Dive Sites of Sharm El Sheikh, located at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, is one of the world’s most renowned diving destinations. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life, this coastal city has become a must-visit spot for divers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re looking to explore historic shipwrecks or swim alongside majestic sea turtles, Sharm El Sheikh offers a diverse range of underwater experiences.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh, including the best dive sites, what makes each unique, how to plan your trip, and tips for making the most of your underwater adventure. We’ll also provide practical information on diving certifications, safety considerations, and seasonal conditions to ensure you have a memorable and safe experience.
Let’s dive in!
🌊 Why Dive in Sharm El Sheikh?
Before we jump into the specific dive sites, let’s take a quick look at why Sharm El Sheikh stands out as a top diving destination:
- Crystal-Clear Waters: The Red Sea’s warm, clear water provides visibility often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), offering excellent conditions for underwater photography and exploration.
- Rich Marine Biodiversity: From clownfish and moray eels to dolphins and sharks, the Red Sea hosts over 1,200 species of fish and 40 types of coral.
- World-Famous Shipwrecks: History buffs and wreck diving enthusiasts can explore sunken vessels like the SS Thistlegorm and Yolanda Reef , which are now thriving artificial reefs.
- Year-Round Diving Conditions: With water temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) in winter to 29°C (84°F) in summer, diving is possible throughout the year.
- Accessibility & Infrastructure: Sharm El Sheikh is home to numerous dive centers, resorts, and liveaboard options that cater to international travelers.
🐠 Best Dive Sites in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh boasts over 50 officially recognized dive sites, each with its own charm and appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the top ones you shouldn’t miss:
1. Ras Mohammed National Park
Location: Southernmost point of Sinai Peninsula
Best For: Advanced divers, wall dives, marine biodiversity
Highlights: Turtle Bay, Shark Observatory, Anemone City
Ras Mohammed National Park is often considered the crown jewel of Egyptian diving. Declared a protected area in 1983, it’s home to some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Red Sea. This site features dramatic drop-offs, deep blue walls, and an incredible variety of marine life.
What Makes It Unique?
- Home to two famous dive spots: Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef , known for their abundance of pelagic species.
- The Yolanda Wreck , a cargo ship that sank in 1980, lies scattered across the reef and is now covered in soft corals.
- Rich encounters with sharks, eagle rays, barracudas, and sea turtles.
Tips:
- Requires a park permit (~$25 USD).
- Best visited via boat tours from Sharm El Sheikh.
- Recommended for certified divers due to strong currents.
2. The SS Thistlegorm
Location: Sha’ab Ali Reef, ~35 km offshore
Best For: Wreck diving enthusiasts
Highlights: WWII-era British transport ship, intact train cars, trucks, and weapons
One of the most famous wrecks in the world, the SS Thistlegorm was sunk by German bombers in 1941 during World War II. Today, it’s a time capsule lying at depths between 16 and 32 meters.
What Makes It Unique?
- Full access to the ship’s interior with cargo still intact.
- A popular site for advanced divers due to depth and penetration possibilities.
- Swarms of anthias and groupers inhabit the wreck.
Tips:
- Ideal for experienced divers comfortable with deeper dives.
- Liveaboard trips are the best way to visit this site.
- Bring a flashlight to explore the ship’s dark interiors.
3. Naama Bay
Location: Near downtown Sharm El Sheikh
Best For: Beginners, night dives, shore diving
Highlights: Coral gardens, colorful fish, shallow reefs
Naama Bay is perfect for those new to diving or who want to enjoy a relaxed dive close to town. The bay is dotted with coral pinnacles and gentle slopes teeming with marine life.
What Makes It Unique?
- Easily accessible from many hotels and dive centers.
- Great for night diving with bioluminescent plankton and curious octopuses.
- Suitable for PADI Open Water students.
Tips:
- Can get crowded; opt for early morning dives if possible.
- Visibility varies depending on wind and tide.
- Ideal for snorkelers too.
4. Cathedral / Big Brother
Location: South of Ras Mohammed
Best For: Drift diving, pelagic encounters
Highlights: Deep walls, hammerhead sharks, thresher sharks
Part of the Brothers Islands chain, Big Brother is known for its steep walls and thrilling drift dives. This remote site attracts adventurous divers seeking encounters with large pelagics.
What Makes It Unique?
- Regular sightings of hammerhead and thresher sharks.
- Dramatic coral-covered walls dropping to over 600 meters.
- Strong currents make it suitable only for experienced divers.
Tips:
- Accessible only via liveaboard expeditions.
- Best dived during spring (March–May) when shark activity peaks.
- Carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) for safety.
5. Tiran Strait
Location: Between Sinai and Saudi Arabia
Best For: Advanced divers, wall dives
Highlights: Four strategic reefs (Jackson, Thomas, Gordon, Woodhouse)
Tiran Strait is another premier diving location, known for its four major reefs—Jackson, Thomas, Gordon, and Woodhouse. Each offers unique formations and abundant marine life.
What Makes It Unique?
- Historical significance due to geopolitical tensions in the past.
- Excellent wall diving with rich coral growth.
- Frequent sightings of dolphins, jacks, and occasional whale sharks.
Tips:
- Requires special permits; usually included in liveaboard itineraries.
- Currents can be strong; not recommended for beginners.
- Dives here are often combined with visits to other southern sites.
6. Dolphin House (Abu Kafan)
Location: North of Sharm El Sheikh
Best For: Intermediate to advanced divers
Highlights: Year-round dolphin sightings
As the name suggests, Dolphin House is a hotspot for spinner dolphins, which often gather here in pods. The site features sandy plateaus surrounded by coral ridges.
What Makes It Unique?
- One of the few places where dolphins can be reliably seen year-round.
- Gentle topography with moderate currents.
- Occasional manta ray and eagle ray sightings.
Tips:
- Approach dolphins respectfully; avoid chasing or touching them.
- Midday dives are ideal to coincide with dolphin activity.
- Boat ride takes around 30–45 minutes from Naama Bay.
7. Elphinestone Reef
Location: 30 km offshore
Best For: Experienced divers
Highlights: Hammerhead sharks, sheer drop-offs
Elphinestone is a long, narrow reef rising from the ocean floor. Its vertical walls attract hammerheads and silvertip sharks, making it a dream site for big animal encounters.
What Makes It Unique?
- Remote location ensures pristine conditions.
- Known for thrilling drift dives along the reef’s edge.
- Occasional sightings of oceanic whitetip sharks.
Tips:
- Only accessible by liveaboard or multi-day trips.
- Depth ranges from 10 to 60+ meters.
- Recommended for divers with deep diving experience.
🧭 How to Plan Your Diving Trip to Sharm El Sheikh
Planning a diving trip to Sharm El Sheikh requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize your adventure:
Step 1: Choose the Right Time to Visit
- Best Season: March to June (mild weather, calm seas)
- Alternative Months: September to November
- Avoid July–August due to high temperatures and humidity
Step 2: Decide on Accommodation
- Budget Stays: Local hotels near Naama Bay
- Mid-Range Resorts: Dive-friendly hotels with pools and easy access
- Luxury Options: Five-star resorts with private beaches and dedicated dive centers
Step 3: Book Diving Services
- Local Dive Centers: Most offer day trips, courses, and equipment rentals
- Liveaboards: Ideal for visiting distant sites like Thistlegorm and Elphinestone
- Packages: Look for combo deals (hotel + diving + transfers)
Step 4: Get Certified (If Needed)
- PADI Open Water Course: Takes 3–4 days
- Advanced Open Water: Includes deep dive and navigation skills
- Many local dive shops offer multilingual instructors
Step 5: Pack Smart
- Essentials: Certification card, logbook, mask/fins/snorkel
- Optional: Underwater camera, dive light, rash guard
- Warm clothing for early morning dives
🔍 What You Need to Know Before Diving in Sharm El Sheikh
📏 Dive Depths and Conditions
| Site Name | Average Depth | Max Depth | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naama Bay | 5–15 m | 20 m | Easy |
| SS Thistlegorm | 16–32 m | 35 m | Intermediate/Advanced |
| Ras Mohammed | 10–30 m | 40+ m | Intermediate |
| Tiran Strait | 10–35 m | 50+ m | Advanced |
| Dolphin House | 10–25 m | 30 m | Intermediate |
| Elphinestone Reef | 10–60+ m | 70+ m | Advanced |
💨 Gas Mixes and Equipment
- Air fills available everywhere
- Nitrox available at most centers (ask in advance)
- Wetsuits: 3–5 mm thickness depending on season
🧑⚕️ Safety and Health
- Emergency hyperbaric chamber available locally
- Divers Alert Network (DAN) insurance highly recommended
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before diving
🐟 Common Marine Life Encounters
You’ll be amazed by the diversity of creatures you’ll encounter in Sharm El Sheikh. Here’s a snapshot of common marine life:
🐢 Sea Turtles
- Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles are commonly seen resting under ledges or gliding through coral gardens.
- Often spotted at Ras Mohammed and Dolphin House .
🦈 Sharks
- Reef Sharks , Hammerheads , Silvertips , and occasionally Oceanic Whitetips .
- Best seen at Elphinestone , Big Brother , and Tiran Strait .
🐬 Dolphins
- Spinner Dolphins frequent Dolphin House almost daily.
- Maintain distance and avoid sudden movements.
🐡 Moray Eels
- Commonly found in crevices and caves.
- Don’t provoke them; they may bite if threatened.
🐙 Octopus
- Especially active during night dives in Naama Bay .
- Masters of camouflage—look closely!
📸 Underwater Photography Tips
Want to capture the beauty of Sharm El Sheikh? Here are some expert tips:
- Use Natural Light: The Red Sea’s clarity allows for stunning shots without strobes in shallow areas.
- Go Wide-Angle: Essential for capturing wide reefscapes and wrecks.
- Macro Lenses: Perfect for small critters like nudibranchs and shrimp.
- White Balance Settings: Adjust manually to compensate for color loss underwater.
- Avoid Flashing Too Close to Animals: Respect wildlife and maintain distance.
🎓 Diving Courses Available in Sharm El Sheikh
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s always something new to learn:
| Course Name | Duration | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| PADI Open Water | 3–4 days | None |
| PADI Advanced Open Water | 2 days | Open Water certified |
| PADI Rescue Diver | 2–3 days | Advanced certified |
| PADI Divemaster | 4–6 weeks | Rescue certified |
| PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course) | 1 month | Divemaster certified |
| Wreck Diver Specialty | 2 days | Open Water certified |
| Deep Diver Specialty | 2 days | Open Water certified |
| Night Diver Specialty | 1–2 days | Open Water certified |
Many centers also offer technical diving courses for advanced exploration.
🚤 Types of Diving Boats
There are three main types of boats used for diving in Sharm El Sheikh:
1. Day Boats
- Capacity: 10–30 divers
- Duration: Single-day trips
- Ideal For: Shore-based divers exploring nearby sites
2. Semi-Liveaboards
- Capacity: 10–20 divers
- Duration: Overnight or 2-day trips
- Ideal For: Visiting more distant sites like Tiran Strait
3. Full Liveaboards
- Capacity: 15–30 divers
- Duration: 4–7 days
- Ideal For: Exploring remote sites like Thistlegorm and Elphinestone
🗺️ Map of Key Dive Sites Around Sharm El Sheikh
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While a visual map isn’t included here, most dive centers and liveaboard operators provide detailed maps showing the locations of key dive sites. You can also find interactive versions online or via apps like Google Earth.
📅 Sample 7-Day Diving Itinerary
Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for first-time visitors:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, hotel check-in, orientation |
| 2 | PADI Open Water Course (Pool Session) |
| 3 | Open Water Checkouts (Shore Dives) |
| 4 | Day Trip to Ras Mohammed National Park |
| 5 | Liveaboard departure (Southern Reefs) |
| 6 | Explore SS Thistlegorm & Yolanda Reef |
| 7 | Return to Sharm, leisure & shopping |
🧾 Budget Planning for Diving in Sharm El Sheikh
Here’s a rough estimate of costs for a 7-day trip:
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-Trip Flight | $400–$800 |
| Hotel (mid-range) | $50–$100 per night |
| PADI Open Water Course | $300–$400 |
| 3-Day Liveaboard (shared cabin) | $400–$600 |
| Daily Dive Trips (3–4 dives) | $40–$60 per day |
| Equipment Rental | $10–$20 per day |
| Meals & Snacks | $20–$30 per day |
| Entrance Fees & Permits | $25–$50 total |
| Miscellaneous (tips, souvenirs) | $50–$100 |
Total Estimated Cost: $1,500–$2,500 per person
✈️ How to Get to Sharm El Sheikh
By Air
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is served by direct flights from Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
- Airlines include: EgyptAir, Aeroflot, easyJet, and Turkish Airlines.
By Land
- Overland travel from Israel (Eilat) or Jordan (Aqaba) is possible but less common due to border restrictions and paperwork.
🧳 Packing List for Divers
Here’s a checklist of essentials to bring:
- Dive certification card (digital copy okay)
- Logbook
- Mask, fins, snorkel
- Regulator, BCD, wetsuit (rental available)
- Dive computer (essential for deep dives)
- Surface marker buoy (SMB)
- Underwater camera (optional)
- Seasickness medication
- Travel insurance documents
🧵 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Sharm El Sheikh is considered very safe for diving. Security in the area is tight, especially around tourist zones. Always follow your dive center’s guidelines and stay within marked boundaries.
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at SSH airport. Check with your embassy for current requirements.
Egyptian Pound (EGP) is standard, though USD and EUR are sometimes accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and shops.
Yes, Sharm El Sheikh has a well-equipped hyperbaric chamber and several clinics specializing in diving-related injuries.
Some liveaboards allow non-divers onboard, but availability depends on the operator and season.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Sharm El Sheikh remains one of the top diving destinations in the world, combining natural beauty, historical intrigue, and exceptional marine life. Whether you’re chasing shipwrecks, swimming with dolphins, or simply marveling at colorful coral gardens, the Red Sea offers unforgettable experiences for every diver.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your journey—whether it’s your first dive or your hundredth. Remember to respect the environment, dive safely, and immerse yourself in the magic beneath the waves.
🔗 References & Further Reading
- PADI Official Website
- Red Sea Project – Egypt Tourism Authority
- Dive Magazine – Top Dive Sites in Egypt
- Divers Alert Network (DAN)
- TripAdvisor Reviews – Sharm El Sheikh Diving
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with fellow divers or bookmark it for future reference. Happy diving! 🐠🌊
