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The Complete Guide to Diving in Egypt
Why Egypt is One of the World's Greatest Dive Destinations
The Red Sea offers some of the clearest, warmest, and most biodiverse waters on earth. With visibility regularly exceeding 30 meters, year-round warm temperatures, and over 1,200 fish species — 10 per cent of which are found nowhere else — Egypt has earned its reputation as one of the world's top dive destinations. Add to that its exceptional accessibility from Europe (3–4 hours from Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK) and it becomes clear why the Red Sea is the most popular dive destination for European divers.
Red Sea Conditions:
What Divers Need to Know
Water Temperature
Surface temperatures range from 20-22°C in winter (December-February) in the north, rising to 28-30°C in summer. The Deep South around Marsa Alam runs 1-2°C warmer year-round. A 5-7mm wetsuit is recommended in winter; a 3mm or shorty suits the summer months.
Visibility & Currents
Visibility regularly reaches 25-40 metres, particularly in spring and autumn. Currents are mild at most inshore sites, making the Red Sea well suited to divers of all levels. Stronger currents occur at offshore open-water sites such as Elphinstone Reef, which are recommended for more experienced divers.
Top Dive Sites in Egypt
El Gouna
Mövenpick Resort & SpaSheltered lagoon diving 25km north of Hurghada. Rich house reefs, historic shipwrecks at Abu Nuhas, and resident spinner dolphins at Shaab El Erg. Ideal for all levels.
Makadi Bay
Madinat MakadiA five-kilometre house reef with hawksbill turtles and moray eels at Sahl Hasheesh. Dramatic drop-offs and garden eel slopes at Makadi Bay — some of the most photogenic reef diving in the central Red Sea
Soma Bay
Mövenpick Waterpark Resort & Spa Soma BayA naturally sheltered peninsula with intact coral reef systems and uncrowded conditions. Panorama Reef rises from 50 metres to the surface, with barracuda schools, reef sharks, and eagle rays.
Marsa Alam
JAZ Neo Reef Marsa / Jaz Grand MarsaEgypt's peak wildlife region. Dugong sightings near-guaranteed at Abu Dabbab Bay. Elphinstone Reef — consistently ranked among the world's top ten dive sites — offers encounters with oceanic whitetip and thresher sharks. Served by its own international airport.
Our Dive Centres in Egypt
Marine Life:
What You'll Encounter
The Red Sea hosts over 1,200 fish species. The invertebrate life - nudibranchs, giant clams, crinoids is equally outstanding.
Green Sea Turtles
Green turtles are forage along the Egyptian Red Sea coast, particularly around Zabargad Island and in southern coastal areas like Ras Bagdadi and Abu Dabbab. They are rely on seagrass beds and are a popular, protected sight for divers and snorkelers.
Eagle Rays
Eagle rays glide gracefully along the reefs of the Egyptian Red Sea, often spotted near Brothers Islands and Daedalus. With their wide wings and spotted patterns, they soar through open water, feeding on mollusks and crustaceans. Divers are thrilled by their elegant movements and occasional close pa
Dolphins
Dolphins are a highlight of Red Sea diving, especially at Samadai Reef near Marsa Alam and Sataya Lagoon. Playful and social, they often swim alongside boats or interact with snorkelers. Their acrobatics and curiosity make them one of the most memorable encounters for visitors exploring these waters
Dugongs
Dugongs, also known as sea cows, inhabit seagrass meadows in southern Red Sea bays like Abu Dabbab. These gentle, rare mammals graze quietly on seagrass and are a protected treasure of the region. Spotting a dugong is a special experience, cherished by divers and conservationists alike.
When is the Best Time to Go Diving in Egypt?
Peak visibility, pleasant temperatures, high marine life activity.
Warmest water and ideal conditions for relaxed, long dives.
Balanced temperatures and excellent underwater visibility.
Cooler waters in the north; best with 5-7mm wetsuits and fewer crowds.
From Your First Dive to
Advanced Certification
Egypt's warm, clear, calm inshore conditions and concentration of PADI 5-Star Dive Centres make it one of the world's best places to learn to dive. A typical Open Water course takes just 3-4 days and is available at all Scuba World Divers locations. For certified divers, the full PADI pathway - Advanced, Rescue, Divemaster, Instructor - is offered at all centres, plus specialties in wreck diving, underwater photography, and nitrox. Egypt's historic wrecks, including the Salem Express, are exceptional training environments.
All centres provide multilingual instruction in English, German, Dutch, and French.
Planning Your
Diving Trip to Egypt
Both Hurghada and Marsa Alam airports receive direct charter flights from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the UK. Most European nationals receive free tourist visa on arrival.
- Certification: PADI, SSI, CMAS, or equivalent required. Open Water courses available at all centres.
- Equipment: Wetsuits, BCDs, tanks, and weights included with most packages.
- Health: No vaccinations required. Dive medical recommended for new divers.
- Currency: Dive packages priced in EUR or USD at major resort centres.
Private Charters
Private Charter
Unveil the Majesty of Seven Spices
Scuba Diving
Wind Sports and Kite Surfing
Water Sports
Island Hopping
Redefining Luxury on the Red Sea's Most Prestigious Charter Yacht.
40
Meters length
8.3
Meters beam
13
Guest capacity
6
Deluxe rooms