The Egyptian Red Sea is widely considered one of the world's premier dive destinations. With over 1,000 species of fish, pristine coral reefs, and world-famous wrecks in crystal-clear water, it offers diving for every level — from gentle reef dives to advanced technical deco explorations.
Ras Mohamed National Park (Sharm El Sheikh)
The crown jewel of Egyptian diving. Shark & Yolanda Reef is legendary — the dramatic wall drops to 800m, with grey reef sharks, barracuda tornadoes, and eagle rays gliding along the reef. At the dive's end, the famous Yolanda reef's debris field — bathtubs and toilets from a long-sunk ship — has become iconic.
Jackfish Alley offers regular schooling jackfish formations and frequent Napoleon wrasse encounters. For macro lovers, the shallow gardens here host nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and occasionally frogfish.
Brothers Islands (Liveaboard Only)
Two small islands 67km offshore, accessible only by liveaboard. Big Brother and Little Brother host dramatic walls and are famous for deep-dwelling hammerhead sightings (60–80m). The wrecks of the Numidia (cargo ship, 80m) and Aida (supply vessel, 70m) rest on the plateau — both encrusted in coral and teeming with life. Advanced and technical divers only.
Dahab (Sinai Peninsula)
Dahab has become the world's centre for technical and cave diving. Blue Hole and The Canyon are world-famous — the Blue Hole for its notorious 90m arch attracting technical divers, the Canyon for stunning swim-throughs between 5–30m. No certification check at Dahab's shore dives — treat the sea with respect.
Lighthouse Reef and Eel Garden offer gentler diving for beginners and snorkellers.
Hurghada & Marsa Alam
The resort town of Hurghada offers access to over 30 dive sites including El Fanous Fanaan and the famous shipwreck of Rosalie Moller. Further south, Marsa Alam is home to Dolphin House — where spinner dolphins are virtually guaranteed on every dive — and the protected islands of Samadai Reef (the Dolphin Reef) and Shaab Samadai.
Best Time to Dive the Red Sea
Year-round diving. Summer (June–August) brings 26–29°C water and calm conditions; winter (December–February) brings 21–24°C and occasional wind. Water clarity is exceptional year-round (25–40m+).