Share The LOVE Scuba Diving in Egypt: A World of Marine Biodiversity Egypt is one of the most interesting countries in the world. The Red Sea is more than just a body of water; it’s also home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs and marine life you’ll ever see. If you’re looking for an adventure, Egypt has what you need. The Red Sea has been called “the aquarium” because of its unique biodiversity. It’s home to over 1,200 species of fish and other sea creatures–and that number continues to grow as scientists discover new ones every year. The waters around Egypt are also home to many different kinds of corals (which are animals). These colorful creatures live together in colonies made up of thousands upon thousands of individual polyps (smaller versions) called zooids (or individuals). Hurghada Hurghada is one of the most popular diving destinations in Egypt. It’s a great place to learn how to dive, or just go for some fun dives. There are lots of different dive sites here, so it’s easy to find something that suits your tastes. If you’re looking for something more challenging, try diving at Ras Mohammed National Park where you’ll see plenty of coral reefs and marine life including turtles and dolphins! Sharm El Shiek Sharm El Shiek is a popular dive site and one of the most famous places to go scuba diving in Egypt. The city itself is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where you’ll find some great beaches and coral reefs. Sharm El Shiek has been around since 1960 when it was first established by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser as a resort town for tourists visiting nearby Mount Sinai. Today, it’s still considered one of Egypt’s top tourist destinations due to its warm weather conditions year-round (average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit) as well as its proximity to other popular destinations like Dahab or Nuweiba Beach. Dahab Dahab is a popular diving destination in Egypt. It’s located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, which makes it an ideal place for scuba diving enthusiasts who want to explore the Red Sea. Dahab has plenty of dive sites and interesting things to see underwater. What Can You See Diving in Egypt Egypt’s Red Sea is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity, offering divers an unforgettable experience. With its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and intriguing shipwrecks, diving in Egypt is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Coral Reefs: Egypt’s coral reefs are some of the most diverse and well-preserved in the world. Among the popular dive sites, you’ll find hard and soft corals of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Ras Mohammed National Park, located near Sharm El Sheikh, is one such destination known for its vibrant corals and teeming marine life. Similarly, the reefs surrounding Hurghada and Marsa Alam provide a stunning underwater landscape for divers to explore. Pelagics: Egypt’s Red Sea is home to an array of pelagic fish, including tuna, barracuda, and jacks. Divers may be able to observe schools of these impressive fish in action. Dive sites like Elphinstone Reef near Marsa Alam and Shark Reef at Ras Mohammed National Park are known for pelagic sightings, where divers can witness these powerful swimmers up close. Fish and Marine Life: Scuba diving the Red Sea, you can expect to encounter an array of fish and marine creatures. From colorful reef fish like butterflyfish and angelfish to larger species such as groupers and moray eels the Red Sea got it all. The Red Sea is also home to several species of sea turtles, including green and hawksbill turtles, which can often be seen grazing on seagrass or resting on coral reefs. Octopuses and cuttlefish are other fascinating creatures you might come across during your dives. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays: Swimming alongside whale sharks and manta rays is an unforgettable experience that some divers may be lucky enough to enjoy. The best time to spot these gentle giants in Egypt is between June and August when they migrate through the Red Sea. The waters off Marsa Alam and the Southern Red Sea are well-known for sightings of these magnificent creatures. Macro Life: Egypt’s underwater world also has a wealth of macro life, offering a unique experience for divers who enjoy searching for smaller, less conspicuous marine life. Nudibranchs, seahorses, and pipefish are just a few examples of the fascinating macro creatures that can be found in the Red Sea. Dive sites like the Temple in Dahab or Abu Dabab in Marsa Alam are excellent spots for macro photographers and enthusiasts. Shipwrecks: Egypt’s Red Sea is not only famous for its marine life but also for its intriguing shipwrecks. The most famous wreck in Egypt is the SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship that sank during World War II near Sharm El Sheikh. While diving Egypt’s Red Sea you can explore the well-preserved cargo and the ship’s structure while observing the marine life that has made the wreck its home. Other notable wrecks include the Abu Nuhas Reef near Hurghada, which hosts four shipwrecks, and the Rosalie Moller near Gubal Island. 8 Top Dive Sites to Discover in Egypt Each of these dive sites offers a unique and unforgettable experience for divers of all levels. Egypt’s Red Sea has something for every underwater adventurer, from vibrant coral reefs to shipwrecks and pelagic sightings. Canyons– The Canyons, located in Dahab, is a fascinating dive site with three unique underwater canyons to explore. Divers can swim through the canyons and marvel at the stunning coral formations and marine life that inhabit this area. The site is suitable for all levels of divers, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters. Ras Mohamed National Park– Ras Mohamed National Park is a world-renowned dive site situated at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Home to the famous Yolanda Reef and Shark Reef, this area boasts vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, including sharks, barracudas, and turtles. The park is a protected area, ensuring the preservation of its pristine underwater environment. The Blue Hole- The Blue Hole in Dahab is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, known for its deep, circular opening that drops to over 100 meters. Advanced divers can explore the Arch, a tunnel that connects the Blue Hole to the open sea at 56 meters. Due to its depth and challenging conditions, the Blue Hole is recommended for experienced divers. Abu Nuhas Wrecks– Also known as the “ship graveyard,” Abu Nuhas Wrecks is located north of Hurghada and features four shipwrecks dating back to the early 20th century. Divers can explore the remains of the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M. Each wreck offers its own unique diving experience and attracts a variety of marine life. Thistlegorm- The Thistlegorm, a British cargo ship sunk during World War II, is one of the most famous wreck dives in the world. Located in the Straits of Gubal, divers can explore the well-preserved wreck and its cargo, including motorcycles, trucks, and weaponry. The wreck attracts a wide variety of marine life, including barracudas, trevallies, and lionfish. Brothers Islands– The Brothers Islands, also known as El Akhawein, consist of two remote islands in the Red Sea, offering some of Egypt’s most pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life. The area is famous for sightings of oceanic whitetip and hammerhead sharks, as well as mantas and dolphins. Due to its remote location and strong currents, the Brothers Islands are recommended for advanced divers. Elphinstone Reef- Elphinstone Reef, a long, narrow reef located off the coast of Marsa Alam, is known for its dramatic underwater landscapes, including steep walls and drop-offs. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, such as hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, and colorful coral formations. The site is suitable for experienced divers due to its challenging conditions and strong currents. Tiran Strait– The Tiran Strait, situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba, boasts four main reefs: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. These reefs offer a variety of diving experiences, from shallow coral gardens to deep drop-offs and vibrant marine life, including turtles, rays, and reef sharks. The Tiran Strait provides excellent diving opportunities for both novice and experienced divers. Top Highlights and Reasons to Visit Egypt Egypt, a country steeped in history and boasting a stunning landscape, offers a wealth of attractions and experiences for travelers. Here are some of the top highlights and reasons to visit Egypt: Ancient History and Archaeological Wonders: Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic historical sites, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Visitors can explore these awe-inspiring monuments and delve into the fascinating stories of ancient Egyptian civilization. The Nile River: Often referred to as the lifeblood of Egypt, the Nile River is the longest river in the world and has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history. A Nile cruise is a popular way to experience Egypt’s natural beauty and ancient sites, as you sail past picturesque villages, lush green fields, and impressive temples. Diving and Snorkeling in the Red Sea: As previously mentioned, Egypt’s Red Sea is an underwater paradise, boasting vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can explore sites like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab to witness this underwater wonderland. Desert Adventures: Egypt’s vast deserts offer a unique landscape for adventurous travelers. Visitors can embark on camel treks, go sandboarding, or take a hot air balloon ride to experience the beauty of the desert. Rich Culture and Warm Hospitality: Egyptian culture is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. Visitors can experience this rich culture through the country’s cuisine, music, and arts. Egyptians are also known for their warm hospitality, making travelers feel welcome and at home. Bustling Cities: Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is an energetic city that offers a mix of historical sites, vibrant markets, and modern attractions. Alexandria, another major city, boasts a Mediterranean charm with its stunning coastline and Greco-Roman sites. Luxurious Resorts and Relaxing Beaches: Egypt is home to numerous luxurious resorts, particularly along the Red Sea coastline. Travelers can unwind on sandy beaches, soak up the sun, and indulge in world-class amenities. Shopping: From bustling markets like Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar to modern shopping malls, Egypt offers a wide range of shopping experiences. Visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and even high-end designer goods. Egyptian Cuisine: Egypt’s delicious cuisine is influenced by various cultures and offers a range of flavors to satisfy any palate. Some popular dishes include koshari, ful medames, and molokhia. Affordable Travel Destination: Despite its wealth of attractions, Egypt remains an affordable destination for many travelers, offering excellent value for money on accommodations, dining, and activities. Costs The cost of scuba diving in Egypt is relatively affordable compared to other countries. Depending on your experience level, you can expect to pay between $80 and $150 for a dive trip. This includes equipment rental, transportation, and certification fees as well as food and drinks on the boat (though not at the dive site). For those who want to save money while still getting an unforgettable experience, there are several ways that you can do so: Book ahead of time – Most companies offer discounts if you book ahead of time rather than booking last minute when there are fewer available slots available for divers. You’ll also be able to choose from more convenient times such as morning or afternoon dives rather than having only one option: daytime dives! Bring your own gear – If possible, bring all your own gear instead of renting it from a shop because this will save hundreds off what they charge per day ($20-$30). Just make sure everything works properly before heading out into open waters with them! Dive Safety Choose a reputable dive center. Dive centers that are not certified by one of the major international organizations (PADI, NAUI and SSI) should be avoided. Get dive insurance. This is especially important if you are traveling from abroad or if your home country does not offer coverage while abroad. Don’t forget to bring your certification card with you on every dive trip and keep it in a safe place so that it doesn’t get lost or damaged during your travels! In Summary Scuba diving in Egypt is a fantastic experience. The country boasts one of the longest coastlines in the world and has a wide variety of marine life, dive sites, and incredibly clear waters, which make it great for scuba diving. There are loads of professional dive centers ready to take you diving or to teach you how. For more information about diving in the Red Sea, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Written By: Teagan Kane (Teagan the Vegan) PADI Master scuba diving instructor and Molchanov’s Wave 3 instructor. Ultra runner, and vegan lifestyle advocate. See author's posts
