Diving Egypt: A First-Timer’s Love Letter to the Red Sea

Why Egypt is a Top Choice for First-Time Divers

My very first dive in Egypt made everything click—I suddenly got why this place tops the list for new divers. The Red Sea offers the perfect mix of calm, clear waters and a learning experience that’s both easy and unforgettable.

1-Warm waters and year-round diving conditions

One of the best parts? You can dive here any time of year. The water stays comfortably warm—about 21°C in winter and up to 30°C in summer. In colder months, I wore a 7mm wetsuit and stayed cozy. Come summer, I barely needed more than a shorty.
What really sets the Red Sea apart is how reliable the conditions are. Sunshine is practically guaranteed, and each season has its perks. Spring warmed up just right for longer dives, summer gave me toasty waters, and in winter, I had up-close moments with dolphins and even manta rays. You really can’t lose.

2- High visibility and easy access to dive sites

I was amazed at how far I could see underwater—visibility often stretched 30 to 40 meters. That kind of clarity is a game-changer when you’re starting out. With hardly any plankton clouding things up, I could really take in the vibrant corals and marine life.
And getting there? Super easy. I flew into Sharm El Sheikh, and before I knew it, I was in the water. Many dive sites are just a short ride from shore, and they’re calm enough that I felt like I was diving in a giant, colorful swimming pool. Perfect for gaining confidence.

3- Affordable dive packages and training options

What surprised me most was how budget-friendly it all was. I joined a liveaboard for less than $150 a night—and that included multiple dives a day. It’s great value for what you get.
As a beginner, I had plenty of training options to choose from. Whether it was a short intro dive for around €65 or a full Open Water course at about €320, I found something that fit. Many dive centers even offered instruction in my native language, and some were right inside the resorts.

Best part? The instructors were phenomenal—super professional, patient, and genuinely passionate about diving. They made learning feel effortless and fun.

Top Red Sea Dive Spots for Beginners

After getting certified, I couldn’t wait to explore Egypt’s underwater world—and the Red Sea turned out to be the perfect starting point for new divers like me.

1- Hurghada diving: Easy reefs and wrecks

Hurghada was where it all began. Shallow, sandy sites and lively coral made it ideal. Gota Abu Ramada, aka "The Aquarium," blew me away with its marine life. Fanadir’s calm reefs were a dream, and the Susana Wreck at 15 meters gave me my first (and very doable) taste of wreck diving.

Why I Picked Hurghada First

Hurghada had everything I needed—easy access, beachfront resorts, and no-hassle diving. Within an hour of waking up, I was on a boat. Every dive brought something new—turtles, lionfish, coral galore. It was an underwater buffet of beauty and surprise.

Dive Sites I Loved Around Hurghada

Thistlegorm Wreck – A chilling WWII relic packed with war gear.
 Giftun Island – Stunning reefs with the occasional dolphin guest.
 Carless Reef – Towering coral and the thrill of open-sea surprises.

When to Dive in Hurghada

I dove in May—perfect weather and visibility. But honestly? Hurghada is a year-round diving gem. Warm waters are always waiting.

2- Diving Sharm El Sheik: Ras Mohammed and SS Thistlegorm

Sharm El Sheikh completely lived up to the hype. Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt’s oldest marine sanctuary, blew me away with its vibrant coral and crystal-clear visibility. Marsa Bareika offered a mellow start with calm waters and gentle slopes—perfect for warming up.

The SS Thistlegorm was a whole other level. This legendary WWII wreck sits between 18–30 meters and is a must for Advanced Open Water divers. If you’re Nitrox certified, even better—you’ll want the extra time down there.

Why I Headed to Sharm Next

After Hurghada, I craved something bigger—and Sharm delivered. The dive sites here were full of drama: deep walls, massive reefs, and marine life that felt like a never-ending parade.

Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran

A boat trip to Ras Mohammed gave me one of my all-time best dives. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef were bursting with color and activity. Then at Jackson Reef, I didn’t spot hammerheads this time, but just being in that vast blue was thrilling.

3- Marsa Alam: The Wild Side of Diving Egypt

Marsa Alam felt like diving in a dream. Abu Dabbab Bay blew me away—gliding next to sea turtles and spotting a dugong was pure magic. Then came Elphinstone Reef, where strong currents met epic drop-offs and a heart-pounding encounter with an oceanic whitetip. Peaceful yet wild—this place had it all.

Why I Ventured South

Someone said, “If you want dugongs, you go south.” So I packed my gear and headed to Marsa Alam. It’s quieter here—more raw and rugged. No crowds, just wild sea and the chance to bump into something extraordinary.

Highlights from Marsa Alam

Abu Dabbab: Dugongs munching on seagrass like underwater cows, turtles gliding by, and rays sweeping the sand. Every dive felt like a nature documentary.
Elphinstone Reef: Dramatic walls, blue depths, and my first close-up with an oceanic whitetip. My heart was racing—in the best way.
Samadai (Dolphin House): Picture this—a calm lagoon and wild dolphins swimming right beside us. Still feels like a dream.

4- Diving Dahab: Blue Hole and Canyon for all levels

 Dahab gave me easy access to world-famous dive sites without the stress. I kept it safe at the Blue Hole by sticking to the outer reef and dropping in through the saddle. The Canyon dive started in a calm lagoon and opened into stunning coral gardens. Whether you’re new or experienced, there’s something incredible waiting.

The Backpacker’s Dream with Big Dives

 Dahab had the perfect mix—beach bonfires, cheap eats, and unforgettable dives. I came for a short trip and ended up staying way longer.

The Big Dives

 Blue Hole Dahab: I did the Bells to Blue Hole drift and was blown away by the massive drop-offs and colorful wall corals.
 Canyon Dahab: A surreal dive through reef cracks and underwater tunnels that felt like flying.

What You’ll See Underwater: Marine Life Highlights

 
The Red Sea completely reset my expectations. From day one, it was a nonstop show of vibrant colors and wild encounters I’ll never forget.

1- Colorful Reef Fish and Coral Gardens

 Every dive delivered—reef fish in every color imaginable, swirling glassfish at Ras Mohammed, and coral gardens that felt like underwater cities

2- Turtles, Dolphins, and Dugongs

 I shared water with sea turtles in Abu Dabbab, dolphins that swam beside our boat, and a dugong that made the wait in the seagrass totally worth it.

3- Sharks: What’s Common and What’s Rare

 Elphinstone had reef sharks. Brothers brought the big guys—threshers and oceanic whitetips. And yes, I even caught a glimpse of a whale shark.

4- The Marine Life That Stole My Heart

 From anemone-hugging clownfish to couture-level nudibranchs, Egypt’s marine life stole the show—and the visibility made every dive unforgettable.

The Red Sea: A Diver’s First Love Story

Diving in Egypt’s Red Sea flipped everything I thought I knew about the ocean. With crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and beginner-friendly dive spots like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab, it was the perfect place to start. I loved how easy it was to tailor the experience—whether sticking to shore dives or heading out on a liveaboard. Spring and fall brought ideal conditions, and packing right made a huge difference. But more than anything, diving here sparked something in me. Gliding with turtles and drifting through coral gardens wasn’t just beautiful—it was grounding. If you’re thinking about diving, this is the place to begin your story.

Top 10 FAQs I Had Before Diving in Egypt’s Red Sea

1- Why should I choose Egypt for my first scuba diving trip?
 

Because it just clicked. The Red Sea has calm, warm waters and amazing visibility—making it feel safe, fun, and unforgettable right from the start.

2-When is the best time for me to dive in Egypt?
 

Honestly? Anytime. I went in May and it was perfect, but Egypt’s year-round sunshine and warm waters make every season a win.

3- Which Red Sea destinations should I start with as a beginner?
 

I started in Hurghada—it was easy and full of colorful marine life. Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and Marsa Alam were also incredible in their own ways.

4- What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
 

Everything—from sea turtles and dolphins to dugongs and reef sharks. I even spotted a whale shark once. It felt like being inside a marine documentary.

5-What are the must-dive sites I shouldn’t miss?

 The SS Thistlegorm wreck, Ras Mohammed’s coral gardens, Dahab’s Blue Hole, and Elphinstone Reef all blew me away.

6- Do I need prior certification to dive in Egypt?
 

Not necessarily. I found plenty of beginner-friendly options, including intro dives and Open Water courses that were easy to book and super well-taught.

7- How easy is it to get to the dive spots?
 

Very. I flew into Sharm El Sheikh and was diving within hours. Most dive sites are just a short boat ride away from the coast.

8- What should I pack for my diving trip?
 

Essentials like your dive gear, sunscreen, medications, and backups for anything techy. I forgot a battery once—never again!

9- What made the Red Sea so special to me?
 

It wasn’t just the diving—it was how I felt under the water. Peaceful, amazed, connected. The Red Sea didn’t just show me beauty—it changed how I see the ocean.

10. Is it safe for beginner divers to dive in the Red Sea? 

Yes, the Red Sea offers excellent conditions for beginner divers, with many shallow, calm sites suitable for those new to diving. However, it's important to dive within your limits, follow your guide's instructions, and be honest about your experience level.

11. What should I pack for a Red Sea diving trip? 

Essential items include sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), warm clothing for between dives, personal dive gear if you have it, and any necessary medications. It's also recommended to bring a surface marker buoy, dive computer, and cash for tipping crew members.

Experience the magic of diving Egypt—where coral gardens, turtles, and reef sharks await. Book Egypt travel packages that take you beneath the surface and beyond the ordinary.