The best places to scuba dive in Egypt: Best diving sites in the Red Sea & how to learn to dive

Egypt is home to some of the world's most breathtaking scuba diving destinations. The Red Sea is a scuba diver's paradise with crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting, Egypt has something to offer everyone.

In this article, we'll explore the best diving sites in the Red Sea and give you tips on how to learn to dive so that you can experience the underwater wonderland for yourself. Get ready to discover the beauty of Egypt's underwater world!

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The history of scuba diving in Egypt

Scuba diving in Egypt is a popular activity that has been around for centuries. It's a great way to explore the country's many underwater wonders, from ancient ruins to colorful coral reefs. The history of scuba diving in Egypt dates back to the early 1900s when divers first began exploring the Red Sea. Since then, it has become a popular destination for divers of all levels and experiences.

In the early days of scuba diving in Egypt, divers used primitive equipment and techniques far less advanced than today. Divers had to rely on their strength and skill to navigate the water and find their way around underwater obstacles. They also had to be careful to avoid getting lost or running out of air while exploring. Despite these challenges, divers were able to explore some of the most beautiful sites in the world.

French explorer Jacques Cousteau did the first recorded dive in Egypt in 1933. Two other divers accompanied him, and they explored an area off the coast of Alexandria known as Abu Qir Bay. This dive was considered a significant milestone in the history of scuba diving as it opened up new possibilities for exploration and discovery. 

Since then, scuba diving has become increasingly popular in Egypt due to its many attractions, such as stunning coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, and ancient ruins uncovered beneath the waves. The Red Sea is particularly well-known for its abundant marine life, which includes dolphins, sharks, turtles, rays, eels and more than 1,000 species of fish! 

Egypt is also home to some of the world's best dive sites, including Ras Mohammed National Park, which is located near Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula; Hurghada, which is home to several wrecks; Dahab, which is renowned for its colorful coral gardens; Elphinstone Reef which offers spectacular drift dives; and St John's Reef which is known for its walls filled with vibrant corals and sea creatures. 

In addition to these fantastic dive sites, there are also numerous wrecks scattered throughout Egyptian waters, such as Thistlegorm off Sharm El Sheikh, which was sunk during World War II; Dunraven off Hurghada, which sank during a storm in 1876; Salem Express off Safaga which sunk after hitting an uncharted reef in 1991; Giannis D off Marsa Alam which sank after hitting an underwater minefield during World War II; and Numidia off Port Ghalib which sank after hitting a reef during a storm in 1901. 

Why scuba divers love the Red Sea

First and foremost, the visibility in the Red Sea is simply unparalleled. The water is so clear that you can easily spot fish from far away. This makes it easy to explore the depths of the sea without having to worry about getting lost or missing something important. The clarity of the water also allows you to take in all of the beautiful colors and textures of the coral reefs and other marine life up close. 

The marine life in the Red Sea is also incredible. From colorful reef fish to majestic manta rays, there's something for everyone here. Even if you're not a fan of fish, you'll still be able to appreciate all the different species that call this area home. There are also plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and swimming with dolphins or whale sharks if that's more your speed! 

The coral reefs in this area are also some of the most beautiful in all of Egypt. They provide a perfect habitat for various species and offer breathtaking sights from below. Many divers come here just for this reason alone! 

Finally, plenty of dive sites in this area cater to all levels of experience and skill. Whether you're looking for an easy dive or an advanced one, there's sure to be something here that will suit your needs perfectly. Plus, with so many dive sites available, you'll always enjoy exploring them all! 

Marsa Alam scuba dive sites

Marsa Alam, located on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, is a popular destination for scuba divers due to its clear waters and abundant marine life. Here are some of the best scuba dive sites to explore in Marsa Alam:

• Elphinstone Reef - A world-famous dive site, Elphinstone Reef is a stunning underwater pinnacle with sheer drop-offs and colorful coral gardens. This site is home to various marine life, including hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, and barracudas.
• Dolphin House - As the name suggests, Dolphin House is a great place to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. Divers can also explore the coral reefs and see a wide variety of fish, including moray eels, lionfish, and butterflyfish.
• Abu Dabab - Abu Dabab is known for its resident dugongs, or sea cows, often spotted feeding on the seagrass. This site is also home to green sea turtles, giant moray eels, and schools of colorful fish.
• Samadai Reef - Also known as the "Dolphin House," Samadai Reef is a protected marine park where dolphins are known to gather in large numbers. Divers can also explore the coral gardens and see various fish and marine life, including sea turtles and giant clams.
• Fury Shoals - A group of reefs and small islands, Fury Shoals is a popular destination for experienced divers. This site is home to various marine life, including schools of colorful fish, rays, and reef sharks.

Sharm el Sheikh scuba dive sites

Sharm el Sheikh is a popular scuba diving destination on Egypt's southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, Sharm el Sheikh has various dive sites for all skill levels. Here are some of the best scuba dive sites to explore in Sharm el Sheikh:

• Ras Mohammed National Park - This protected marine park is home to some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world, including Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef. Divers can see marine life, including reef sharks, barracudas, and turtles.
• Thistlegorm - One of the most famous wreck dives in the world, the Thistlegorm is a British freighter sunk by German bombers in 1941. Divers can explore the cargo holds and see the remains of trucks, motorcycles, and other military equipment.
• Tiran Island - Located in the Strait of Tiran, Tiran Island has several dive sites, including Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Thomas Reef. Divers can see various marine life, including schools of colorful fish, rays, and reef sharks.
• Shark Bay - Despite its name, Shark Bay is a safe and popular dive site for beginners. Divers can see marine life, including reef sharks, barracudas, and turtles.
• Ras Umm Sid - This popular dive site has a variety of coral formations and marine life, including rays, moray eels, and schools of fish.

Dahab scuba diving & the blue hole

Dahab is a small town located on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt and is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts due to its stunning coral reefs and clear waters. The town is known for its laid-back vibe and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after a day of diving. One of the most famous dive sites in Dahab is the Blue Hole, which attracts divers worldwide.

The Blue Hole is a natural underwater sinkhole over 300 feet deep, with a narrow opening at the surface. This unique formation creates a vertical tunnel leading to a large underwater cave. While the Blue Hole is an incredible dive site, it is also considered one of the most dangerous due to its depth and strong currents.

Aside from the Blue Hole, Dahab has many other great dive sites to explore, including:

• Canyon - A natural underwater canyon home to various marine life, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and moray eels.
• Eel Garden - This dive site is known for its large population of garden eels that live on the sandy bottom.
• Islands - This dive site is made up of several small islands home to various marine life, including turtles, rays, and reef sharks.
• Lighthouse - This dive site is located near the Dahab Lighthouse and has a variety of coral formations and marine life, including lionfish and octopuses.
• Three Pools - This dive site has a series of shallow coral pools home to various colorful fish and marine life.

Hurghada scuba dive sites

Hurghada is a popular resort town located on the Red Sea coast of Egypt and an excellent scuba diving destination. With its clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Hurghada has various dive sites for all skill levels. Here are some of the best scuba dive sites to explore in Hurghada:

• Abu Nuhas - This reef is home to several shipwrecks, including the Chrisoula K and the Giannis D. Divers can explore the wrecks and see a variety of marine life, including schools of fish and rays.
• Giftun Island - Located just off the coast of Hurghada, Giftun Island has several dive sites, including Small Giftun and Big Giftun. Divers can see marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and moray eels.
• Umm Gamar - This reef is known for its coral formations and marine life, including schools of barracuda, tuna, and snappers.
• El Fanadir - This dive site has several coral pinnacles home to various marine life, including rays, turtles, and reef sharks.
• Salem Express - Another famous shipwreck, the Salem Express, was a ferry that sank in 1991. Divers can explore the wreckage and see the remains of cars, trucks, and other cargo.

El Gouna scuba dive sites

El Gouna is a beautiful resort town located on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, and it's a great destination for scuba diving. With its clear waters and colorful coral reefs, El Gouna has various dive sites for all skill levels. Here are some of the best scuba dive sites to explore in El Gouna:

• Abu Ramada - Located just off the coast of El Gouna, Abu Ramada has a variety of coral formations and marine life, including schools of fish, turtles, and rays.
• Shaab El Erg - This dive site is known for its sandy bottom and large population of dolphins. Divers can swim with the dolphins and see other marine life, including reef sharks and turtles.
• Umm Gamar South - This dive site is part of the Umm Gamar reef system and is known for its colorful coral formations and marine life, including barracudas and moray eels.
• Carless Reef - This reef is home to various marine life, including octopuses, scorpionfish, and stonefish.
• Abu Hashish - This dive site is located just south of El Gouna and has a variety of coral formations and marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, and schools of colorful fish.

The type of marine life you will see when scuba diving in Egypt

One of the most common types of marine life you will see when scuba diving in Egypt is fish. There are over 1,200 species of fish in Egyptian waters, ranging from small reef fish to large pelagic species. Commonly seen species include parrotfish, wrasse, barracuda, grouper and snapper. You may even be lucky to spot a moray eel or a shark! 

In addition to fish, you can also expect to see an array of colorful coral reefs when scuba diving in Egypt. The country is home to some of the world's most diverse and vibrant coral reefs. From soft corals like leather and sea fans to hard corals like brain corals and staghorn corals, there's something for everyone! 

You may even spot some larger creatures while scuba diving in Egypt if you're lucky enough. Dolphins are often seen playing around dive sites, and if you're fortunate, you may even spot a whale shark or manta ray! Turtles are also commonly seen swimming around dive sites, and octopuses and squid hide among the rocks. 

Egypt is also home to some unique species that can only be found in its waters, such as the Red Sea Anemonefish (also known as clownfish), which can only be found along the Red Sea coast. Several endemic species, such as the Egyptian Butterfly Fish, are only found along the Mediterranean coast.

Where are the best coral reefs for scuba diving in Egypt?

Egypt is known for its incredible coral reefs, and the Red Sea is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Here are some of the best coral reefs for scuba diving in Egypt:

• Ras Mohammed National Park - Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed National Park is one of Egypt's most famous dive sites. The park is home to various coral reefs and marine life, including schools of colorful fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
• Tiran Island is located in the northern part of the Red Sea and is home to several dive sites, including Jackson Reef and Woodhouse Reef. Divers can see marine life, including barracudas, reef sharks, and dolphins.
• Abu Nuhas - This reef is located near the port of Safaga and is home to several shipwrecks, including the Giannis D and the Carnatic. Divers can explore the wrecks and see a variety of marine life, including schools of fish and rays.
• Brothers Islands - This pair of islands is located in the middle of the Red Sea and is home to several dive sites, including the Aida II shipwreck and the Numidia shipwreck. Divers can see various marine life, including sharks, turtles, and schools of fish.
• Elphinstone Reef - This reef is located near Marsa Alam and is known for its steep walls and colorful coral formations. Divers can see marine life, including reef sharks, dolphins, and turtles.

What other wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm can I explore when scuba diving in Egypt?

Egypt is home to a variety of shipwrecks that are popular among scuba diving enthusiasts. Here are some other wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm that you can explore when scuba diving in Egypt:

• Dunraven - This British steamship sank in 1876 near Ras Mohammed National Park. The wreck is located in shallow water and is home to various marine life, including turtles and moray eels.
• Rosalie Moller - This British cargo ship sank in 1941 near Abu Nuhas Reef. The wreck is intact and home to various marine life, including barracudas and groupers.
• Salem Express - This ferry sank in 1991 near Hurghada, one of Egypt's most recent and well-preserved wrecks. The wreck is home to various marine life, including groupers and snappers.
• Giannis D - This Greek cargo ship sank in 1983 near Abu Nuhas reef. The wreck is intact and home to various marine life, including schools of fish and moray eels.
• Carnatic - This British steamship sank in 1869 near Abu Nuhas reef. The wreck is in shallow water and is home to various marine life, including octopuses and reef sharks.

Will I be able to scuba dive with sharks & dolphins in Egypt?

Yes, Egypt is an excellent destination for scuba diving with sharks and dolphins. The Red Sea is home to various shark species, including reef, hammerhead, and whale sharks. Dolphins are also common in the Red Sea, and they commonly approach divers and interact with them.

Here are some of the best places in Egypt for scuba diving with sharks and dolphins:

• Brothers Islands - This pair of islands is located in the middle of the Red Sea and is a popular destination for diving with sharks, including hammerhead and reef sharks.
• Daedalus Reef - This remote reef in the southern Red Sea is known for its large population of scalloped hammerhead sharks.
• Marsa Alam - This coastal town is located in the southern Red Sea and is a popular destination for diving with dolphins.
• Elphinstone Reef - This reef is located near Marsa Alam and is a popular destination for diving with reef sharks, including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks.
• Tiran Island is located in the northern Red Sea and is a popular destination for diving with dolphins.

It's important to remember that diving with sharks and dolphins requires a certain skill and experience, so consult a certified dive operator and follow all safety procedures before diving with these animals.

Learn to dive: The best places to learn to scuba dive in Egypt

Thanks to its warm waters, clear visibility, and abundant marine life, Egypt is a great destination for learning to scuba dive. Here are some of the best places in Egypt to learn to scuba dive:

• Sharm El Sheikh - This coastal city on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula is one of Egypt's most popular scuba diving destinations. It's home to various dive centers and schools and offers easy access to some of the best dive sites in the Red Sea.
• Hurghada - This coastal city on the Red Sea is another popular destination for scuba diving in Egypt. It offers a range of dive centers and schools, and it's known for its calm waters and easy diving conditions.
• Marsa Alam - This coastal town in the south of Egypt is a great destination for beginner divers, thanks to its calm waters and shallow reefs. It's also home to a variety of dive centers and schools.
• Dahab - This small town on the Sinai Peninsula is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning dive sites. It offers a range of dive centers and schools, and it's a great destination for beginner divers looking to explore the famous Blue Hole.
• El Gouna - This coastal resort town on the Red Sea is a great destination for beginner divers, thanks to its calm waters and shallow reefs. It's also home to a variety of dive centers and schools.

When choosing a dive center or school, look for one certified by a recognized agency, such as PADI or SSI. These agencies provide standardized training and certification programs, ensuring you receive a high-quality diving education.