Diving in Egypt
Egypt
Red Sea boats that take visiting divers
Coast hubs sell day boats and liveaboards in English. Reef and wall diving is the identity. Shops handle the week; you do not need a private club.
- Day boats and liveaboards
- Reef and wall diving
- Visitor shops on the coast
The vibe
Diving here is defined by the sheer density of marine life and the dramatic drop-offs that make every descent feel like an encounter with a vertical mountain range. You can dive year-round, but the summer months offer the calmest surface conditions for those looking to spend long days on the water. The scene is incredibly well-developed, with a professional, gear-heavy culture that makes it easy for visitors to jump straight into a multi-day trip.
diving certification
Abu Nuhas Reef
Red Sea
Wusel007 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Known as the 'Ships Graveyard,' this reef sits in a major shipping lane and hosts four famous wrecks: the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M. Divers can spend multiple days exploring these distinct, well-preserved vessels.
Access. Regularly visited by liveaboards and day boats from Hurghada or El Gouna.
Notes. Depths vary; some wrecks are suitable for penetration by trained divers.
Brothers Islands
Red Sea
W.Strickling / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Two isolated pinnacles rising from the deep, the Brothers offer world-class wall diving and the chance to see oceanic whitetip sharks. The islands are also home to two famous wrecks, the Aida II and the Numidia, which are encrusted in spectacular coral growth.
Access. Exclusively accessible via liveaboard trips departing from Hurghada or Safaga.
Notes. Advanced certification required due to deep walls and unpredictable currents.
Elphinstone Reef
Red Sea
Kris Mikael Krister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This legendary finger-shaped reef is famous for its steep walls and deep plateaus where oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks are frequently sighted. The reef is covered in vibrant, healthy coral gardens that attract a massive variety of reef fish.
Access. Day boat trips available from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib.
Notes. Suitable for experienced divers due to potential for strong currents.
Ras Mohammed National Park
South Sinai
patano / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This legendary marine park offers dramatic wall diving where the Gulf of Suez meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Famous sites like Shark and Yolanda Reef feature vertical drop-offs, vibrant soft corals, and massive schools of pelagic fish.
Access. Easily reached by boat from Sharm El Sheikh; day trips are standard.
Notes. Strong currents are common; marine park fees apply.
Rocky Island
Red Sea
Heshamsamir / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Just a short distance from Zabargad, Rocky Island is a small, barren rock surrounded by steep, current-swept walls covered in soft corals and gorgonian fans. It is a world-class drift diving destination where the sheer intensity of the marine life reflects the strong currents.
Access. Part of southern Red Sea liveaboard routes; not suitable for beginners due to constant currents.
Notes. Advanced certification and significant drift diving experience required.
SS Thistlegorm, Red Sea
South Sinai
Woodym555 , edited by Fir0002 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Widely considered one of the best wreck dives in the world, the SS Thistlegorm is a massive WWII British merchant navy ship laden with trucks, motorcycles, and locomotives. Divers can explore the cargo holds and exterior of this historic site, which sits upright on the seabed.
Access. Accessible via daily boat trips from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, or as part of a liveaboard itinerary.
Notes. Depth 15-30m; currents can be strong; best visited early morning to avoid crowds.
Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House)
Red Sea
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
This horseshoe-shaped reef is a protected marine area featuring a complex system of coral pinnacles and swim-throughs. While famous for its resident spinner dolphins, the reef itself offers exceptional scuba diving with diverse coral structures and rich macro life.
Access. Accessible via daily boat trips from Marsa Alam; strict zoning regulations are enforced to protect the marine environment.
Notes. Marine park fees apply; diving is restricted to specific zones to minimize impact on dolphins.
St. John's Reefs
Red Sea
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Located far south near the Sudanese border, this extensive reef system offers a labyrinth of coral pinnacles, swim-throughs, and dramatic drop-offs. It is known for its incredible biodiversity and pristine, untouched coral structures.
Access. Accessible via long-range liveaboard trips from Port Ghalib or Hamata.
Notes. Remote location; requires advanced experience.