Hurghada Excursions – Sightseeing Tours & Day Trips
Red Sea Egypt – Your Dream Dive
Red Sea Egypt – Your Dream Dive
Discover Red Sea dive sites in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, PADI training, reef wildlife, diving packages, safety and best seasons.
The Red Sea is One of the World’s Greatest Dive Destinations — and It’s Right Here in Egypt
01.What Is the Red Sea? — Geography, Facts & Why It’s Extraordinary
Where is the Red Sea located? The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It connects to the Indian Ocean in the south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and to the Mediterranean Sea in the north through the Suez Canal. Is there a Red Sea in Egypt? Yes — Egypt has the longest Red Sea coastline of any bordering country, stretching over 1,800 km from Suez in the north to the Sudanese border in the south, including both the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba.
Why is it called the Red Sea? The origin of the name is debated among historians and scientists. The most widely accepted explanation relates to seasonal algal blooms of Trichodesmium erythraeum — cyanobacteria that appear reddish-brown when they bloom near the surface, giving the water a distinctive colour in certain conditions. Other theories link the name to ancient colour-based compass directions (red = south in some Middle Eastern traditions) or to the reddish-tinted mountains along the Arabian shore.
Year-round water temp
17% found nowhere else
Egypt’s Red Sea coastline
Globally ranked dive destination
02.Red Sea Diving Hurghada — The Best Dive Sites
Red Sea diving Hurghada is the most accessible world-class diving available to visitors staying in Egypt’s most popular Red Sea resort. Hurghada sits directly on the Egyptian Red Sea coast, with the finest dive sites accessible by boat in 10–60 minutes. The dive sites range from shallow reefs ideal for beginners and snorkellers to dramatic walls, wrecks, and open-water drift dives for experienced divers.
Giftun Island & Orange Bay
Best For: All Levels · Snorkelling · Fun Diving
Giftun Island’s protected reef system — 30 km from Hurghada, part of Giftun Island National Park. Vibrant hard and soft corals, clownfish, moray eels, parrotfish, and occasional reef sharks. Orange Bay is the finest shallow reef accessible from Hurghada. Depth: 3–25 metres.
Best For: Advanced Divers · History · Wreck Diving
Voted the world’s best dive site multiple times — a British WWII cargo ship sunk in 1941, lying at 30 metres depth in the Strait of Gubal. The hold contains motorcycles, trucks, rifles, boots, and train carriages. A time capsule frozen at 1941. Advanced certification required. Day trip from Hurghada.
Sha’ab Abu Nuhas Reefs
Best For: Intermediate+ · Multiple Wrecks
A reef that has claimed four cargo ships — four wrecks in one location. The Giannis D (Greek cargo ship, 1983), the Carnatic (1869 British mail ship), the Chrisoula K, and the Kimon M. Each wreck is distinct; each is covered in coral and fish. Spectacular wall dives between wrecks.
Erg Somaya & Abu Ramada
Best For: All Levels · Sea Turtles · Beginner Friendly
Close to Hurghada — 20 minutes by boat. Erg Somaya is a coral pinnacle famous for regular sea turtle encounters; Abu Ramada is a gentle shallow reef where green sea turtles are commonly seen resting on the coral. Excellent for first-time divers and snorkellers.
Dolphin House (Sha’ab El Erg)
Best For: All Levels · Spinner Dolphins · Snorkelling
One of the Red Sea’s most beloved dive sites — home to a permanent resident pod of 100+ spinner dolphins. Divers and snorkellers can enter the water and watch the dolphins interact at close range. The coral reef below is extraordinarily healthy. 45 minutes from Hurghada by boat.
Abu Nuhas “City of Wrecks”
Best For: Wreck Divers · History · Photography
The Egyptian Red Sea’s most extraordinary wreck dive — where four historic cargo ships rest in the same coral reef, each from a different era. The combination of history, marine life colonising the wrecks, and the dramatic underwater topography makes this one of the finest dive sites in the world.
From €25 — Snorkelling · From €35 — Introductory Dive · From €280 — PADI Open Water
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03.Red Sea Diving Sharm El Sheikh — Sinai’s Legendary Dive Sites
Red Sea diving Sharm El Sheikh represents Egypt’s other world-class diving hub — located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Gulf of Aqaba meets the Red Sea. Sharm’s dive sites are generally deeper, more dramatic, and more current-exposed than Hurghada’s — producing encounters with larger pelagic species (hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks) alongside the same extraordinary coral biodiversity.
Egypt’s first national marine park — two legendary dive sites: Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef. Dramatic walls dropping 800 metres, powerful currents, and the famous Yolanda wreck (a cargo ship carrying bathroom fittings — toilets still visible on the reef). Hammerhead sharks regularly seen.
The most dramatic shark dive in the Red Sea — a vertical wall dropping into the blue where oceanic whitetip sharks and hammerheads patrol. Not for the faint-hearted and not for beginners. One of the great advanced dive experiences in the world.
The world’s most famous (and most notorious) dive site — a 100-metre deep cylindrical blue hole on the Sinai shore. Shore diving access directly from the beach. The shallow rim (6–15 metres) is genuinely beautiful and safe for all levels. The deep centre is for technical divers only. The most Instagrammed dive site in the Red Sea.
Four dive sites around Tiran Island — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon Reefs — each with strong currents, dramatic walls, and extraordinary fish populations. Reef sharks and eagle rays frequently seen. Best for intermediate to advanced divers.
04.Red Sea Dive Sites Map — Where to Dive in Egypt
The Red Sea dive sites map of Egypt covers three primary dive zones — each with distinct character, accessibility, and marine life profiles:
| Zone | Key Sites | Best For | Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Red Sea | Giftun Island, Orange Bay, Thistlegorm, Abu Nuhas | All levels · Wrecks · Beginners | Hurghada |
| Gulf of Aqaba / Sinai | Ras Mohammed, Blue Hole, Tiran Islands | Sharks · Walls · Advanced | Sharm El Sheikh |
| Southern Red Sea | Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone, Brothers Islands | Hammerheads · Oceanic life · Safari | Marsa Alam / Liveaboard |
| Far South / Brothers | Big Brother, Little Brother, Zabargad | Whale sharks · Advanced · Liveaboard only | Liveaboard from Hurghada |
05.Red Sea Diving Packages & Scuba Diving Egypt Red Sea Prices
The scuba diving Egypt Red Sea prices through Hurghada To Go are among the most competitive available for the quality of instruction, equipment, and sites offered. Here is the complete price guide:
| Experience | Listed price | What’s included / conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkelling Trip | €25 per person | Equipment, boat and guide; Giftun Island, Orange Bay or Dolphin House |
| Introductory Dive | €35 per person | One instructor-supervised dive and equipment; no certificate required |
| Fun Diving (2 dives) | €55 per person | For certified divers; two guided dives, equipment, boat breakfast and lunch |
| Thistlegorm Wreck Dive | €85 per person | Advanced certification required; two wreck dives, equipment and meals |
| PADI Open Water Course | €280 per person (guide price) | Three days; theory, pool sessions and four open-water dives; package details must be confirmed |
| Red Sea Diving Safari | €150 per person/day | Full-board liveaboard for 4–7 days; three to four dives daily |
The general diving guide lists PADI Open Water from €280, while our detailed three-day PADI course guide lists an all-inclusive €350 option. These figures should not be treated as interchangeable: please confirm the exact course package and included services before booking.
06.Red Sea Diving Safari — The Liveaboard Adventure
The Red Sea Diving Safari — a liveaboard dive trip spending multiple days and nights on a purpose-built dive boat — is the ultimate Red Sea Egypt experience for serious divers. The liveaboard format gives access to dive sites that are unreachable on day trips from the shore: the Brothers Islands (Big Brother and Little Brother) in the far southern Red Sea, Elphinstone Reef (one of the world’s great oceanic dive sites), Zabargad, and the Rocky Island — all in areas where hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks, and oceanic whitetips are regularly encountered.
Live onboard — 4 to 7 nights aboard a dedicated dive vessel with cabins, dining, and all equipment.
3–4 dives daily — morning, afternoon, and optional night dives at sites inaccessible from shore.
Pelagic encounters — hammerheads, whale sharks, oceanic whitetips, thresher sharks at the Brothers and Elphinstone.
Wrecks included — SS Thistlegorm, the Abu Nuhas wrecks, and often the Salem Express (a sensitive site but extraordinary dive).
UK Diver Note — Red Sea Safari Booking: Contact Hurghada To Go via WhatsApp or email to discuss current liveaboard availability. Red Sea diving safari boats fill up 4–8 weeks ahead for peak season (September–November for shark season at the Brothers; December–April for optimal overall conditions). We can recommend the best vessel for your experience level, preferred dive sites, and travel dates.
07.PADI Courses in Hurghada — Learn to Dive in the Red Sea
Hurghada is one of the world’s finest locations to learn to dive — warm water, exceptional visibility, calm conditions, and a choice of shallow training reefs that make the learning process enjoyable rather than intimidating. The PADI Open Water Diver course is the world’s most recognised diving certification, valid at dive centres worldwide, and the Red Sea is an extraordinary place to earn it.
| PADI Course | Duration | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discover Scuba (Intro) | Half day | €35 | 1 supervised dive, no certification — perfect for beginners testing the water |
| PADI Open Water | 3 days | €280 | Full PADI certification — dive worldwide to 18 metres |
| PADI Advanced OW | 2 days | €220 | Extends depth to 30 metres — includes navigation and deep dive specialities |
| PADI Rescue Diver | 3 days | €280 | The most comprehensive recreational diving course — first aid + rescue training |
08.Red Sea Marine Life — What You Will See on Your Dream Dive
The Red Sea is one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments — and crucially, it has retained this diversity better than most coral reef systems globally because of its relative isolation, warm stable temperature, and high salinity. Approximately 17% of Red Sea fish species are found nowhere else on Earth. Here is what you can realistically expect to encounter on a Red Sea diving Egypt experience:
Green Sea Turtles — regularly resting on coral at Erg Somaya and Abu Ramada. Comfortable around divers. One of the most beloved encounters in Hurghada diving.
Spinner Dolphins — permanent resident pod at Dolphin House (Sha’ab El Erg). 100+ dolphins that actively approach divers and snorkellers.
Reef Sharks — white-tip and black-tip reef sharks are common at deeper sites around Hurghada. Non-aggressive, genuinely beautiful to observe.
Eagle Rays — spotted eagle rays are frequently seen at Tiran Islands and Ras Mohammed, gliding in elegant formation.
Clownfish — the Nemo fish in their anemones are found at virtually every reef in Hurghada. A guaranteed encounter at any depth.
Octopus — found hiding in coral crevices at every Hurghada site. Your guide will spot them; without guidance, most divers swim past completely unaware.
Giant Moray Eels — common at all coral sites, peering from crevices. Can reach 3 metres in length. Harmless unless provoked.
Lionfish — one of the Red Sea’s most spectacular (and venomous) fish. Strikingly beautiful. Do not touch — the spines are extremely painful.
Hammerhead Sharks (Safari) — encountered at the Brothers Islands and Elphinstone on liveaboard safaris. One of the world’s great shark diving experiences.
Whale Sharks — seasonal visitors to the Far South Red Sea (Brothers, Zabargad). The largest fish on Earth. Completely harmless filter feeders. Breathtaking.
09.Is It Safe? — Red Sea Swimming & Diving Safety Guide
Is it safe to swim in the Red Sea in Egypt? Yes — for the vast majority of visitors at designated resort beaches and managed dive sites in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, swimming and diving in the Red Sea is completely safe. The Red Sea is calm, warm, and extremely clear. Designated swimming areas at Hurghada resorts are supervised and clearly marked with buoys.
Why is the Red Sea considered dangerous? The reputation for danger comes from specific, well-documented situations: shark attacks at Sharm El Sheikh in 2010 (linked to illegal dumping attracting pelagic sharks into shallow water — a situation that has since been managed), strong currents at specific advanced dive sites (the Blue Hole’s “Arch,” Ras Mohammed’s walls), and the general dangers of scuba diving if proper safety protocols are not followed. These are not dangers for resort swimmers or guided divers.
Red Sea Safety — Standard Guidelines
- Always dive with a PADI-certified guide or instructor — never dive alone in the Red Sea
- Respect coral reefs — no touching, no standing on coral, no collecting shells or organisms
- Do not feed fish — disrupts natural behaviour and can attract predatory species
- Follow your guide’s depth and time limits — all Hurghada To Go dive guides are certified and experienced
- Swim in designated areas at resorts — beach flags indicate safe swimming zones
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen — standard sunscreen damages coral reefs; reef-safe formulations are required at most Egyptian marine parks
10.Red Sea Egypt Weather — Best Time to Dive
Red Sea Egypt weather is essentially favourable for diving year-round — water temperature never drops below 22°C and visibility is consistently high. The Red Sea is one of the very few dive destinations in the world where there is genuinely no “bad season.” The choice of timing depends on what you specifically want to see: hammerhead and oceanic shark encounters peak September–November; mantas and whale sharks are most common March–May; winter offers the best visibility and the most comfortable air temperatures for non-beach activities.
11.Reviews — Dream Dive Experiences in the Red Sea Egypt
“Had never dived before. My wife convinced me to try the introductory dive at Hurghada and it completely changed my life. Within 10 minutes underwater I understood why people become obsessed with diving. We came back the following week and completed the full PADI Open Water course. The Red Sea visibility is extraordinary — nothing could prepare me for the colour and abundance of the reef. Book through Hurghada To Go — brilliant instructors.”
“The SS Thistlegorm wreck is the single greatest dive of my 15 years of scuba diving. Motorcycles, trucks, train carriages — all perfectly preserved at 30 metres, covered in coral and surrounded by thousands of fish. The WWII cargo holds feel like a time capsule. The dive guide was exceptional — knew every part of the wreck and gave us maximum time in the most interesting sections. Booked through Hurghada To Go, perfectly organised.”
“Took the family snorkelling at Dolphin House — 10-year-old twins. The dolphin pod was absolutely extraordinary — 80+ spinner dolphins surrounding us in the water, completely at ease. My children have not stopped talking about it in the three months since. The Red Sea Egypt is an entirely different world from the ancient sites — and equally extraordinary. The combination of history and ocean made our Hurghada holiday unforgettable.”
12.10 Insider Tips for Your Red Sea Dream Dive
Always do an introductory dive before committing to a full PADI course
The introductory dive (€35) gives you the actual underwater experience with no commitment. Most people who try it want to do the full course immediately. But confirming you love it before investing €280 is sensible. Hurghada To Go offers the intro dive as a standalone experience — no pressure to continue.
Book the Thistlegorm trip on a quiet day
The SS Thistlegorm is visited by many dive boats simultaneously on busy days — particularly in peak season. Ask our team to recommend the least crowded days. Midweek, low season, and the first boat of the morning all produce significantly better experiences on this extraordinary wreck.
Dolphins at Dolphin House are best in the early morning
The spinner dolphin pod at Sha’ab El Erg is resident year-round but most active and closest to the surface in the morning hours (07:00–10:00). Afternoon visits are still good but the pod is often in deeper water or further from the reef. Book the earliest available morning departure.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Standard chemical sunscreens are damaging to coral reefs and are prohibited in Egyptian marine national parks (Giftun Island, Ras Mohammed). Reef-safe mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide based) are available in Hurghada pharmacies and dive shops. Apply before leaving the hotel rather than on the boat.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended October–May
Water temperature is comfortable without a wetsuit in summer (June–September at 27–29°C) but a 3mm wetsuit is strongly recommended October–May when water cools to 22–24°C. After an hour underwater, even 24°C feels cold without protection. All equipment including wetsuits is provided on Hurghada To Go tours.
Complete the PADI eLearning before arrival
The PADI Open Water course includes a theory component that can be completed online before you arrive in Hurghada via PADI’s eLearning system. Doing this in advance saves approximately 4–6 hours of classroom time in Hurghada, allowing more water time over the 3-day course. Ask our team for the eLearning link when booking.
The Red Sea diving safari requires Advanced OW certification minimum
The Brothers Islands, Elphinstone, and other deep pelagic sites on the diving safari require PADI Advanced Open Water certification at minimum, and some sites require Rescue Diver. If you are Open Water only, these sites are not accessible. Ask our team — we can recommend which safari routes are appropriate for your certification level.
Underwater cameras — bring your own or hire
Hurghada dive centres offer underwater camera hire but quality varies. A GoPro with a red filter (removes the blue cast from underwater video) produces far superior results. Renting a GoPro from a reputable supplier in Hurghada is the most practical option for non-photographers who want to capture the experience.
Seasickness — take precautions for offshore trips
The Thistlegorm, Giftun Island, and any diving safari involve open-water boat travel. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication the night before (Stugeron or Kwells from UK pharmacies, or Dramamine from Hurghada pharmacies). The Red Sea is generally calm but the open water crossing to the Thistlegorm can be choppy.
Non-divers are equally welcome
Snorkelling at Dolphin House, Orange Bay, and Giftun Island is extraordinary — you do not need to dive to experience the Red Sea Egypt . Glass-bottom boat tours are available for guests who cannot snorkel. Every Hurghada To Go Red Sea excursion accommodates both divers and non-divers simultaneously on the same boat.
13.Frequently Asked Questions — Red Sea Egypt Dream Dive
Is it worth going to the Red Sea in Egypt?
Yes — the Red Sea Egypt is consistently ranked among the world’s top five dive destinations. With year-round water temperatures of 22–29°C, visibility regularly exceeding 30 metres, extraordinary coral biodiversity, and world-class dive sites including the SS Thistlegorm wreck and Dolphin House, it is genuinely one of the finest marine environments on Earth. For non-divers, snorkelling, glass-bottom boats, beach experiences, and dolphin encounters at Dolphin House make the Red Sea equally rewarding.
Is it safe to swim in the Red Sea in Egypt?
Yes — swimming and diving in the Red Sea at designated resort beaches and managed dive sites in Hurghada is completely safe for the vast majority of visitors. The Red Sea is calm, warm, and clear. Designated swimming areas at Hurghada resorts are supervised. The occasional stories of Red Sea danger refer to specific advanced dive sites (the Blue Hole arch, Ras Mohammed walls) and a specific isolated incident at Sharm El Sheikh in 2010 — neither applies to normal resort swimming or guided diving in Hurghada.
What are the scuba diving Egypt Red Sea prices?
Scuba diving Egypt Red Sea prices through Hurghada To Go : Snorkelling trip from €25 pp (includes equipment, boat, guide). Introductory dive (no certification, 1 dive) from €35 pp. Fun diving 2 dives from €55 pp. SS Thistlegorm wreck dive from €85 pp. PADI Open Water certification course from €280 pp. Red Sea Diving Safari (liveaboard, full board) from €150 pp per day. All prices include equipment unless otherwise stated.
Where is the Red Sea located and which countries does it border?
The Red Sea is located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting to the Indian Ocean in the south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal in the north. The countries bordering the Red Sea are: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea (west/African coast) and Saudi Arabia, Yemen (east/Arabian coast), with Jordan and Israel at the very northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. Egypt has the longest Red Sea coastline of any bordering country — over 1,800 km including both the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba (Sinai Peninsula).
What is the Red Sea Diving Resort on Netflix?
The Red Sea Diving Resort (Netflix, 2019) is a thriller film starring Chris Evans, based on a true story. It depicts a covert Mossad (Israeli intelligence) operation in the 1980s that used a fake diving resort on the Sudanese coast of the Red Sea as cover for smuggling Ethiopian Jewish refugees to safety in Israel. The film is set in Sudan, not Egypt, and concerns an entirely different — though remarkable — story from the Red Sea’s recent history. The real Red Sea diving resort experience available through Hurghada To Go involves considerably more actual diving and considerably less geopolitical intrigue.
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