Egypt is a scuba diver’s paradise, offering some of the best diving in the world. With its 1,800 miles of coastline, crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and sunken treasures, Egypt’s underwater environments are teeming with marine life. The country is well-known for its historic sites and monuments, but it also boasts incredible diving opportunities at affordable prices. Whether you’re interested in exploring shallow reefs or thrilling wreck dives, Egypt has something for every diving enthusiast.
From the Red Sea’s magnificent coral reefs to intriguing wreck sites and historical treasures in Alexandria, Egypt offers diverse and captivating diving destinations. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, Egypt’s underwater world promises unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore some of the top diving spots in Egypt and discover the beauty that lies beneath the Red Sea.
Alexandria – Dive into Egypt’s History
Alexandria, located on the Mediterranean coast, offers divers a unique opportunity to explore Egypt’s rich history underwater. The dark, cool waters of Alexandria are home to sunken ancient ruins, including Cleopatra’s palace and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, as well as historical shipwrecks from various periods. While the reefs in Alexandria may not be as vibrant as other dive sites in Egypt, a day trip to Omu Sukan reveals beautiful corals teeming with triggerfish, turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and resident eagle rays.
Ancient Ruins and Shipwrecks
Alexandria’s underwater landscape is steeped in history, with the remains of Cleopatra’s palace attracting divers from around the world. As you descend into the depths, you’ll come face to face with ancient statues, magnificent pillars, and remnants of the grandeur that once graced the shores of Egypt. Exploring the sunken ruins is like stepping back in time, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.
In addition to the ancient ruins, Alexandria boasts an impressive collection of historical shipwrecks. These wrecks offer divers the chance to uncover forgotten stories and unravel the mysteries of the sea. From the remnants of trade vessels to warships sunk during battles, each shipwreck has its own unique tale to tell.
Omu Sukan Reef
While Alexandria’s coral reefs may not be as colorful as those found in other parts of Egypt, the Omu Sukan Reef is a hidden gem worth exploring. This dive site offers a breathtaking display of corals, from delicate soft corals to towering hard corals. Divers can expect to encounter an abundance of marine life, including triggerfish, turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and majestic resident eagle rays.
The Omu Sukan Reef is a perfect spot for photographers, as the dark backdrop of the sea contrasts beautifully with the vibrant colors of the corals and the diverse array of marine species. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Omu Sukan promises an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Dahab – A Laid-Back Diving Destination
Dahab is a popular destination for scuba divers in Egypt, known for its relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The village offers easy access to a variety of dive sites, including the famous Blue Hole. Beginner divers can enjoy the vibrant reefs and marine life at Lighthouse Bay, while more experienced divers can explore the deep chasm of the Blue Hole and the rocky crevice of the Canyon, home to spectacular reefs, green turtles, and schools of bannerfish.
One of the highlights of diving in Dahab is the Blue Hole. With its depth of 130 meters (426 feet), this natural sinkhole attracts thrill-seeking divers from all over the world. The Blue Hole is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking vertical walls adorned with colorful corals. It is also a gateway to the open ocean, making it possible to encounter larger marine creatures like sharks and dolphins.
The Canyon is another noteworthy dive site in Dahab. As the name suggests, it is a narrow canyon with impressive rock formations. Diving through this natural trench is an unforgettable experience, with its maze-like structure and hidden treasures. The walls of the Canyon are covered in vibrant corals and home to an abundance of marine life, including angelfish, parrotfish, and moray eels.
Dahab offers a range of diving experiences suitable for divers of all levels. In addition to the Blue Hole and the Canyon, there are numerous other sites such as Eel Garden, Three Pools, and Islands of the Oasis. These sites boast diverse marine ecosystems, including coral gardens, seagrass meadows, and sandy plateaus. Divers can encounter a variety of species, including colorful reef fish, turtles, and rays.
The Beauty of Dahab’s Dive Sites
One of the reasons why Dahab is a favorite among divers is the stunning beauty of its dive sites. The vibrant coral reefs are teeming with life, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. From delicate hard corals to soft corals swaying in the current, the reefs of Dahab provide a visual feast for underwater enthusiasts.
Among the underwater creatures that divers can encounter are angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. These colorful species add a touch of brilliance to the already captivating reef ecosystems. Turtles, both green and hawksbill, are also a common sight in Dahab. Watching them glide gracefully through the water is a magical experience that never fails to leave a lasting impression.
| Dive Site | Depth | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Hole | 130m+ | Vertical walls, crystal-clear waters, encounters with sharks and dolphins |
| The Canyon | 20m-40m | Narrow canyon with unique rock formations, colorful corals, and diverse marine life |
| Eel Garden | 10m-20m | Abundance of eels, beautiful coral gardens, and sandy slopes |
| Three Pools | 5m-15m | Rocky outcrops with swim-through tunnels, large schools of fish |
| Islands of the Oasis | 8m-15m | Colorful coral pinnacles, diverse marine life, perfect for beginner divers |
Sharm el-Sheikh – The Diving Capital of Egypt
Sharm el-Sheikh is Egypt’s most popular diving destination, renowned for its abundance of dive resorts and access to spectacular dive sites. Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, this coastal city offers divers a gateway to the wonders of the Red Sea.
A highlight of diving in Sharm el-Sheikh is the opportunity to explore the Ras Mohammed National Park. This protected marine reserve is a must-visit for divers, boasting stunning coral formations brimming with colorful marine life.
Ras Mohammed – An underwater paradise
At Ras Mohammed, divers can immerse themselves in an underwater paradise teeming with trevallies, jacks, and barracuda. The vibrant coral reefs provide a backdrop for an enchanting display of marine biodiversity, with schools of tropical fish darting through the crystal-clear waters.
Among the notable dive sites in the national park is Anemone City, a unique underwater landscape dotted with anemones and home to playful clownfish. The mesmerizing colors and intricate patterns of these sea creatures create a fascinating underwater spectacle.
SS Thistlegorm – Discover a legendary wreck
A highlight for experienced divers is the opportunity to explore the SS Thistlegorm, one of the world’s most famous wrecks. This World War II cargo ship sunk in 1941 and now rests at the bottom of the Red Sea, offering an exhilarating and challenging dive.
Diving the SS Thistlegorm allows divers to witness history underwater, as they navigate through the remains of the ship, exploring the cargo holds filled with wartime artifacts such as motorcycles, trucks, and even train carriages. This wreck dive is an unforgettable adventure for those seeking a deeper connection to the past.
Dive Sites in Sharm el-Sheikh
| Dive Site | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Ras Mohammed National Park | Stunning coral formations, trevallies, jacks, barracuda |
| Anemone City | Abundance of anemones, playful clownfish |
| SS Thistlegorm | World-famous wreck with wartime artifacts |
| Straits of Tiran | Thrilling drift dives along coral walls |
With its incredible dive sites, Sharm el-Sheikh is a paradise for scuba enthusiasts seeking unforgettable underwater adventures.
Hurghada – A Diverse Diving Mecca
Hurghada, the largest resort on the Red Sea, is a popular diving destination and a hub for liveaboard diving trips. Its strategic location offers divers easy access to a variety of incredible dive sites. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Hurghada has something for everyone.
One of the highlights of diving in Hurghada is exploring the impressive wrecks at El Gouna and Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. These sunken vessels provide a fascinating playground for divers, with their intricate structures and vibrant marine life. The underwater world surrounding these wrecks is teeming with colorful coral formations and a plethora of marine species.
If you’re looking for a day trip from Hurghada, the Giftun Islands are not to be missed. These picturesque islands are home to stunning hard and soft corals, offering a visual feast for underwater enthusiasts. The dramatic drop-offs and intriguing caves provide adventurous divers with a unique experience. Keep an eye out for magnificent creatures like the napoleon wrasse and schools of pelagic fish such as barracuda and tuna.
For those seeking a truly immersive diving experience, Hurghada serves as a primary departure point for Red Sea liveaboard trips. These trips allow divers to explore the magnificent reefs and captivating wrecks in the southern Red Sea. With the convenience of liveaboard accommodations, divers can maximize their time underwater and create unforgettable memories.
FAQ
What makes Egypt one of the best scuba diving destinations?
Egypt offers 1,800 miles of coastline, crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and sunken treasures, making it a paradise for scuba divers.
What can I expect to see when diving in Alexandria?
Divers in Alexandria can explore sunken ancient ruins, including Cleopatra’s palace and the Lighthouse of Alexandria. There are also historical shipwrecks and vibrant corals teeming with triggerfish, turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and resident eagle rays at Omu Sukan.
What diving opportunities does Dahab offer?
Dahab is known for its relaxed atmosphere and easy access to a variety of dive sites. The famous Blue Hole is a must-visit, where more experienced divers can explore its deep chasm and the rocky crevice of the Canyon. Beginner divers can enjoy vibrant reefs and marine life at Lighthouse Bay.
Why is Sharm el-Sheikh popular among divers?
Sharm el-Sheikh offers a wide range of dive resorts and access to fantastic dive sites. Ras Mohammed National Park is a must-visit, with striking corals teeming with trevallies, jacks, and barracuda. Anemone City boasts unique underwater topography and an abundance of anemones and clownfish. The SS Thistlegorm shipwreck is world-famous and offers a challenging dive with incredible rewards.
What diving experiences can I have in Hurghada?
Hurghada is the largest resort on the Red Sea and a popular diving destination. It offers shallow, sheltered bays and impressive wrecks at El Gouna and Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. The Giftun Islands, a day trip from Hurghada, are home to stunning corals, dramatic drop-offs, and interesting caves. Divers can also spot napoleon wrasse and schools of pelagic fish like barracuda and tuna. Hurghada is also a primary departure point for Red Sea liveaboard trips to explore the southern Red Sea’s reefs and wrecks.