Full Circle: My Shore-based Family Holiday in Sharm & Dahab

On: 28 April 2026   By: Shem Tarko
In: Diving news

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is affectionately called the “underwater classroom of the world” for a very good reason. The climate here is a tonic in itself. Even in the depths of winter, air temperatures hover around a balmy 25°C, while water temperatures rarely dip below 24°C. Add to this the famously warm Egyptian hospitality and remarkable reefs teeming with marine life, and you have all the ingredients for an outstanding dive holiday. The conditions are ideal for learning to dive, offering a comfortable and rewarding experience.

For this family adventure, we narrowed our focus to Ras Um Sid—a favourite among new divers and home to some of Sharm’s best shore dives. Ras Um Sid stands slightly south of bustling Naama Bay, offering quieter streets, elevated cliffs, and far-reaching views across the Red Sea. The dive sites here, notably Temple Reef and El Fanara Beach Reef, are celebrated for their gentle slopes and thriving coral gardens—perfect training grounds for students.

The choice of hotel was easy; Ras Um Sid offers comfort for all pockets, from the ever-reliable and budget-friendly Dive Inn Hotel to the luxurious heights of the Renaissance Golden View Resort. Beyond diving, the clifftop restaurants—particularly The Reef and Al Fanar—provide delicious dining options and superb cocktails, all served with spectacular views over the Red Sea coastline.

Circle Divers Sharm El Sheikh

Our dive base for the week was Circle Divers Sharm El Sheikh, a centre rightly regarded as one of Sharm’s leading dive operators. Very few places manage to blend the worlds of recreational and technical diving so well. Every detail, from the morning logistics to the comprehensive safety briefings, is delivered with a relaxed yet professional manner that inspires confidence. Our recreational diving for the week was in the capable hands of Ziad and Hamada, both highly professional guides with a keen eye for finding marine life, and impressive knowledge of the local conditions.

At the heart of the technical diving operation, the experience of Andy, Anna-Maria, and Sherif underpin the centre’s brilliant reputation, bringing decades of technical dive instruction and in-depth knowledge of the Red Sea to the fore.

Circle Divers' headquarters, conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the Dive Inn Hotel, serves as a social hub. It's a welcoming, shaded spot perfect for soaking up the post-dive atmosphere. Here, stories of the day's underwater adventures are traded over cups of strong Egyptian coffee, new friendships are forged, and photographs of elusive marine life are eagerly swapped. It's the kind of place where divers of all backgrounds and experience levels mingle with ease, all united by a thrill of exploring the world beneath the waves.

Diving and Snorkelling with Family in Sharm

Each morning began with a friendly wave from the Circle Divers van, and a short ride to the marina. Boarding the dive boat, we joined a mix of snorkellers, novice divers, and technical enthusiasts. The next few days offered a superb variety of diving, taking in the best local sites, Ras Mohammed National Park, and the Straits of Tiran.

The Straits of Tiran are home to four iconic reefs, named after British cartographers who mapped the area. These are Gordon Reef, Thomas Reef, Woodhouse Reef, and Jackson Reef. These reefs offer an incredible spectrum of diving, from vertical, coral-covered walls to deep canyons. The marine life is prolific, and during the right season, several species of shark can be seen.

Gordon Reef, instantly recognisable for the wreck of the Loullia perched atop the coral, became a highlight. Here, our guide Hamada—renowned as the ‘Shark Whisperer’—brought us quietly alongside resting whitetip reef sharks, motionless yet alert on the sandy seabed. These sharks, known for their docile nature, are a treat to see in winter. With patience, Hamada pointed out other creatures too; hawksbill turtles gliding along the drop-off, and great barracuda hovering in the blue.

At Ras Mohammed, a national park since 1983 and steeped in natural history, winter diving was anything but dull. The reefs, particularly renowned sites like Jackfish Alley, Shark and Yolanda Reef, were filled with colour—there were good numbers of anthias dancing over soft corals, tiny clownfish staking claim to their patch of anemone, and even a couple of passing Napoleon wrasse. Guide Ziad had a special knack for revealing camouflaged residents; frogfish, crocodile fish, stonefish, and the ever-elusive octopus, shifted colours as we watched.

The crew were wonderful, assisting divers with kit and providing an optional lunch for just €7. Divers could choose between delicious grilled meat, vegetarian dishes, accompanied by fresh salads and homemade flatbread—a perfect refuel between dives.

Rendezvous with Circle Divers Dahab

If Sharm El Sheikh represents the lively heart of the Sinai Peninsula, then Dahab is its laid-back soul. Once a Bedouin fishing village, Dahab has grown into a magnet for those seeking relaxation, creativity, and world-class diving away from the crowds. The town’s name derives from the Arabic for “gold”, a nod to its golden sands and long, sun-drenched afternoons. Here, wellness studios and quirky cafés neighbour dive shops lining the shore.

Our base was Circle Divers Dahab, tucked inside the leafy grounds of Jaz Dahabeya. In no time, paperwork and kit were sorted, and we were bouncing along in a Toyota pick-up, bound for some of the most iconic shore dives in Egypt. The route follows the coast, with hauntingly beautiful views of the craggy Sinai Mountains—Mount Sinai itself rises inland, drawing hikers and history buffs throughout the year. On most days, the Saudi coastline emerges on the horizon across the deep blue Gulf of Aqaba, a view often framed by free-roaming camels strolling along the beach.

Diving The Canyon

The Canyon dive site is classic Dahab: a dramatic underwater crack runs deep into the seabed, drawing divers through cathedral-like tunnels of hard coral. The sunlight here plays incredible tricks—shafts filtering through fissures, illuminating schools of glassfish and the occasional lionfish hovering in the gloom. Beginners can explore the shallows, while those with more experience descend deeper, always on the lookout for morays, nudibranchs, and, with luck, a wayward manta gliding past.

After the dive, we hopped into our pickups for the short ride towards the Blue Hole. The surface interval is best spent at one of the cliffside Bedouin cafés. Here, you can enjoy views of this iconic dive site while sipping fresh orange juice or mint tea. Local specialities include the "Bedouin sandwich"—a delicious pizza rolled with freshly made kofta—while hearing stories of scuba diving world records and underwater discoveries that took place in these very waters.

Diving the Iconic Blue Hole

No trip to Dahab would be right without a descent into the legendary Blue Hole. The adventure begins at the Bells, a narrow entry point just a short walk from the main track. This famous underwater chimney gives way to an immense vertical wall, heavily adorned with sea fans and healthy staghorn corals. Schools of fusiliers and jacks patrol the drop-off, while closer inspection reveals nudibranchs and the odd octopus.

Our guide, Saleh, timed everything perfectly, and after diving along the vertical wall full of coral we started the ascent. Gliding into the entrance of the Blue Hole itself, we emerged into its vast, circular chamber—a site of both awe and respect among divers. As we completed our safety stops, we glimpsed technical divers rising from the mythical Arch below, while a cheerful freediver spiralled gracefully, sending us an ‘OK’ sign.

Because post-dive travel involves winding mountain roads, we stuck to conservative safety practices, spending a leisurely three hours exploring Dahab’s bohemian seafront before heading back. The town's promenade is a delight, with seaside bars and restaurants offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to grilled seafood. For me, the fresh tuna steak, cooked with typical Bedouin flair, was the highlight of a lovely seaside stroll.

Reflections from our holiday

Back in Britain, I couldn't stop thinking about the best parts of the trip. Egypt is still a fantastic choice for a winter getaway, especially for families. You get guaranteed sunshine, great food, and some of the best diving for beginners anywhere in the world. The welcome is warm, and there's a real sense of adventure.

We flew with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. It was a bit longer but very smooth and comfortable, and the food on the plane was great. Istanbul airport is huge and modern, making connections easy.

If you want to get your family or friends into diving, or just need a break from the British weather, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab are a great choice. They offer amazing value, world-class diving, clear waters, and a real feeling of discovery. It was special to come back to a place where my love for adventure and family first came together.

View all our diving holidays to Sharm el Sheikh or Dahab. If you want to find out more, please contact our team.