelagic species.
Highlights
Shark Encounters: An excellent spot to view hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks.
– Vibrant Marine Life: Being a rich biodiversity site on the reef, it is a marvelous dive site.
Tips for Visitors
– For Experienced Divers: Due to strong currents, this site is best recommended for experienced divers.
– Liveaboard Trips: A liveaboard may be available that makes for an easy visit to this and other nearby dive sites.
15. Abu Galum
Overview
Abu Galum Protected Area is located north of Dahab and represents an underwater landscape with rich marine life beauty.
Highlights
– Practically Virgin Reefs: It contains several pristine coral reefs that are less known, enabling quiet dives.
– Prolific Biodiversity: From different fish species down to healthy coral gardens, divers will see them all.
Tips for Visitors
– Environmental Awareness: Be extremely sensitive with these fragile ecosystems and dive responsibly.
Local Guides: Take note that local guides may be a good resource for uncovering the best spots in the area.
Conclusion
Diving destinations of Egypt are strikingly diverse-from bright coral reefs to shipwrecks, which can be interesting on their own. Whether you prefer the noise of resorts in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada or quieter Dahab and Marsa Alam, there is something to suit every diver’s taste. Now, with all its marine biodiversity and rich history, Egypt is sure to make even the most seasoned diver feel satisfied. So, plan that trip now, get your gear ready, and discover the enchanting underwater world of the Red Sea.
