Egypt-Red Sea

The dive sites in Egypt on the Red Sea are certainly the most popular dive spots in the world, or at least diving in Egypt is very popular in Germany. There are 3 regions that are very well developed for diving. Foremost is Hurghada, which has the largest airport; from there, the cities of Safaga and Quesir can be reached to the south. In the south, there is also Marsa Alam airport, which is not as frequently flown to; from there, for example, the more southerly Wadi Lahmy can be reached, and from there the Fury Shoals, an offshore island group that offers an absolutely fascinating diving experience. Sharm el Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula, for example, also offers spectacular dive sites, such as the well-known Blue Hole in Dahab, but it is difficult to reach from Germany, and impossible with direct flights.

Diving in colorful reefs with colorful fish in warm water

Generally, Egypt offers an easy diving level. There are dive resorts and centers with house reefs where even beginners can easily start and dive. For example, we have had good experiences with Orca dive centers; after a check dive, with more than 50 dives, you can independently explore the house reef. Boat diving is also usually quite easy and comfortable; currents do occur but are strong only in exceptional cases.

Egypt is one of the most popular diving destinations for Germans

In such a "diving mecca," there are, of course, many dive centers all vying for customers. Official safety standards or even controls are rather lax or ineffective. You can find everything from "scam operations" that advertise cheap prices where you are forced to dive in a group and surface when the first beginner runs out of air, and that go out on dilapidated boats with outdated rental equipment, to reputable dive centers, even with Tec-diver and rebreather support. It's a good idea to get advice from a trusted dive center in Germany or from diver friends.

At dive centers with their own house reef, independent diving is also permitted.

Generally, warm water diving is the norm in Egypt. In summer, with water temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius, a shorty or swimsuit is sufficient. In spring and autumn, with water temperatures of 24-25 degrees Celsius, a 5 or 7mm full wetsuit is appropriate. In winter, at 21 degrees Celsius, depending on individual warmth perception and dive length, a dry suit with a thin undersuit is recommended.

At some dive centers, group diving is the norm to get as many divers as possible through the water in a short time. Unfortunately, safety standards, especially in training, are often handled more laxly than in Germany.

Then there's the diving safari, or "liveaboard," which is popular in Egypt. Divers usually spend a week aboard a floating hotel, i.e., a wooden boat about 25-60 meters long, and 4-5 guided recreational dives are offered per day. Requirements usually include 50 dives and an AOWD certification. Some of the most spectacular ship accidents involving these safari boats have been in the media recently, so one should pay attention to safety when choosing and on board.

Wreck diving, even entire wreck tours, are offered, and some impressive wrecks, such as the Thistlegorm, can be dived.

The DVD "Diving Paradise Red Sea" presents some of the most spectacular diving areas (available in our shop)

Conclusion: Egypt is a good travel destination for diving beginners and warm water enthusiasts. Mixing diving and culture is rather difficult; most dive hotels are located on the Red Sea, and outside the hotels, there is usually only desert and guard posts. Day trips, for example, to Karnak, are possible but involve a lot of travel time. However, for a week of diving, the conditions are ideal.