The Best Places to Dive in Egypt: From Sharm to Dahab and Beyond

The Best Places to Dive in Egypt: From Sharm to Dahab and Beyond

Egypt is one of the world’s most popular diving destinations, offering warm, crystal-clear waters, hundreds of dive sites, thriving coral reefs, and an incredible diversity of marine life. With over 1,000km of coastline along the Red Sea, spectacular diving —and even unique Mediterranean diving—there’s something here for every diver, from beginners to seasoned technical explorers.

If you’re planning a dive trip, two destinations dominate search and interest: Diving in Sharm el Sheikh and Diving in Dahab. But Egypt’s underwater magic goes far beyond Hurghada and Sharm. Here’s a complete guide to the best places to dive in Egypt.

 

 Sharm el Sheikh – The Crown Jewel of Red Sea Diving

Located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is widely considered Egypt’s premier diving destination. It offers a combination of world-famous reefs, dramatic underwater topography, and legendary wrecks - a scuba diver's paradise.

Diving in Sharm el Sheikh is defined by its access to Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran, home to some of the best dive sites in Egypt. The best dive sites like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef are packed with schools of fish, barracuda, and reef sharks, while strong currents attract larger pelagic species.

For wreck lovers, the SS Thistlegorm is a must-dive. This WWII shipwreck, loaded with trucks and motorcycles, is considered to be among the best wreck dives in the world.

A popular scuba diving destination, Sharm is also incredibly versatile. Beginners can train in calm is bays, while advanced scuba divers enjoy drift dives and deep walls on more challenging sites. Add luxury resorts and well-developed dive infrastructure, and it’s easy to see why Sharm remains the top all-round base. You will find our dive centre, Circle Divers, in Sharm too, with Sharm el Sheikh considered one of the best places to learn to dive.

Best for: All levels, wreck diving, big reef systems, pelagics, explore the best reef formations

Dahab – Shore Diving Paradise with a Soul

Just 90km north of Sharm, Dahab offers a completely different experience. Known for its relaxed, bohemian vibe, Dahab is the heart of shore diving in Egypt.

Diving in Dahab revolves around iconic sites like the Blue Hole, Canyon, and Eel Garden. The Blue Hole itself drops beyond 100m and is world-famous for both its beauty and technical diving challenges. SItes like Lighthouse and our house reef at Jaz Dahabeya offer entry-level diving for those just startinging to learn to scuba dive.

What makes Dahab special is accessibility—you can walk into many dive sites in the Red Sea directly from shore, with most of the dive sites just a short distance by 4 x 4 from our Dahab dive centre. Expect dramatic geology, swim-throughs, and vibrant reef life, including rays, turtles, and dense schools of reef fish.

The town itself is laid-back, with Bedouin cafés and a slower pace of life than many other places in Egypt—perfect for divers who want more than just resort living.

Best for: Shore diving, local sites, technical diving, relaxed lifestyle

 

Hurghada – The Gateway for Beginners

 

Hurghada is one of Egypt’s oldest and most accessible dive resorts. It’s ideal for beginners, families, and those looking for affordable dive packages.

The reefs here are colourful and diverse, with world-class dive sites like Giftun Island and Careless Reef offering easy conditions and abundant marine life. Hurghada is also close to the Abu Nuhas wreck system, home to several famous shipwrecks.

Compared to Sharm, diving tends to be shallower and less current-heavy, making it perfect for training and relaxed diving.

Best for: Beginners, budget trips, easy reef diving, dive safaris

 

Marsa Alam – Wild and Untouched

 

Further south, Marsa Alam is Egypt’s frontier for raw, untouched diving with less crowded sites.

This region is famous for pelagic encounters. Elphinstone Reef, in particular, attracts oceanic whitetips, hammerheads, and other big species thanks to its deep drop-offs and strong currents.

You’ll also find calmer bays like Abu Dabbab, where dugongs and turtles are regularly spotted. Marsa Alam is less developed than northern resorts, offering a quieter, more nature-focused experience.

Best for: Advanced divers, sharks, remote reefs, fantastic dive sites

 

Safaga – Wrecks and Coral Gardens

 

Safaga is often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. Located south of Hurghada, it offers some of the Red Sea’s most impressive wall dives and coral formations.

Various dive sites like Panorama Reef and Abu Kafan feature steep drop-offs and strong currents, while the Salem Express wreck provides a haunting but fascinating dive.

Safaga strikes a balance between accessibility and high-quality diving without the crowds.

Best for: Wrecks, advanced reef diving, fewer crowds

 

Nuweiba – Off-the-Beaten-Path Serenity

Nuweiba is the quieter cousin of Dahab. With minimal tourism and pristine reefs, it’s ideal for those seeking solitude.

Diving here is mostly shore-based, with healthy coral and fewer divers. While it lacks the famous dive sites of Dahab, its untouched feel is its biggest appeal.

Best for: Quiet diving, uncrowded reefs

 

Alexandria & The North Coast – Mediterranean Diving

For something completely different from diving the Red Sea, head north to Alexandria and Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

Here, diving is less about coral reefs and more about history. You can explore submerged ruins, ancient harbours, and archaeological sites linked to Cleopatra’s palace.

The North Coast also offers seasonal diving with clearer waters and a unique underwater landscape compared to the Red Sea.

Best for: Underwater archaeology, unique experiences

 

Other Noteworthy Diving Areas

·        El Quseir: Quiet coastal town with easy shore diving and access to offshore reefs

·        El Gouna: Upscale alternative to Hurghada with access to reefs and wrecks

·        Hamata & Deep South: Remote reefs and Red Sea liveaboards for experienced divers

 

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Dive in Egypt?

Choosing the best places to scuba dive depends on your diving style:

·        Diving in Sharm el Sheikh: Best all-round destination with top dive sites, world-famous reefs and wrecks

·        Diving in Dahab: Best for shore diving, tech diving, and relaxed vibes

·        Hurghada: Ideal for beginners and affordable trips

·        Marsa Alam: Best for sharks and untouched reefs

·        Safaga: Perfect for wrecks and advanced reef diving

Egypt truly offers some of the best scuba diving on the planet—from vibrant coral gardens to deep wrecks and even ancient ruins beneath the sea. Whether you’re planning your first dive or your hundredth, the Red Sea delivers unforgettable underwater experiences every time.