You don’t have to go deep to find magic underwater. Egypt’s Red Sea coast offers great shallow water diving that is just as exciting as the deep sea.
If you want to swap the seabed for vibrant coral walls and abundant fish, these top eight destinations covering the entire coast from north to south are the place to be.
Gate to the north: Taba
Start at the top, in Taba. An ideal entry point for beginners and families. The waters here are relatively shallow, making it a safe nursery for marine life. You can see fish growing together with seahorses and sea turtles. They hang out here and then migrate deep into the open sea. It’s peaceful. Ideal for people who want to see creatures up close without having to descend too far.
Coral Heartland: Hurghada, Quseir, Sharm El Sheikh
The scenery changes as you go south. Hurghada, Quseir and Sharm El Sheikh are highlights for coral lovers. These areas are known for their extensive coral reef systems. The colors are intense. The structure is complex. Divers come here especially to see the coastal coral gardens.
South extension
But the list is not over yet. The south side of the coast has its own secrets.
- Safaga : Known for its smooth water flow and good visibility.
- Marsa Alam : A little further down there are more remote and untouched coral reefs.
- El Hamata : The southernmost main place. It is usually quiet and the natural diversity is just as rich.
Each location has its own personality. Taba is about growth and safety. The central trio is structure and colors. The southern area offers a different kind of isolation. Which one should you choose? It depends on what you want to see. But you can’t go wrong starting with coral reefs. The water is warm. Life is intense. And the coast is really long.
Explore Egypt’s open sea wrecks and dive over coral reefs
There is more to the Red Sea than reef diving. Provides an underwater time capsule. Liveaboard boats depart daily from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, transporting divers to the deep blue open sea. It’s not just about finding sharks and rays. It’s about immersing yourself in history.
There are many shipwrecks in the Red Sea. These are not boat traps. They are giant steel frames that sit on the sand or lean against the walls. Divers come here to see it. Walk through the engine room where the engines once roared. When I looked out the window, I last saw light decades ago.
Three major shipwrecks
Three names are spoken among divers shipwrecked off the coast of Egypt. They are heavyweights.
Thistlegorm is king. Although sunk by German bombers in 1941, it is still intact in the Gulf of Suez. This is a cargo ship loaded with military supplies. You can see trucks. Motorcycles. Rifles. Boots. It looks like the crew just walked away. The preservation is eerie. Salt water acts as a preservative. The wreck is a museum, but you have to swim through the exhibits.
The Carnatic sank first. 1869. It’s older. Although difficult to obtain in some bases, the rewards have a different history. It’s a steamship. The iron shell is covered with coral. It became quiet. There are fewer people. The atmosphere is heavier.
Numidia is the third pillar. Sunk in 1901. This is a cargo ship. The wreck is spread out. More navigation skills are required to get the best angle. The sea life here is also unique. More bommies. More small critters hiding in the rust.
Why are these shipwrecks important?
You might wonder why you pay money to dive in the dark and cold and looking at rust. The answer is context.
Coral reefs are beautiful. They’re vibrant. They’re colorful. But the wreckage tells the story. They connect the diver to a specific moment in time. The Thistlegorm is World War II. You are breathing the same air the soldiers might have feared. The Carnatic is the age of steam and empire. The Numidia is the dawn of modern shipping.
This isn’t just tourism. This is archaeology. This is a memory. The Red Sea’s clarity makes this possible. Visibility can exceed 30 meters. The whole wreck can be seen from a distance. You can plan your arrival. You can respect the site.
Financial reality
Hurghada is more than just a seaside town. It’s a dive hub. The same goes for Sharm el-Sheikh. The economies of these cities are based on these deep dives. Liveaboards are a lifeline. Without these, coastal destinations would struggle.
The proceeds support local tour guides. crew. restaurant. Hotel. The entire ecosystem revolves around water. Divers come from all over the world to search for shipwrecks. They stay for the reefs. They spent their money on the city that was waiting for them.
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