James & Mac Diving Center

Hurghada, Egypt

The team at James & Mac Diving Center are exactly who we want to spend a week diving with in Hurghada. It’s a German-run operation, which means everything runs like clockwork, but with a friendly, relaxed vibe that puts you instantly at ease. We’ve found their daily boat trips to be a real highlight, consistently hitting some excellent spots away from the usual crowds. What we really appreciate about James & Mac is their commitment to finding quieter, more rewarding dives. Instead of just hitting the big-name sites every day, they’re great at reading the conditions and knowing where the action is without the jostle of twenty other boats. We've had some cracking drifts around Abu Ramada North with them, watching those big Napoleon wrasse cruise past, and our favourite has to be their mini-safaris. Just a couple of days out on the Red Sea, sleeping on the boat, waking up to the smell of salt and coffee, and being the first in the water at places like Giftun Soraya. The dive guides are incredibly knowledgeable, pointing out the smaller critters – the nudibranchs tucked into a coral crevice, the shy moray peering from its hole – and never rushing you. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate efficient logistics paired with a genuinely personal touch.