Best Diving Spots in Egypt (Red Sea)
Looking for the best diving spots in Egypt? Here are 5 must-see sites in the Red Sea!
Looking for the best diving spots in Egypt? Here are 5 must-see sites in the Red Sea! Suited in turn to experienced divers or beginners, these scuba diving locations rank among the most beautiful sites in the country… Wrecks, coral, sharks, Napoleon fish: discover all the hidden treasures of Egyptian waters!
1. Ras Mohamed: One of the Best Diving Spots in Egypt
Ras Mohamed is one of the world's most beautiful coral ecosystems! You'll encounter sea turtles, starfish and hundreds of fish species (moray eels, schools of trevally, moonfish, rays, etc.). The must-see zones? Anemone City and Shark Observatory, where you'll have the chance to spot stunning nudibranchs and, of course, sharks!
Practical Information
Site location (and how to get there): in the heart of the national park of the same name, at the far south of the Sinai Peninsula (by boat from Sharm El Sheikh).
Diving level: Shark Observatory is accessible to experienced divers, as it features numerous cavities and fairly strong currents.
2. SS Thistlegorm: One of the Red Sea's Essential Wrecks
The SS Thistlegorm is a British cargo ship that sank in October 1941. This World War II relic houses a cannon, shells, armored vehicles, locomotives (expelled near the wreck) – and countless marine species that have claimed this artificial reef as home! Among them? Crocodilefish, jacks and scorpionfish…
Practical Information
Site location (and how to get there): in the Gubal Strait, at approximately 30 meters depth (by boat from Sharm El Sheikh)
Diving level: from level 2 onwards (for the upper part of the wreck, located at approximately 16-18 meters depth). For deeper sections, the site is recommended for experienced divers.
3. Sha'ab Abu Nuhas Wrecks: 4 Diving Sites Off Shadwan Island
Renowned for its treacherous nature, the Abu Nuhas reef features numerous wrecks in its waters. Four are particularly prized for their relics and marine life:
1. The Carnatic (1869): this cargo ship sits at 27 meters depth. The site is popular for its stunning visibility. You'll spot a bronze propeller, as well as magnificent soft corals!
2. The Kimon M (1978): engulfed with its tons of lentils, this vessel now rests at nearly 30 meters depth. Nearly intact, it harbors notably barracudas and eagle rays.
3. The Chrisoula K (1981): this cargo of tiles (visible in the wreck) is an incredible spot for admiring coral, lionfish, groupers and even dolphins on lucky days!
4. The Ghiannis (1983): the wreck is a wonderful habitat for many glass fish, but also for eagle rays and stonefish. Its distinctive feature? Tilted at a 45-degree angle, it can create a vertiginous sensation during exploration! You may also spot sharks here…
Practical Information
Site locations (and how to get there): the Abu Nuhas diving spot is located two hours by boat from El Gouna.
Diving level: all sites are accessible from level 1 onwards
4. Panorama Reef, Middle Reef and Abu Kefan: Must-See Sites Off Safaga
Off the resort town of Safaga (south of Hurghada) lie three spectacular reefs. Around Panorama Reef and Middle Reef, you'll observe an abundant presence of gorgonians and will likely have the chance to encounter the impressive Napoleon fish (one of the largest bony reef fish, reaching up to 2.3 meters!).
At Abu Kefan? You'll spot squirrelfish, anthias (known for their pink coloring), moray eels and dolphins.
Practical Information
Site locations (and how to get there): the 3 spots are located off Safaga (between 1 and 2 hours by boat from shore).
Diving level (and depth): Panorama Reef requires some experience (10m to 35m). Middle Reef all levels (20m). Abu Kefan from level 2 onwards, due to sometimes very strong currents (14m to 36m).
5. Brothers Islands and the Numidia Wreck: Sharks' Favorite Spots
The two isolated Brothers Islands (situated 1 hour by boat from each other) form a "marine park" renowned for its strong shark presence – thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks and whitetip sharks!
One of the islands (Big Brother) harbors two wrecks, including the Numidia which sank in 1901. Within the cargo ship's remnants and corridors, you can admire lionfish, jacks and barracudas among other species.
Practical Information
Site location (and how to get there): 70 km east of El Quseir (by boat from Safaga or Hurghada).
Diving level: Brothers Islands and the Numidia site are accessible only to experienced divers.
Depth: the Numidia wreck sits between 10 and 85 meters depth
Frequently asked questions
The Sha'ab Abu Nuhas wrecks are accessible from level 1 onwards, making them ideal sites for beginner divers. Middle Reef, off Safaga, is also open to all levels. In contrast, sites like Brothers Islands or Ras Mohamed's Shark Observatory are reserved for experienced divers due to strong currents.
The Red Sea is diveable year-round, but the ideal period extends from October to May, when water temperatures range between 22 and 26°C and visibility is excellent (up to 30 meters). The months of June to August are warmer but remain pleasant for diving.
Yes! Brothers Islands is the most renowned spot for shark encounters (thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks or whitetip sharks). Ras Mohamed's Shark Observatory and certain Abu Nuhas wrecks also allow for shark sightings, though these observations remain dependent on chance and season.
The price of a day of diving in the Red Sea typically ranges between €50 and €120 depending on the site visited, the operator and included equipment. Excursions to remote sites like Brothers Islands or the SS Thistlegorm may require a liveaboard stay with budgets starting around €600-800 for a week.
Most sites accessible to beginners (level 1, Open Water PADI) can be explored without extensive experience, under the supervision of an instructor. Sites like Brothers Islands, Shark Observatory or the deeper sections of SS Thistlegorm require level 2 certification (Advanced Open Water) at minimum, or even advanced diving experience.
The SS Thistlegorm is accessible by boat from Sharm El Sheikh. The crossing takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on weather conditions. Many diving centers and local operators offer day excursions or liveaboard trips to this emblematic Red Sea site.
