Is it safe to travel to Egypt for scuba diving?

Is It Safe To Travel to Egypt and Go Scuba Diving in the Red Sea?

Located in the northeast of Africa and bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the North with the Red Sea to the East, Egypt is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations. Known for its incredible history, warm hospitality, and spectacular underwater world, every year, thousands of divers travel to the Red Sea to experience some of the best coral reefs on the planet.

For travellers planning a dive holiday, especially with ever-changing world events and situations, one question comes up regularly: Is it safe to travel to Egypt, and is Sharm el Sheikh safe for scuba diving holidays?

The good news is that both Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab remain two of the safest and most popular destinations for scuba diving in the Red Sea, welcoming divers from across Europe and around the world all year round.

Is the Sinai Peninsula Safe?

Both our dive centre in Dahab and the Sharm el-Sheikh dive club are located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the large mass of land that separates the vast continent of Africa from Asia.

Many travellers will often notice warnings about travel to parts of the Sinai Peninsula, but it is important to understand these warnings mainly apply to the North Sinai, a region far from the tourist resorts.

Sharm el Sheikh and nearby destinations like Dahab lie in the South Sinai, which has remained stable and focused on tourism

Since the Arab Spring, Egypt has undergone many positive developments. The government has built new cities and roads to improve traffic flow, and security at airports and major tourist areas has increased. In recent years, the country has been relatively stable.

According to the latest travel updates, South Sinai is considered safe for visitors.

However, travellers should always check the latest travel advice from their embassy before planning their trip.

Is Sharm el-Sheikh Safe for Tourists and Divers?

According to the latest travel updates, Sharm el-Sheikh is considered safe for tourists. The airport (SSH) receives many daily international flights, as well as frequent domestic flights from Cairo.

Tourism plays a major role in Egypt’s economy, and destinations like Sharm el Sheikh operate with strong security and well-developed infrastructure.

Visitors typically notice:

Security checkpoints on main roads entering resort zones
Controlled access to major tourist areas
Security staff at hotels and dive centres
Tourism police patrols

These measures help maintain a safe environment for travellers enjoying a Red Sea holiday or planning for scuba diving in Sharm el Sheikh.

Divers visit the region for:

Vibrant coral reefs
Excellent underwater visibility
Warm water temperatures year-round
Easy boat access to famous dive sites

Some of the most famous dive sites in the Red Sea are located just offshore, including the spectacular reefs inside Ras Mohammed National Park and the drift diving hotspots in the Straits of Tiran.

Final Thoughts

For divers searching for warm water, colourful reefs, and incredible marine life, Sharm el Sheikh remains one of the best destinations for scuba diving in the Red Sea.

With well-developed tourism infrastructure, strong security, and world-famous dive sites just minutes away, it continues to attract divers from across the globe. Many divers even combine their stay with a visit to nearby Dahab, a laid-back diving destination famous for its shore dives and relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you're planning your first dive course or returning to explore deeper reefs, a Red Sea diving holiday in Sharm el Sheikh offers unforgettable underwater adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diving in Egypt

Is it safe to go scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh?

Yes. Sharm el Sheikh is considered one of the safest destinations in Egypt for tourists and divers. The resort area has strong security and a long-established tourism industry focused on Red Sea diving.

Is the Red Sea safe for diving?

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most popular diving regions. Dive sites are well-managed, and reputable dive centres follow international safety standards for scuba diving activities.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt for a diving holiday?

Millions of travellers visit Egypt every year for Red Sea diving holidays. Most divers stay in resort destinations such as Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, or Dahab where tourism infrastructure and security are well established.

What are the best dive sites in Sharm El Sheikh?

Some of the most famous dive sites include reefs in Ras Mohammed National Park, the Straits of Tiran, and several spectacular coral walls and drift dives located just offshore from Sharm el Sheikh. SS Thistlegorm trips often depart from Sharm el Sheikh too.

Is Dahab safe for diving?

Yes. Dahab is a relaxed diving town north of Sharm el Sheikh and is famous for its shore diving and laid-back atmosphere. Many divers combine trips to Sharm and Dahab during their Red Sea holiday.