Hurghada is one of the best-known diving centers in the world, with easy access to coral reefs, wrecks and islands in the northern Red Sea. Whether you are trying diving for the first time or are an experienced diver, there is a site for you.
Top dive sites
- Giftun Islands: a protected area with shallow coral gardens, good for beginners and snorkelers.
- Abu Ramada: colorful reef walls and lots of fish, often called the Aquarium.
- Carless Reef and El Fanadir: pinnacles and walls with moray eels and sometimes turtles.
- Abu Nuhas: the “ships’ graveyard”, with several wrecks for experienced divers, reached on a long day trip.
- SS Thistlegorm: a British World War II supply ship sunk in 1941, one of the world’s most famous wreck dives, reached from Hurghada on a long day trip or a liveaboard.
Learning to dive
Many dive centers in Hurghada offer try dives and full courses with international certification. The water is warm, visibility is usually excellent, and many reefs are sheltered.
When to go
You can dive all year. The water is warmest from June to October, around 27 to 29°C, and cooler in winter, around 22°C, when a thicker wetsuit helps.
Where to stay
Many beach hotels have their own house reef or jetty. El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay and Soma Bay are quieter alternatives to central Hurghada.
Book
See our Hurghada tours, including snorkeling and diving trips, and read about eco-friendly snorkeling.
