Hurghada Diving: Explore the Wonders of the Red Sea

For many people planning their first trip to Hurghada, Diving is right at the top of their list of things they really want to do.

And why not, it’s one of the most popular destinations in the world, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs.

One of the best things about Diving in Hurghada is the variety of dive sites available to explore. We’ll cover them in more detail later in this guide, including some of the most popular sites like Abu Nuhas, where you can explore a sunken shipwreck, and Giftun Island, with its stunning coral gardens and colourful marine life.

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or an experienced diver, there’s something here to suit your skill level. You can expect to see everything from brightly coloured fish to sea turtles, stingrays and even swim with dolphins in Hurghada. The visibility is often excellent, allowing you to take in all the underwater wonders with ease.

Plus, there are plenty of experienced dive instructors and tour operators in the area, so you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands.

Diving in Hurghada

Heading to a popular dive spot like Hurghada is just the first part of planning your trip. Within the resort and neighbouring areas are many dive sites, all offering something slightly different, and suiting different diving abilities.

This guide will take you through some of the most popular areas, outlining why they’re suitable, what to look out for, how to choose one over another, and how to get the most out of your trip.

Hurghada is world-famous for being one of the best places to dive, attracting thousands of visitors every year who come here just to experienced the underwater marine life.

It’s great because of the crystal-clear waters, warm temperatures and great value.

Best Diving Sites in Hurghada

Abu Nuhas Wrecks

Abu Nuhas reef is often referred to as the “Ship Graveyard” because it has claimed the lives of many ships over the years. The reef is now home to four well-preserved shipwrecks that offer the perfect environment for divers to explore, including the famous SS Thistlegorm. This spot is recommended for advanced divers only due to its strong currents.

For more information on this dive site visit Dive Advisor and Dive the World.

Giftun Island

Giftun Island is a popular tourist destination in Hurghada that also happens to have some of the most beautiful reefs. The island’s waters boast colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life, such as schools of colourful fish, turtles, and even dolphins. This spot is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.

For more information on this dive site visit PADI Travel and Dive Zone.

Umm Gamar

Umm Gamar is a shallow reef that is famous for its unique coral formations, such as huge coral towers and mushroom-shaped coral heads. This spot is ideal for reef diving, and you can see a variety of marine life, including barracudas, moray eels, and lionfish.

For more information about this dive site visit Scuba Diver Life and Dive Booker.

Abu Ramada

Abu Ramada is a reef with a sandy slope that extends to over 30 meters. The spot is known for its variety of sea creatures, such as octopuses, cuttlefish, and scorpionfish. The sandy bottom also makes it a great spot for photographers.

For more information, visit Diving Hurghada and Red Sea Diving Safari.

Shaab Abu Hashish

Shaab Abu Hashish is a shallow reef that houses an abundance of sea turtles, moray eels, and pufferfish. The spot is also home to a variety of hard and soft coral, including table corals and gorgonian fans. This spot is perfect for both snorkelling and diving.

For more information, visit ScubaDiving.com and Red Sea Diving College.

Shark’s Bay

Shark’s Bay is a popular spot for divers looking to see some of the bigger creatures, such as sharks and mantas. The spot is also home to a variety of reef fish, including Napoleon wrasses and angelfish. Divers should be cautious due to the strong currents and depth of the dives.

For more information about this site, visit PADI Travel or Blue Planet Divers.

What to Expect From Hurghada Diving Holidays

Hurghada is a wonderful place for scuba diving enthusiasts. It has pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a diverse marine ecosystem. If you are planning to go for a scuba diving adventure in Hurghada, there are a few things you can expect.

Amazing Dive Sites

Hurghada is home to more than 40 dive sites, which offer varying depths and levels of difficulty. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, you can find a site that suits your skill level.

Abundance of Marine Life

Hurghada’s dive sites are teeming with marine life, including stunning schools of fish, turtles, sharks, and colourful coral reefs. You can expect to see a diversity of marine creatures while scuba diving.

Dive Schools

There are many professional scuba diving centres in Hurghada that offer world-class diving tuition and guidance. These centres provide well-maintained equipment and highly skilled instructors to ensure your safety underwater.

Excellent Visibility

The crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea provide excellent visibility, making it easy to see and appreciate the marine life and underwater landscapes.

Comfortable Weather

Hurghada is blessed with comfortable weather all year round, with warm temperatures averaging between 20-30°C. This means that you can enjoy scuba diving anytime throughout the year.

Choosing the Right Dive School

Choosing the right dive school cannot be underestimated. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, we’ve got a number of tips here to help you choose. Getting it wrong not only could ruin your enjoyment of the trip, but also compromise your safety.

Look for Qualified and Experienced Instructors

The most critical factor in any scuba diving experience is the instructor. A highly experienced and qualified instructor can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive. Before choosing a scuba diving operator, make sure they employ certified and experienced instructors who have the necessary training and equipment to guide you through your dive. Check for their certification and experience levels before committing to a particular operator.

Check the Operator’s Reviews and Reputation

Before committing to any scuba diving operator, check their reviews and reputation. Look at online reviews from previous customers and check their social media pages to see their customers’ feedback. You can also ask for referrals from your friends or local dive shops to get an idea of the quality of service provided by the diving operator. Choose an operator with a proven track record of satisfied customers.

Safety and Equipment is Key

When it comes to scuba diving, safety is always the top priority. Choose a scuba diving operator that prioritises safety and maintains high equipment standards. Check the type and condition of equipment that they use, like tanks, regulators, and diving suits, before committing to use their services.

Cost vs. Value

While some operators may charge more, their services may provide better quality and more value in terms of safety, equipment standards, and experienced instructors.

Preparing for Your Hurghada Diving Trip

Before you embark on your scuba diving adventure, it’s crucial to properly prepare for your trip. Scuba diving is an exciting and safe activity for most people, but it’s important to ensure you’re fit to dive. Book an appointment with your doctor to confirm your fitness level and receive a medical certificate stating that you’re cleared to participate in scuba diving.

As outlined earlier in this guide, the success of your trip greatly depends on the dive centre you choose. Take some time to research different dive centres and read customer reviews to find the one that best suits your needs. A reputable dive centre should have certified instructors, modern equipment, and a safe diving record.

While most dive centres provide the basic diving equipment, check if you need to bring your own gear, things like a wetsuit, diving mask, fins, and a diving bag. Packing your gear also ensures that the equipment will fit properly and be comfortable to wear during your dive.

Plan ahead which dive site you’d like to explore and discuss the details with your dive centre. They can advise you on the best time to dive, recommended dive depth, and any special precautions that you should take.

And finally, the diving community are known for their hospitality, and learning a few simple Arabic phrases can help you to better engage with your instructor and enhance your experience.

Here are a few basic phrases to add to your vocabulary:

• Shokran (Thank you)
• Salaam alikum (Peace be upon you)
• Maa al-salaamah (Goodbye)
• SabaaH al-khayr (Good morning)

By taking these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying an unforgettable scuba diving experience in Hurghada.

5 Things to look out for

Are you ready to explore the vibrant and stunning underwater world of the Red Sea in Hurghada? In addition to the well-preserved coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, you can also see – up close – a wide range of fascinating marine creatures that call it home.

Here are some of the most popular underwater wildlife species to look out for during your scuba diving adventure in Hurghada:

1. Dolphins

Dolphin encounters are one of the most sought after experiences in the Red Sea. These intelligent and social creatures are commonly spotted on scuba diving trips, often swimming playfully around groups of divers.

2. Sea Turtles

Another common sight in Hurghada for scuba divers are the graceful sea turtles that inhabit the reef system. These wonderful creatures can grow to an impressive size and are often found munching on sponges or grazing on seagrass.

3. Moray Eels

While they might seem a bit intimidating, moray eels are one of the most fascinating creatures to spot while scuba diving in Hurghada. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and can often be found hiding in crevices or swimming freely near the reef.

4. Lionfish

Lionfish are an exotic and attractive addition to the underwater scenery in Hurghada. They are typically found among the coral reefs and come in a range of colors and sizes. Due to their venomous spines, divers should keep their distance and admire these creatures from afar.

5. Sharks

Although not as commonly seen as some of the other species, there are several shark species found in the Red Sea. Some popular sightings include the long-nose or gray reef shark, the oceanic whitetip shark, and if you are lucky, the majestic whale shark.

In addition to these species, you can also expect to see a vast array of brightly colored fish, octopuses, squid, and various crustaceans. Just remember to always be respectful of the environment and its inhabitants, and follow responsible diving practices to ensure the preservation of the ecosystem for generations to come.

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has inspired you to add Hurghada to your scuba diving bucket list. Plan your diving trip to Hurghada, and experience the thrill of exploring the underwater world with your own eyes. Happy diving!