Where’s the best resort-based diving in Egypt?
Egypt boasts a multitude of popular resort-based diving locations that attract divers from all around the world.
Sharm el-Sheikh, located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is a renowned diving hub known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Hurghada, on the eastern coast of Egypt, is another popular destination that offers a wide range of dive sites suitable for all skill levels. Dotted along this coastline are a number of other exceptional diving locations. The pleasant marina of El Gouna is spoilt for great boat diving options and offers the chance to dive the famous Abu Nuhas wrecks, while Soma Bay, Safaga and El Quseir are excellent choices for a Red Sea diving holiday, with shore diving available.
Marsa Alam, situated further south along the Red Sea coast, offers uncrowded dive sites, some superb shore diving and the opportunity to encounter larger marine species such as sharks and manta rays. Those looking to really get away from it all may choose to venture farther south to Hamata, giving access to the beautiful Fury Shoal reefs. Dahab, a laid-back town on the Gulf of Aqaba, is another hidden gem for divers seeking tranquillity, excellent shore diving and pristine diving conditions.
Most locations offer a wide range of accommodation choices for divers, with excellent facilities and all-inclusive meal options available at many larger hotels. Smaller hotels and dedicated dive resorts are available in certain locations for those looking for a more intimate experience. Our carefully crafted portfolio of Red Sea hotels, dive centres and dive resorts ensure a quality, hassle-free diving holiday for Regaldive guests.
What to see when
Egypt's waters boast a diverse range of marine species, ensuring every dive is a chance to encounter something new and exciting. The Red Sea is home to over 1,200 species of fish and 10% of the world's coral reefs, making it one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet.
Coral reefs play host to green and hawksbill turtle, spotted eagle ray, Napoleon wrasse, blue spotted stingray, clownfish, moray eel, longnose hawkfish and hundreds of other colourful and characterful species that can be seen consistently through the year, and throughout the Red Sea.
Dolphin, while seldom actually spotted underwater on a dive, are another common highlight of this region and are often seen surfing the bow wave on boat journeys to and from a dive. Bottlenose, spinner and Risso’s dolphin are all present in these waters. Dolphin House is a popular dive site accessible from Hurghada and El Gouna which offers the chance to swim with bottlenose dolphins, while Sataya Reef (also known as Dolphin House) promises a similar encounter for those staying in and around Marsa Alam. Encounters are year-round, but the warmer seas from May through to November add to the enjoyment.
While some of the best shark encounters are found on the offshore marine parks frequented by liveaboards, a number of shark species can be seen on a resort-based diving holiday. Whitetip reef shark and grey reef shark can be seen throughout the year on coastal reefs. For more experienced divers visiting the southern Red Sea around Marsa Alam, Elphinstone Reef is known for a variety of shark encounters. Oceanic whitetips can be observed here between October and November, with hammerhead, tiger and silky shark encounters also possible.
Whale shark and manta ray can also be seen in Egypt’s waters on occasion, but are not regular encounters. While staying in a resort, it is possible to see these magnificent animals along the mainland coast between Hurghada and Marsa Alam, or while diving the Ras Mohammed Marine Park from Sharm el-Sheikh. They are best seen between May and August, although there is little pattern to their behaviour.
Dugong are another iconic species seen in Egypt’s waters, with a family group resident in the waters around Marsa Alam throughout the year.
