PADI Scuba Diving in Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
With beautiful coral, millions of fish, fantastic visibility, sheltered reefs, towers, pinnacles, walls, coral gardens and wrecks, the Red Sea is truly a world class scuba diving destination.
The Egyptian Red Sea has three main areas:
1. Northeastern Red Sea Coast: El Gouna, Hurghada and Safaga
2. Sinai Peninsular: Sharm el Sheik, Dahab and Nuweiba
3. Southeastern Red Sea Coast: El Quseir, Marsa Alam and
Hamata
Sometimes called the Egyptian Riviera, the coastal area runs from the Israeli border at Taba around the Sinai Peninsula through Sharm el Sheik to the Suez and south along Egypt’s eastern coast to the border with Sudan. Each area tempts divers in its own way, but only the area from El Gouna through Hurghada and Safaga combines the Red Sea’s delights (including spectacular reefs and wrecks), with a proximity to world famous heritage sites such as Luxor and Cairo.
From Hurghada you’re perfectly situated to visit the beautiful reefs, drops and walls around Giftun and Ramada Islands, yet within a day boat trip of the Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard, wreck of the Salem Express and Panorama Reef.
PADI Dive Shops and Resorts
Find a PADI Dive Shop or Resort in Hurghada.
Dive Summary
Depth: 4-40 metres/15-140 feet
Visibility: 15-70 metres/50-230 feet
Currents: Although there are great drift dives, the current is mostly
calm.
Water Temp: 21-30° C/70-86° F year round
Dive Season: Year round
Weather: 21-40° C/70-104° F year round
Access: Great boat diving, shore diving and liveaboards
Skill level: Beginner through Professional
Recommended Courses:
Enriched Air Diver, Wreck Diver, Digital Underwater Photographer, Deep Diver
Recommended Scuba Gear:
Tropical Scuba Equipment, Temperate Scuba Equipment, Underwater Photography Equipment
Recommended Length of Stay:
Seven – 14 days
Featured Creatures
The Red Sea offers an amazing diversity of fish on nearly every dive. Thousands of anthias sweeping across a coral wall will compete with coral groupers, wrasse, blue spotted rays, butterfly fish and angelfish for your attention but don’t get too caught up in the action – you might just miss that majestic whale shark gently cruising by.
Most Famous Dive Site
Name: Small Giftun Drift. Also known as Police Station
and Giftun Soraya
Average Depth: 5 – 40 metres/15-130 feet
Description: This site features spectacular wall dives with steep drops, coral covered plateaus, massive
gorgonians,
overhangs, small caves and pinnacles.
As you drop down the wall smothered in marine
life, you’ll likely see large pelagic species
cruising out in the blue. This is usually a drift
dive, but dive operators also sometimes moor
around the corner and send divers into the
current so they can drift back on their return trip.
Getting to the Site: You’ll need a boat to get to Giftun Soraya.
Check with any PADI
Dive Shop or Resort in Hurghada to
reserve your spot.
Topside Treasures
Cairo
From the Hurghada area you can take in a trip to Cairo and visit the pyramids - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll also want to check the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities that houses the Tutankhamen’s treasures and boasts massive exhibitions that include the Royal Mummy Room. If overnighting in Cairo, you can take in the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.
Luxor
You can also visit Luxor – home to the Valley of the Kings. Visit the tombs of the ancients and see wall paintings on the walls that will amaze you at their quality to this day. The temples of Karnak (history’s largest place of worship) and Hatshepsut (with distinct terraces rising from the desert plain) are also not to be missed on your trip to Luxor.
Sunset Desert Safari: Take a trip by car, motorbike or quad bik through this extraordinary landscape to witness a spectacular sunsets. You can also visit a bedouin village along the way and to observe their habits, traditions, lifestyle and daily life.
Mahmya Island
You can also take a trip to Mahmya Island, which has of one the Hurghada region’s most amazing beaches. In Arabic Mahmya means protected area and the island is a true oasis of peace. Have a full buffet lunch on the fine white sand beach, relax to soothing music, sunbathe, swim or snorkel all day in the crystal clear waters - on Mahmya, it’s up to you.
Fast Facts
Language: Arabic, but many locals have a flair for language so you’ll hear English, Russian, German, French,
Italian, Polish, Czech and more being spoken.
Currency: The Egyptian Pound (EGP). The Euro (EUR) is also generally accepted and expected as the form
of payment for certain services such as diving, excursions etc.
Tipping: Known locally as baksheesh, tipping is expected but not commonly included in bills. Tip as you
feel appropriate, but 10-20 percent is standard.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available with stands outside most hotels and tourist areas. Make sure taxis you
use have a working, visible meter.
Related Resources
Visa requirements
Weather
Trip Advisor