Learn to Dive in Egypt
Egypt’s Highlights
Egypt is one of the pillars of civilization with a history dating back to the 6th-4th millennia BCE. Millions of tourists come from all parts of the world to visit the Pyramids. It has many famous tourist destinations along the Red Sea and on the Sinai Peninsula. The Red Sea has been named one of the 7 wonders of the underwater world due to its biodiversity and beauty. It has over 200 species of soft and hard coral and over 1,100 fish species. Characterised by its colourful reefs, variety of marine life, sunny weather, blue crystal clear water and some wonderful wrecks, Egypt is a scuba diving and free-diving haven.
Dahab is one of the places to learn scuba diving with a whole range of centers driving down course prices. Egypt has something for everyone, from recreational to technical diving, CMAS* to the most advanced. Types of diving include: reefs, wall dives, drift dives, boat dives, wreck dives, cavern dives, night dives, technical diving, freediving, deep dives and so much more. The bottom structure is either sandy, rocky or coral. There is something to suit everyone’s taste in Egypt, so come explore the underwater world!
When is the best time to go diving in Egypt?
Diving is a year-round activity in Egypt with water temperature never dropping below 20°C and rising to 30°C in the summer months. The best months to visit are usually September and October or March and April. Summer runs from May to the start of October. There is a chance of spotting hammerheads between June and September and whale sharks between May and August.
Currents: Depending on the dive site, weather and water conditions, the currents can range from none to strong.
Visibility: Visibility in Egypt is high ranging from 20 to 50 meters.
Water Temperature: 21°C to 30°C in the Red Sea depending on the time of year. On the Mediterranean side, the temperature ranges from 14°C to 27°C.
Egypt’s best dive sites
Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is one of Egypt’s most famous dive sites. It’s a submarine sinkhole, the hole has a maximum depth of over 100 meters. Known as ‘the saddle’ there is a shallow opening to the open sea at around 6 meters. There is a 26 meters long tunnel, made famous by technical divers and labeled ‘the arch’; it has a ceiling to a depth of 55 meters. The hole and coral wall surrounding it are filled with coral and fish.
SS Thistlegorm
SS Thistlegorm was a British Merchant Navy ship built in 1940 by Joseph Thompson & Son in England. With a length of 128 meters, it has become the most famous wreck in the Red Sea. Sunk on the 6th of October, 1941 by German bombers near Ras Muhammed. SS Thistlegorm can be easily visited from Sharm el Sheikh or Dahab. The wreck is at a depth of 30 meters making it suitable for advanced open water divers and above. The ship remains largely intact, you can even spot trucks and motorbikes.
Elphinstone Reef
Elphinstone Reef is famous for being one of the only places on earth where you can dive with the oceanic whitetip shark and hammerheads in the same dive. It is a standalone reef in the Red Sea situated 30 km north of Marsa Alam. The best time to spot the oceanic whitetip shark is between October to December. You have a chance to spot manta rays between May and August. Dolphins and tiger sharks can also make an appearance. Visit Elphinstone Reef from Marsa Alam on a day trip or during a liveaboard. The dive is reserved for experienced divers. Many dive centers only take clients with a certain minimum number of dives as the current can be strong and temperamental.
About the country
Egypt is a country that links Africa with the Middle East and has a rich history dating back to the Pharaohs. Located in the Gulf of Aqaba, with coastlines on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, while the Nile River flows throughout the country. Filled with history, culture, versatile geography and cuisine, Egypt became a quick travel favourite. Egypt has one of the richest histories in the world, home to many ancient civilisations and has many points of interest to visit. Cairo is the capital but other cities for tourists to visit include: Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, El Gouna and Hurghada.
Recreational Courses in Egypt
Dive Centers in Egypt
Getting to Egypt
Most divers will fly directly to Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam or Hurghada International Airport. There is also the option to fly to Cairo and take a bus or car to your chosen destination.
Other important information
- Capital: Cairo
- Official Language: Arabic
- National Language: Egyptian Arabic
- Demonym: Egyptian
- Currency: Egyptian Pound
- Calling code: +20
- Driving Side: Right
- Population: Close to 102 million
- Pressure: Bar
- First Stage: INT/Yoke and DIN
