Diving in the Red Sea★★★
The Red Sea is among the Top 5 diving areas in the world — and Hurghada is one of the best starting points. The combination of warm water temperatures (21–29 °C year-round), excellent visibility (often 20–30 m), and a breathtaking diversity of species makes the Red Sea a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike.
Top Diving Spots from Hurghada
| Spot | Depth | Level | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giftun Islands | 5–25 m | Beginner–Intermediate | Coral gardens, turtles, dolphins. By day boat (1h). National park fee 200 LE. |
| Abu Nuhas | 5–30 m | Intermediate–Advanced | Four wrecks (Carnatic, Giannis D., Chrisoula K., Kimon M.). The "Wreck Cemetery" of the Red Sea. |
| Erg Somaya / Umm Gamar | 10–40 m | Intermediate | Steep walls, barracuda schools, moray eels, sometimes sharks. |
| Shaab el-Erg | 5–18 m | All Levels | Dolphin hotspot! Spinner dolphins rest here in the lagoon in the morning. By speedboat 45 min. |
| Brothers Islands | 5–70 m | Advanced | Big fish: hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks, mantas. By dive safari (2–3 days). |
| Elphinstone Reef | 5–60 m | Advanced | Oceanic whitetip sharks, steep walls, currents. From Marsa Alam. |
Dive Centers & Prices
Hurghada has over 100 dive centers — quality varies greatly. Look for PADI or SSI certification and read reviews. Prices (guidelines 2025/2026):
- Single Dive (House Reef): €25–35
- Day Boat (2 Dives + Lunch): €40–60
- PADI Open Water Course: €250–350
- Dive Safari (5–7 days, Brothers/Daedalus): €800–1,500
- Equipment Rental (complete): €15–25/day
Recommended Dive Centers: James & Mac Diving Center (German-run, excellent reputation), Jasmin Diving (reliable, good boats), Aquanaut Dive Center (professional, small groups).
💡 Tipp
The best diving season in the Red Sea is year-round, but October–December offers the best combination of warm water temperatures (26–28 °C), good visibility, and possible big fish encounters (whale sharks, mantas). In summer (July–August), the water is warmest (29 °C), but visibility can be slightly reduced by plankton blooms.