Dreaming of floating over coral gardens, but unsure where to start diving in Hurghada? The Red Sea here is warm, clear and wonderfully forgiving for beginners, while deep wrecks and walls keep experienced divers hooked. Here is how to pick the right dive for you.
Where Should a First-Timer Dive in Hurghada?
Start with a discovery dive at the Giftun Islands or Abu Ramada. Both offer calm, shallow reefs with an instructor at your side.
| Dive site | Best for |
|---|---|
| Giftun Islands | Easy reef dives and coral gardens for beginners |
| Abu Ramada | Gentle slopes, busy fish life and relaxed boat days |
| Carless Reef | Steeper walls and big fish schools for certified divers |
| Abu Nuhas | Historic wrecks for advanced divers |
| Thistlegorm | A famous WWII wreck, reached on long day or liveaboard trips |
The Ship Graveyard That Doubles as a Reef
Abu Nuhas, in the Strait of Gubal, is known as the Red Sea’s ship graveyard. Several vessels, including the Giannis D, the Chrisoula K and the Carnatic, ran aground on its reef.
Today the hulls are draped in soft coral and swarming with glassfish. It is a favourite for advanced divers, who enjoy penetrating the wrecks and spotting lionfish in the shadows.
Ready to meet the Red Sea? Browse our Hurghada trips and choose a boat day that suits your level.
Can You Dive in Hurghada All Year Round?
Yes. The Red Sea offers year-round diving, with PADI describing water of roughly 21 to 28°C and visibility of 20 to 50 metres. Only the wetsuit thickness changes.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter | Cooler water, so wear a thicker wetsuit, with calm days and quiet reefs |
| Spring | Mild water and good visibility, with fewer crowds than summer |
| Summer | Warm water, lively marine life and a lighter wetsuit |
| Autumn | The warmest sea of the year, with settled conditions |
Need help choosing your month? See our guide to the best time to visit Hurghada.
No Certificate? Your Options at a Glance
- Discovery dive: a half-day introduction for first-timers, with no previous experience.
- Open Water course: a few days of training that earns a certification valid worldwide.
- Snorkelling: stay on the surface and still see the reef. Our snorkelling in Hurghada guide shows how.
- Boat day: combine two dives with lunch and time to relax on deck.
What a Dive Day on a Hurghada Boat Really Looks Like
Expect a full but easy day. You are collected early, briefed at the marina, then cruise out to the reef.
- Morning: hotel pickup, gear fitting and a short safety briefing.
- Midday: your first dive, followed by lunch on board.
- Afternoon: a second dive or snorkelling session, then back to the marina.
Guide’s tip: choose a morning boat. The northerly wind usually builds in the afternoon, so mornings are calmer and kinder to anyone prone to seasickness.
Prefer a gentler day on the water? Read about the Dolphin House trip from Hurghada or explore more Hurghada excursions.
Dive Like a Local: Reef-Friendly Habits
The Giftun Islands are a protected area, and local dive centres work hard to keep their reefs healthy. A few simple habits make a big difference.
- Never touch or stand on coral. One careless fin kick can destroy decades of growth.
- Do not feed the fish, however tame they seem.
- Practise your buoyancy before heading to a wall or wreck.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen, or cover up with a rash guard.
Diving in Hurghada: Questions Travellers Actually Ask
Do I need to swim well to try scuba diving in Hurghada?
For a supervised discovery dive, you just need to feel comfortable in water. Certification courses include a short swim test.
Can I dive in Hurghada if I have not dived for years?
Yes. Ask for a refresher session first. Your instructor will revisit key skills in shallow water before you head to the reef.
Which marine life will I see when diving in Hurghada?
Expect clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish, moray eels and Napoleon wrasse. Turtles and dolphins appear on lucky days.
How long should I wait before flying after a dive?
Dive safety organisations advise waiting at least 12 hours after a single dive and 18 hours after repeated diving. Your centre will confirm the exact time.
Your Red Sea Dive, Sorted
Choose a calm reef, pick a morning boat and let the instructor set the pace. The Red Sea will do the rest. Message El Sultan Travel on WhatsApp and we will arrange your boat day.
