Scuba Diving in Egypt

Explore 582 dive sites and 200 dive centres in Egypt. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

Egypt Diving at a Glance

8 dive regions, 582 dive sites, 200 dive centres, 118 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Egypt

UK FCDO: Advises against all travel to parts.

Best Time to Dive in Egypt

The best months to dive in Egypt are March, May, June, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Great, water 22.7°C, current 10.7 cm/s
  • February: Great, water 22°C, current 10.7 cm/s
  • March: Great, water 22°C, current 9.2 cm/s
  • April: Great, water 22.8°C, current 11 cm/s
  • May: Great, water 24.7°C, current 12.4 cm/s
  • June: Great, water 26°C, current 11.4 cm/s
  • July: Great, water 27.1°C, current 14.1 cm/s
  • August: Great, water 28.3°C, current 13.1 cm/s
  • September: Great, water 27.6°C, current 13.3 cm/s
  • October: Great, water 26.6°C, current 16.8 cm/s
  • November: Great, water 25.8°C, current 13.1 cm/s
  • December: Great, water 24.2°C, current 10.5 cm/s

Recommended Packing List for Egypt

Based on average water temperature of 25.0°C, currents 12 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Dive Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Egypt's Red Sea?
The Red Sea in Egypt offers excellent diving year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 22°C in February and March to a warm 28°C in August and September. For comfortable diving with pleasant surface conditions, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons like May (25°C) or October (27°C). You can find more details on seasonal conditions on our When to Dive page.
What are the visa and passport requirements for international travelers diving in Egypt?
Information regarding specific visa and passport requirements for international travelers to Egypt is not available in the provided data. We recommend checking the latest travel advisories and requirements with your local embassy or consulate before planning your trip.
What types of marine life, including sharks and corals, can divers expect to see in the Red Sea, Egypt?
Divers in Egypt's Red Sea can anticipate a vibrant array of marine life, including encounters with sharks, particularly around sites like Ras Mohammed's shark reef and the Brothers Islands. The region is renowned for its healthy coral ecosystems and diverse fish populations, offering world-class diving experiences. Explore more about the species you might encounter on our Wildlife Database.
What are the typical difficulty levels for scuba diving in Egypt, and are there sites suitable for beginners and advanced divers?
With 576 dive sites across Egypt, the Red Sea caters to all skill levels, from beginners to highly advanced divers. Sites like the SS Thistlegorm wreck and the Brothers Islands are renowned for advanced diving, offering challenging currents and deep encounters. Many sub-regions, such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, also feature numerous sheltered reefs perfect for novice divers and training.
What is the estimated cost of scuba diving trips and courses in Egypt?
The provided data does not include estimated costs for scuba diving trips or courses in Egypt. We recommend contacting one of the 200 dive centres listed for the region directly to inquire about current pricing for packages and certifications.
Which are the most popular and best dive regions or resorts in Egypt for different diving experiences?
Egypt's Red Sea boasts numerous popular dive regions, each offering unique experiences. Marsa Alam (122 sites) and Sharm el-Sheikh (104 sites) are among the largest, providing a wide array of diving opportunities. For world-class pelagic encounters and advanced diving, the Brothers Islands are legendary, while Hurghada (89 sites) and Dahab (62 sites) are excellent choices for diverse reef and shore diving.
Are there any specific dive sites in Egypt known for unique experiences like wrecks or pelagic encounters?
Absolutely, Egypt is home to several iconic dive sites known for unique experiences. The SS Thistlegorm wreck is world-renowned for wreck diving, offering a historical and thrilling exploration. For incredible pelagic encounters and shark sightings, Ras Mohammed's shark reef and the remote Brothers Islands are premier destinations.
Are there any specific health recommendations or safety considerations for divers traveling to Egypt?
The provided data does not include specific health recommendations or safety considerations for divers traveling to Egypt. As with any dive trip, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor regarding fitness to dive and ensure you have adequate dive insurance. Always dive within your training limits and follow local dive centre guidelines.