Spearfishing in Egypt
Including Berenice Coast, Dahab Coast, and Hurghada Offshore Reefs. On the map.
The vibe
Spearfishing here is generally not a standard visitor activity and is heavily restricted or prohibited in most accessible coastal areas. You will find that local regulations prioritize conservation over recreational hunting, making it difficult for a traveler to find a legal way to participate. It is best to look elsewhere if this is your primary goal for a trip.
specialist licence
Berenice Coast
Red Sea
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Located deep in the southern Red Sea, the Berenice area provides some of the most remote and untouched reef systems in Egypt. The topography features dramatic walls and pinnacles that attract significant fish populations, making it a premier spot for experienced hunters.
Access. This area is very remote; access is almost exclusively via liveaboard vessels departing from Port Ghalib or Marsa Alam. DIY shore access is not feasible for the best grounds.
Notes. Strict adherence to Egyptian environmental law is required. Many offshore reefs are protected; always verify with your captain that the specific site is outside of no-take zones. No specific recreational license is required for visitors, but you must be accompanied by a local registered operator.
Dahab Coast
South Sinai
Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Dahab offers a unique mix of dramatic drop-offs and accessible shore reefs that attract experienced freedivers and spearfishers. The area is known for its clear water and proximity to deep-water canyons that hold a variety of reef fish and occasional pelagics.
Access. Spearfishing in Dahab is largely a DIY scene. Travelers typically connect with local spearfishing-specialized guides who organize boat trips to reach the deeper drop-offs outside the main bay, as shore hunting is heavily restricted in the protected zones of the Blue Hole and surrounding national parks.
Notes. Strict adherence to Ras Abu Galum and Nabq Protected Area regulations is mandatory. Spearfishing is prohibited within the core zones of these national parks; always check current local permits and restricted zones with a local guide before entering the water.
Hurghada Offshore Reefs
Red Sea
Maris Teteris / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The offshore reefs and islands surrounding Hurghada provide extensive structure for hunters targeting grouper and snapper. These sites are far enough from the main tourist beaches to offer healthy fish populations and varied topography.
Access. Access is via private charter boats specifically catering to spearfishing groups. Several independent operators in Hurghada provide specialized trips for spearfishers, avoiding the crowded scuba-only dive sites.
Notes. Fishing is strictly forbidden in the Giftun Island National Park and other protected marine zones. Operators must have specific permits for recreational fishing; verify the legality of the specific reef with the captain before departure.
Marsa Alam Coast
Red Sea
youssef_alam / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The southern Red Sea coast offers vast stretches of pristine fringing reefs and drop-offs that are far less crowded than the northern hubs. Spearfishermen target snapper, grouper, and various pelagics along the edge of the reef shelf where the water quickly transitions into deep blue.
Access. Access is primarily through local boat charters based in Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib. Shore access is restricted in many areas due to hotel private beaches and protected zones, so a boat is essential for reaching legal hunting grounds.
Notes. Spearfishing is strictly prohibited within all National Parks and Marine Protected Areas (such as Samadai or Wadi El Gemal). You must confirm current local regulations with a licensed operator, as rules are strictly enforced and many areas are no-take zones.