Scuba Diving in Egypt: A Beginner's Guide
May 30
Are you seeking a unique adventure that will take you deep into the depths of the ocean? Have you been fascinated by marine life and the mysteries that lie beneath the surface? Then perhaps scuba diving could be the perfect activity for you. And what better place to start your underwater exploration than in Egypt? With stunning coral reefs, shipwrecks, and colourful marine creatures, Egypt offers some of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. But if you're new to this exciting sport, you might wonder where to start. In this beginner's guide to scuba diving in Egypt, we'll cover everything you need to know to take the plunge and experience the incredible world beneath the waves. So grab your dive gear and dive into the deep blue sea!
Overview of Egypt's Red Sea as a Scuba Diving Destination
Are you ready to embark on a scuba diving adventure in Egypt's Red Sea? Look no further for a beginner's guide to this exciting destination. Known for its flourishing coral reefs, historic shipwrecks, and impressive pelagics like sharks, the Red Sea is a classic destination for scuba divers. But don't be intimidated by the thrill-seekers - there are also calm conditions with great visibility, perfect for those just starting to learn. Plus, Egypt boasts a variety of exciting destinations with outstanding dive centres and resorts throughout the country.
Not only is diving exceptional in Egypt, but the country itself offers plenty of cultural experiences. Visit the Great Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, or Cairo's Egyptian Museum, along with less crowded sites like Mt. Sinai, the Valley of the Kings, and St. Catherine's Monastery. With hundreds of dive centres, you can find the perfect one to fit your travel style and learning preference. The Red Sea boasts calm conditions and good visibility all year round, which means you have plenty of options for learning no matter where you spend your holiday.
Are your travel companions, not scuba divers? No problem - snorkelling day trips are also available, taking adventurous non-diving guests to some of the region's loveliest reefs. And for those who want to take their diving education to the next level, Egypt offers everything from the wreck, tec, nitrox, and underwater photography specialities to divemaster and instructor courses.
Once certified, stick around for a few extra days of diving to polish your new scuba skills. You'll soon be ready to explore Egypt's more challenging diving areas. And don't forget to take advantage of the Egyptian hospitality, which is incredibly friendly with warm welcomes, endless cups of hot tea, and some of the most upbeat boat crews you'll ever dive with.
Phuket & Phi Phi Islands are great scuba diving destinations, but few locations can compare to the Red Sea. With unparalleled visibility, warm waters, and over 1,000 species of invertebrates and 200 species of soft and hard coral, the Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Spot tropical marine life ranges from the smallest nudibranchs to large pelagics such as dolphins, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks. The diversity of the dive sites is also unmatched - from shallow patch reefs to drift dives and walls, there's something for every diver.
Visit Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula for legendary dive locations such as Ras Mohammed, wrecks like the Thistlegorm, and the Straits of Tiran. It's a popular spot for dive courses and day trips with at least ten other interesting wreck sites and big fish like barracuda, turtles, and eagle rays. Dahab is perfect for those seeking variety in terms of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife, and it's a popular spot for certified divers doing day trips or boarding liveaboards. The sites here include two peaks rising from the depths and are home to grey reef sharks, tuna, barracuda, snapper, and hammerhead sharks. Egypt's Red Sea has something for everyone, regardless of your style or preference. [1][2]
Not only is diving exceptional in Egypt, but the country itself offers plenty of cultural experiences. Visit the Great Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, or Cairo's Egyptian Museum, along with less crowded sites like Mt. Sinai, the Valley of the Kings, and St. Catherine's Monastery. With hundreds of dive centres, you can find the perfect one to fit your travel style and learning preference. The Red Sea boasts calm conditions and good visibility all year round, which means you have plenty of options for learning no matter where you spend your holiday.
Are your travel companions, not scuba divers? No problem - snorkelling day trips are also available, taking adventurous non-diving guests to some of the region's loveliest reefs. And for those who want to take their diving education to the next level, Egypt offers everything from the wreck, tec, nitrox, and underwater photography specialities to divemaster and instructor courses.
Once certified, stick around for a few extra days of diving to polish your new scuba skills. You'll soon be ready to explore Egypt's more challenging diving areas. And don't forget to take advantage of the Egyptian hospitality, which is incredibly friendly with warm welcomes, endless cups of hot tea, and some of the most upbeat boat crews you'll ever dive with.
Phuket & Phi Phi Islands are great scuba diving destinations, but few locations can compare to the Red Sea. With unparalleled visibility, warm waters, and over 1,000 species of invertebrates and 200 species of soft and hard coral, the Red Sea is one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. Spot tropical marine life ranges from the smallest nudibranchs to large pelagics such as dolphins, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks. The diversity of the dive sites is also unmatched - from shallow patch reefs to drift dives and walls, there's something for every diver.
Visit Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula for legendary dive locations such as Ras Mohammed, wrecks like the Thistlegorm, and the Straits of Tiran. It's a popular spot for dive courses and day trips with at least ten other interesting wreck sites and big fish like barracuda, turtles, and eagle rays. Dahab is perfect for those seeking variety in terms of restaurants, hotels, and nightlife, and it's a popular spot for certified divers doing day trips or boarding liveaboards. The sites here include two peaks rising from the depths and are home to grey reef sharks, tuna, barracuda, snapper, and hammerhead sharks. Egypt's Red Sea has something for everyone, regardless of your style or preference. [1][2]
Benefits of Learning to Dive in Egypt's Red Sea
Are you interested in scuba diving? Are you a beginner looking for the perfect destination to learn? Look no further than Egypt's Red Sea! Here are the top benefits of learning to dive in this incredible location:
- A Variety of Dive Sites: Egypt's Red Sea is home to nearly every underwater environment imaginable, from coral reefs to shipwrecks and powerful pelagics like sharks. This means new divers will be spoiled for choice and can find a location that suits their learning needs.
- Ideal for Beginners: While the Red Sea offers challenging diving for experienced divers, many areas also boast calm conditions and great visibility, making them perfect for beginners. This is why so many students come to Egypt to learn and continue their underwater education.
- Professional Dive Centers: Egypt has hundreds of outstanding dive centres and resorts, making finding a place to learn that matches your travel style and preferences easy. And, because divers have been travelling to the Red Sea for decades, you'll find that resorts and hotels are well-connected and experienced when working with new divers.
- Beautiful Seaside Resorts: Besides the stunning underwater world, Egypt's Red Sea has many land-based cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Great Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, and Cairo's Egyptian Museum, as well as less crowded sites like Mt. Sinai, the Valley of the Kings, and St. Catherine's Monastery.
- Warm Hospitality: Egyptian hospitality is incredibly friendly, with warm welcomes, endless cups of hot tea, and some of the most upbeat boat crews you'll ever dive with!
- Ideal for Non-Divers: Are you travelling with friends or family members who don't dive? Don't worry! Most dive sites have areas that are shallow enough to swim and snorkel, and snorkelling day trips are also available to some of the region's loveliest reefs.
- Diving Opportunities All Year Round: Egypt's warm water, ranging from 21°C to 28°C, means that diving is possible all year round. Water visibility ranges from 20-50 meters, making for incredible underwater experiences.
- Marine Life: Egypt's reefs are teeming with life, from bright corals to clouds of fish, hammerheads, and whale sharks, making for unforgettable diving experiences.
There are countless benefits to learning to dive in Egypt's Red Sea. With its variety of dive sites, professional dive centres, stunning seaside resorts and warm hospitality, it's the perfect destination for beginner and experienced divers. Don't miss out on the chance to explore this incredible underwater world and take the first step in your scuba adventure. [3][4]
- A Variety of Dive Sites: Egypt's Red Sea is home to nearly every underwater environment imaginable, from coral reefs to shipwrecks and powerful pelagics like sharks. This means new divers will be spoiled for choice and can find a location that suits their learning needs.
- Ideal for Beginners: While the Red Sea offers challenging diving for experienced divers, many areas also boast calm conditions and great visibility, making them perfect for beginners. This is why so many students come to Egypt to learn and continue their underwater education.
- Professional Dive Centers: Egypt has hundreds of outstanding dive centres and resorts, making finding a place to learn that matches your travel style and preferences easy. And, because divers have been travelling to the Red Sea for decades, you'll find that resorts and hotels are well-connected and experienced when working with new divers.
- Beautiful Seaside Resorts: Besides the stunning underwater world, Egypt's Red Sea has many land-based cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Great Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, and Cairo's Egyptian Museum, as well as less crowded sites like Mt. Sinai, the Valley of the Kings, and St. Catherine's Monastery.
- Warm Hospitality: Egyptian hospitality is incredibly friendly, with warm welcomes, endless cups of hot tea, and some of the most upbeat boat crews you'll ever dive with!
- Ideal for Non-Divers: Are you travelling with friends or family members who don't dive? Don't worry! Most dive sites have areas that are shallow enough to swim and snorkel, and snorkelling day trips are also available to some of the region's loveliest reefs.
- Diving Opportunities All Year Round: Egypt's warm water, ranging from 21°C to 28°C, means that diving is possible all year round. Water visibility ranges from 20-50 meters, making for incredible underwater experiences.
- Marine Life: Egypt's reefs are teeming with life, from bright corals to clouds of fish, hammerheads, and whale sharks, making for unforgettable diving experiences.
There are countless benefits to learning to dive in Egypt's Red Sea. With its variety of dive sites, professional dive centres, stunning seaside resorts and warm hospitality, it's the perfect destination for beginner and experienced divers. Don't miss out on the chance to explore this incredible underwater world and take the first step in your scuba adventure. [3][4]
Wide Range of Dive Centers and Resorts in Egypt
Looking to explore the beautiful underwater world of Egypt? You're in luck! With two coastlines - the Mediterranean and the Red Sea - you'll find an abundance of diverse and spectacular reef systems to choose from. Here's a beginner's guide to diving in Egypt:
- Choose from a wide range of dive centres and resorts: Egypt offers more than 18,000 dive trips worldwide and over 250 vessels to choose from. You can find options that fit any budget and a selection of PADI Dive Centers to book your courses, fun dives, and snorkelling trips.
- Explore the stunning reefs and marine life: Egypt's reefs are teeming with life, with over 1200 species of fish, pelagic life, dugongs, and vividly coloured corals that are unrivalled worldwide. The northern Mediterranean coastline is home to the ruins of the ancient Alexandrian lighthouse, while the Red Sea offers deep wrecks, shallow fringing reefs, archaeological dives, and everything in between.
- Spot a variety of marine life: From whale sharks, turtles, hammerheads, mantas, and Red Sea walkmans to colourful nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish, there's plenty of marine life to discover in Egypt. If Hammerhead sharks or Whale Sharks are on your bucket list, visit between June and August.
- Have fun all year round: Diving in Egypt is possible all year round, with water temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C and visibility from 20-50 meters.
- Explore multiple diving destinations: Explore various dive sites and some cultures by suggesting a holiday split over several locations in Egypt, such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheik, or Marsa Alam.
- Get your PADI certification card: Replace or update your card with a PADI eCard, Special Edition or Project AWARE version of your certification card, or a recycled plastic card.
- Enjoy membership rewards: Join PADI Club and get 20% OFF select PADI eLearning programs, a free online refresher subscription to Scuba Diving magazine, and access to tools and resources curated to enhance your diving experience.
- Follow safe diving practices: adhere to the PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices, consult a dive professional familiar with the site and its present conditions before diving, and respect the marine life and reef systems.
- Find the best dive sites: Egypt offers deep wrecks, shallow fringing reefs, underwater meadows, and archaeological dives. Popular dive sites include SS Thistlegorm, The Rosalie Moller, The Giannis D and more.
Egypt is a fantastic diving destination with so much to explore and discover. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are options for everyone. So grab your weight belt, sling your tank on, and prepare for an unforgettable Red Sea adventure! [5][6]
- Choose from a wide range of dive centres and resorts: Egypt offers more than 18,000 dive trips worldwide and over 250 vessels to choose from. You can find options that fit any budget and a selection of PADI Dive Centers to book your courses, fun dives, and snorkelling trips.
- Explore the stunning reefs and marine life: Egypt's reefs are teeming with life, with over 1200 species of fish, pelagic life, dugongs, and vividly coloured corals that are unrivalled worldwide. The northern Mediterranean coastline is home to the ruins of the ancient Alexandrian lighthouse, while the Red Sea offers deep wrecks, shallow fringing reefs, archaeological dives, and everything in between.
- Spot a variety of marine life: From whale sharks, turtles, hammerheads, mantas, and Red Sea walkmans to colourful nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish, there's plenty of marine life to discover in Egypt. If Hammerhead sharks or Whale Sharks are on your bucket list, visit between June and August.
- Have fun all year round: Diving in Egypt is possible all year round, with water temperatures ranging from 21°C to 28°C and visibility from 20-50 meters.
- Explore multiple diving destinations: Explore various dive sites and some cultures by suggesting a holiday split over several locations in Egypt, such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheik, or Marsa Alam.
- Get your PADI certification card: Replace or update your card with a PADI eCard, Special Edition or Project AWARE version of your certification card, or a recycled plastic card.
- Enjoy membership rewards: Join PADI Club and get 20% OFF select PADI eLearning programs, a free online refresher subscription to Scuba Diving magazine, and access to tools and resources curated to enhance your diving experience.
- Follow safe diving practices: adhere to the PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices, consult a dive professional familiar with the site and its present conditions before diving, and respect the marine life and reef systems.
- Find the best dive sites: Egypt offers deep wrecks, shallow fringing reefs, underwater meadows, and archaeological dives. Popular dive sites include SS Thistlegorm, The Rosalie Moller, The Giannis D and more.
Egypt is a fantastic diving destination with so much to explore and discover. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are options for everyone. So grab your weight belt, sling your tank on, and prepare for an unforgettable Red Sea adventure! [5][6]
Best Time to Scuba Dive in Egypt
Looking to experience the beautiful underwater landscapes of Egypt? Scuba diving is an excellent activity to add to your itinerary. With a variety of locations and options available, Egypt has become a popular destination for divers all over the world. But what is the best time to go diving in Egypt? Whether a beginner or an experienced diver, the best time to go is mid-July to early November. During this time, the waters in the Red Sea are at their clearest and offer optimal visibility for divers. However, diving can be done safely and continuously year-round in Egypt with good weather conditions.
Egypt is known for its stunning and vibrant underwater landscapes filled with various colours and marine life. With diving spots available in areas such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Marsa Alam, tourists can have many different options to choose from. Egypt's resorts have developed to accommodate diving and attract a diverse range of tourists worldwide. Moreover, diving in Egypt is a flexible sport that caters to beginner divers to experienced ones, as well as those who want to relax and explore the tranquil currents of the sea.
If you choose to dive in Egypt, pack accordingly for the time of year you are going. From January to March, a noticeable decrease in water temperature can occur, reaching between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, depending on the direction of the sea and its location in Egypt. Therefore, it might be necessary to bring warm clothing for evenings and sea temperatures. However, the peak season for diving in Egypt is between mid-September to mid-October, which means it will likely be crowded with tourists.
Regarding safety, Egypt is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. Nonetheless, it is advisable to take precautions like not leaving valuables unattended. Overall, diving in Egypt is a great experience for anyone interested in exploring beautiful underwater landscapes. The country offers a full range of diving opportunities, from wrecks to walls to pinnacles and shore dives. Additionally, diving in Egypt can be enjoyed year-round with warm temperatures, clear waters, and visibility ranging from 20-50 meters.
Scuba diving in Egypt is an exciting activity that many tourists enjoy, with many locations and options available. The best time to go diving is between mid-July to early November, with peak times from mid-September to mid-October. With warm temperatures, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Egypt offers visitors a unique diving experience. Remember to pack accordingly, take necessary safety precautions, and enjoy exploring the underwater landscapes of Egypt. [7][8]
Egypt is known for its stunning and vibrant underwater landscapes filled with various colours and marine life. With diving spots available in areas such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Marsa Alam, tourists can have many different options to choose from. Egypt's resorts have developed to accommodate diving and attract a diverse range of tourists worldwide. Moreover, diving in Egypt is a flexible sport that caters to beginner divers to experienced ones, as well as those who want to relax and explore the tranquil currents of the sea.
If you choose to dive in Egypt, pack accordingly for the time of year you are going. From January to March, a noticeable decrease in water temperature can occur, reaching between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, depending on the direction of the sea and its location in Egypt. Therefore, it might be necessary to bring warm clothing for evenings and sea temperatures. However, the peak season for diving in Egypt is between mid-September to mid-October, which means it will likely be crowded with tourists.
Regarding safety, Egypt is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. Nonetheless, it is advisable to take precautions like not leaving valuables unattended. Overall, diving in Egypt is a great experience for anyone interested in exploring beautiful underwater landscapes. The country offers a full range of diving opportunities, from wrecks to walls to pinnacles and shore dives. Additionally, diving in Egypt can be enjoyed year-round with warm temperatures, clear waters, and visibility ranging from 20-50 meters.
Scuba diving in Egypt is an exciting activity that many tourists enjoy, with many locations and options available. The best time to go diving is between mid-July to early November, with peak times from mid-September to mid-October. With warm temperatures, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Egypt offers visitors a unique diving experience. Remember to pack accordingly, take necessary safety precautions, and enjoy exploring the underwater landscapes of Egypt. [7][8]
Popular Dive Sites and Wrecks in Egypt's Red Sea
Picture yourself diving in Egypt's Red Sea, gliding along a deep reef wall adorned with brightly coloured soft and hard corals. The warm water envelops you, and the visibility is over 100 feet. The currents are minimal, and the chance of spotting whale sharks, turtles, hammerheads, and mantas is high. Egypt has been blessed with two coastlines, the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, popular among scuba divers. The waters in the Red Sea are teeming with biodiversity rarely seen elsewhere, making it a bucket-list trip for divers worldwide. Jacques Cousteau was so impressed by the bounty he found underwater here that he attempted to make a submerged village in the southern Red Sea. The best part about diving in Egypt is that there is enough variation to keep you, your buddy, and your whole dive group happy.
Egypt offers reef lovers a myriad of fringing and offshore reefs to choose from. The corals here are adapted to temperatures that reach and even exceed 82 degrees, which makes the colours more vibrant than in other parts of the world. Even first-time visitors to the Red Sea notice and appreciate its unique beauty. The Red Sea is not only one of the warmest seas in the world, but it's also one of the saltiest. This means there is marine life that can't be found anywhere else, such as the Red Sea Walkman, which walks on all six of its legs. Macro-life enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot colourful nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, and the notorious harlequin shrimp. The Red Sea also offers divers the chance to spot the incredibly shy leopard blenny hiding behind hard corals. Muck divers will enjoy combing the seagrass meadows in Dahab and Marsa Alam to look for all the weird little creatures hiding away.
Divers in Egypt's Red Sea also have plenty of wreck diving opportunities, making your dive trip even more adventurous. The most famous wreck is the SS Thistlegorm, a remarkably well-preserved wreck that lies upright at 100 feet courtesy of the Third Reich. D divers discover rows upon rows of Norton motorbikes, cars, army jeeps, and more inside the wreck. Famous wrecks include The Rosalie Moller, The Giannis D, and the eerie Salem Express. However, great liveaboard or day trips to unique dive sites are plenty, including Ras Mohammed, the Straits of Tiran, Yolanda Reef, and other unique spots offering shallow patch reefs, drift dives, and walls. The dive location Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula offers the best of what Red Sea scuba diving has to offer with legendary dive locations, such as Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran, which are easily accessible from the town.
Egypt's Red Sea is a diverse paradise with abundant marine life and varying dive spots that cater to new and advanced divers. While diving in the Red Sea, you can enjoy healthy reefs, wrecks, wall dives, drift diving, caverns, and much more. You can also indulge in some non-diving activities, such as exploring restaurants, hotels, and nightlife spots in nearby towns. Experienced scuba instructors recommend Red Sea diving sites, depending on your interests and expertise, and can guide you to have the best diving experience. [9][10]
Egypt offers reef lovers a myriad of fringing and offshore reefs to choose from. The corals here are adapted to temperatures that reach and even exceed 82 degrees, which makes the colours more vibrant than in other parts of the world. Even first-time visitors to the Red Sea notice and appreciate its unique beauty. The Red Sea is not only one of the warmest seas in the world, but it's also one of the saltiest. This means there is marine life that can't be found anywhere else, such as the Red Sea Walkman, which walks on all six of its legs. Macro-life enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot colourful nudibranchs, seahorses, frogfish, and the notorious harlequin shrimp. The Red Sea also offers divers the chance to spot the incredibly shy leopard blenny hiding behind hard corals. Muck divers will enjoy combing the seagrass meadows in Dahab and Marsa Alam to look for all the weird little creatures hiding away.
Divers in Egypt's Red Sea also have plenty of wreck diving opportunities, making your dive trip even more adventurous. The most famous wreck is the SS Thistlegorm, a remarkably well-preserved wreck that lies upright at 100 feet courtesy of the Third Reich. D divers discover rows upon rows of Norton motorbikes, cars, army jeeps, and more inside the wreck. Famous wrecks include The Rosalie Moller, The Giannis D, and the eerie Salem Express. However, great liveaboard or day trips to unique dive sites are plenty, including Ras Mohammed, the Straits of Tiran, Yolanda Reef, and other unique spots offering shallow patch reefs, drift dives, and walls. The dive location Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula offers the best of what Red Sea scuba diving has to offer with legendary dive locations, such as Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran, which are easily accessible from the town.
Egypt's Red Sea is a diverse paradise with abundant marine life and varying dive spots that cater to new and advanced divers. While diving in the Red Sea, you can enjoy healthy reefs, wrecks, wall dives, drift diving, caverns, and much more. You can also indulge in some non-diving activities, such as exploring restaurants, hotels, and nightlife spots in nearby towns. Experienced scuba instructors recommend Red Sea diving sites, depending on your interests and expertise, and can guide you to have the best diving experience. [9][10]