Diving Hurghada

Hurghada is a small fishing village which offers some of the best diving spots in Egypt due to its clear waters and the quality of its corals. As part of the Red Sea, the warm waters attract a variety of species of fish, such as rays, sharks and a large number of species of tropical fish.

Top Hurghada dive sites

Sites in the vicinity of Hurghada are generally popular with Europeans seeking the PADI certification, and are therefore very busy and not recommended for more experienced divers. Below are six less crowded sites outside of Hurghada, all of which remain easily accessible from the city.

The Abu Nuhas reef is a two to three hour boat ride just north of Hurghada. It boast five wrecks, all of which have sunk throughout different periods of history. Although currents can be strong around Abu Nuhas, visibility is generally very good.

The wreck of Rosalie Moller (a German ship sunk in 1941) is a favourite for many because of the many turtles, stingrays and barracudas. However, due to its depth, this site is recommended only for professional divers, as it descends to 55 meters.

The four other wrecks of Abu Nuhas are the Carnatic (sunk in 1869), Chrisoula K (1981), Ghianis D (1983) and the Kimon M (1978). All are between 20 and 30 metres deep and easily accessible for non-experienced divers. Ghianis D is particularly impressive as the waters surrounding the wreck offer visibility up to 27 metres, making it a pristine location for divers.

The Elphinstone Reef

The Elphinstone reef is famous for its longimane sharks, which can be seen most often between October and December. If you are visiting from May to August, you are more likely to see manta rays.

The waters are clear, but the currents can be quote strong. If you are taking a cruise, this reef is often chosen as a stop on the way towards the Brother Islands.

The Brother Islands

The two "Brother Islands" (“Little Brother” and “Big Brother being” are just 100 meters apart from one another) are surrounded by beautiful coral, and are known worldwide as one of the best places to swim among sharks. Hammerheads are notably present around this site.

The only downside to this site is that it is quite difficult to access, being 150km from Hurghada. Therefore if you want to do a cruise diving from Hurghada to Brother Islands then be prepared to set aside four or five days.

These island are also only offered to divers who own a certification required for diving in a marine reserve. 

Housing

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh both have many hotels to stay in. The fall of Mubarak and the recent political problems in Egypt have meant that hotel prices are also very competitive.

Of course, it is recommended to read reviews from other travellers before selecting a hotel, for example this site lists more than 200 hotels around Hurghada.

When to visit

During the summer months (July-September) the temperature of the water can rise to up to 28 degrees, whilst the air reaches 45 degrees! Feel free to brave the climate and enjoy less traffic, however the high season for diving is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

In general, diving is possible all year round: even in winter the water temperature won’t fall below 20 degrees.

Information

The tourist office Hurghada list other activities to do around Hurghada. Visit the British Embassy in Egypt for the latest advice on visiting the country.