Diving through crystal clear water and wandering through its paradise is one of the most bewitching experiences in Egypt. There are boundless destinations in the country for aquatic-loving adventurers! Each spot offers a unique underwater escapade.
This blog will give you all the details about the best diving and snorkeling spots in Egypt. Our list will include various destinations on the Red Sea’s pristine coastline: Dahab, Marsa Allam, and Hurghada.
Grab your diving and snorkeling essentials and be ready for a virtual tour filled with wonders!
Best Diving and Snorkeling Spots in Egypt
Whether you are a local or somebody on the hunt for the best underwater adventures, this article is for you. The captivating shores of Egypt’s Red Sea hold boundless diving and snorkeling spots for both seasoned and casual snorkelers.
Diving and snorkeling are more than adrenaline boosters. These activities offer wanderers and marine lovers matchless opportunities for unforgettable encounters, filled with vibrancy and awe.
The Red Sea coastline is the home of some of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in Egypt, which include:
- El Gouna
- Hurghada
- Soma Bay
- Ain Sokhna
- Dahab
- Marsa Allam
1. El Gouna, Red Sea
El Gouna is one of Egypt’s world-class destinations, with various wonders to unravel. It is filled with unparalleled spots for various water activities, including snorkeling, diving, and kitesurfing.
El Gouna in Egypt hosts a wide range of destinations for snorkeling and diving, as well as coming across the best beach experiences in the country. They include, but are not limited to:
- Abu Nahas Reef, north of Shedwan El Gouna. It’s a magical spot where you can enjoy glimpses of vibrant coral gardens and its famous shipwrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M.
- Gota Abu Galawa, suitable for both seasonal and beginner divers and snorkelers. Besides its colorful fish, you can enjoy turtle sightseeing occasionally. Red Sea’s pristine waters provide adventure seekers with exceptional visibility to appreciate its spellbinding coral reefs.
- Dolphin House: Diving & snorkeling in Egypt and exploring the Red Sea’s marvels becomes more exquisite when it merges with dolphins!
- Careless Reef, a one-of-a-kind diving site in El Gouna, Egypt, and one of the best spots for experienced divers, as you may encounter reef sharks. Moreover, make sure there is no wind before you go.
- South and North Fanadir Reefs: Fanadir Marina is one of the best spots in El Gouna, Egypt, for diving, snorkeling, shopping, dining, and making the most out of your escapade! Its vibrant reefs are suitable for beginners as well. It’s characterized by calm waters and infinite marine life.
These are the best diving and snorkeling sites in El Gouna, Egypt. Now, you must be wondering about the top dive centers in the area that will help you make the most out of your adventure. They include:
- Orca Dive Club
- Dream Team Divers
- Dive Trek
Additionally, one of the reasons why El Gouna is one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in Egypt is its prime location, whether you are a local or a traveler. It is:
- A 4-hour flight from Europe’s central airports.
- 5 hours away from Central Cairo.
You can also check: Top Things to Do in El Gouna at Night for a Blissful Experience!
2. Diving in Hurghada, Egypt
Renowned for its buzzing marine life and turquoise, refreshing waters, Hurghada is one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in Egypt. Some of its best spots are:
- Abu Ramada Island, located south of Giftun National Park. It hosts a wide range of coral creatures, and it is considered one of the richest marine environments in Hurghada. Get ready to encounter soft and hard coral reefs, angelfish, and turtles!
- Small Giftun Drift, situated 11 km east of Hurghada. Giftun Island offers a blissful, enchanting, and thrilling diving experience in Egypt with its diverse marine life and vibrancy.
- Mahmya Island, located in the southern part of Giftun Island. In addition to being an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving in Egypt, it is known for its natural beauty and magnificent beaches.
- Umm Gamar, south of Hurghada. Its breathtaking coral gardens turn the fantasy of every scuba diver into reality. They would encounter angelfish, butterflyfish, and more, despite being a small island on the Red Sea coastline.
Top Resorts in Hurghada, Egypt
It is worth mentioning that you can reach Hurghada by plane (around 1 hour away from Cairo). It is also approximately 32 km away from El Gouna and its popular attractions.
3. Soma Bay
Soma Bay is a world-class destination in Egypt with exquisite diving and snorkeling sites, and they include:
- The Seven Pinnacles, also known as Tobia Arbaa. This magnificent spot exhibits seven coral pinnacles, forming a beautiful underwater landscape. It is filled with various reef fish and vibrant coral formations.
- Panorama Reef, where dramatic drop-offs and diversity of marine species blend! It is the home of various sea creatures, including white-tip reef sharks, barracudas, and tuna.
- Tobia Hamra, one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in Hurghada, Egypt. Divers can spot Napoleon tiggerfish and zebra snakes, as well as experience the magic of its magnificent corals.
In addition to the boundless diving spots in Soma Bay, you will be in proximity to the other destinations and unmatched experiences of Hurghada. It is around 45 km away from Hurghada. Moreover, Somabay is approximately a 1-hour drive to El Gouna.
4. Ain Sokhna
The underwater life of Egypt is filled with wonders, and one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the country is Ain Sokhna. It offers vacationers a serene escapade on the Red Sea coastline, in addition to the unmatched thrill adrenaline seekers would experience!
Dive into the magical Red Sea and wander through its diverse marine experiences in Ain Sokhna when you visit:
- La Siesta Private Beach, where you can take a glimpse of soft corals. It is a distinctive destination in Egypt, providing a serene environment for snorkeling, diving, and exploring the magic beneath the surface.
- Jabal El Sakka Area, where snorkelers can enjoy the companionship of colorful fish, and sometimes dolphins.
5. Snorkeling and Diving in Dahab, Egypt
When in Dahab, a magnificent backdrop on Egypt’s Red Sea coastline, there is one thing you need to add to your must-do list: Blue Hole snorkeling! It is a world-renowned dive site in Egypt, with depths extending to 100 meters.
Blue Hole is a magnificent diving spot in Egypt for experienced divers. Furthermore, the magical coral gardens make it an exquisite snorkeling experience. It is filled with diverse marine life, including parrotfish and pufferfish.
In addition to Blue Hole, there are other splendid diving and snorkeling spots in Dahab, Egypt, such as:
- The Canyon, south of Blue Hole, provides vast underwater experiences for free diving in Egypt, as well as snorkeling.
- The Lighthouse which is suitable for all levels. Its reefs extend from 0.5 meters to 40 meters. It exhibits a wide variety of marine creatures, such as morays and turtles.
5. Snorkeling in Marsa Allam
Marsa Allam is a magical spot in Egypt, on the south-eastern shores of the Red Sea, with unlimited snorkeling and diving destinations, including:
- Abu Dabbab Bay, characterized by its shallow waters and is known for its seagrass meadows. It is an astonishing destination in Marsa Allam, Egypt, for snorkeling and diving, where green sea turtles reside. Moreover, you may encounter guitar sharks.
- Elphinstone Reef, 30 km from Marsa Allam, where you can run into whitetip sharks along with its beautiful coral gardens. P.S.: It is recommended for experienced divers.
- Daedalus Reef, a remote site, around 85 km away from Marsa Allam in Egypt, where diving and snorkeling are matchless. Its stunning reef features diverse marine life and steep walls.
- Fury Shoals, with pristine reefs of both hard and soft corals, where you could come across a variety of underwater species.
In addition to the unlimited diving and snorkeling spots on the Red Sea coast in Egypt, the Mediterranean exhibits various destinations for experienced and occasional individuals alike.
Snorkling & Diving in the Northern Coast of Egypt
The northern coast of Egypt is a magnificent backdrop for diving and snorkeling, with many destinations to hit when you’re in the mood for wandering underwater. Some of the top spots are:
- Alexandria, one of the best diving spots in Egypt, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where you can go on an underwater historical adventure! Its magnificent sites exhibit submerged remains of ancient landmarks, such as Cleopatra’s Palace.
- Marsa Matrouh, situated west of Alexandria in Egypt, an unparalleled choice for diving, snorkeling, and more! It boasts various pristine beaches and beach activities.
North Coast, Egypt, Top Resorts
After telling you where to go diving in Egypt, there are some important factors you need to consider before heading for your adventure.
- Diving seasons
- Training in case you need it
Regarding the training, there are several dive centers in Egypt where you can learn. It takes at least 4 days to learn.
Dive Centers in Egypt
There are various diving centers in Egypt, found in the areas we mentioned above. They include:
- Blue Submarine Diving Center in Marsa Allam
- Master Diving Center in Makadi
- Scuba Seekers in Dahab
- Scuba World Divers in Soma Bay
- Scuba World Divers in Mövenpick Resort and Spa, El Gouna
Get ready to experience the rich underwater life of Egypt.
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FAQs about Diving & Snorkeling in Egypt
1. Where to go diving in Egypt?
There are various destinations in Egypt for diving, including but not limited to Marsa Allam, Soma Bay, and El Gouna.
2. When to dive in Egypt?
The best seasons to dive in Egypt include March, May, September, and November.
3. Is there snorkeling in El Gouna?
Yes, El Gouna has various snorkeling destinations, such as Dolphin House.
4. What are the best spots for snorkeling and diving in Egypt?
They include, but are not limited to, Daedalus Reef in Marsa Allam, Tobia Arbaa in Soma Bay, and the south and north Fanadir Reefs in El Gouna.
5. What is the difference between scuba diving and freediving?
Scuba diving is of longer durations, deeper dives, and requires training. On the other hand, freediving grants inexperienced individuals the chance to go underwater for shorter durations.
