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Red Sea Diving
Sharm el Sheikh
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| Great news - all diving restrictions in Sharm el Sheikh have now been lifted, and there's never been a better time to dive! Many top dive sites are still closed to snorkellers, so divers have exclusivity on the reefs. Plus the greatly reduced boat traffic over the last few weeks have had a rejuvenating effect, and divers are reporting close encounters with usually shy creatures such as feather tailed rays. |
Sharm el Sheikh is one of the most popular and best known dive destinations in the world, and offers a variety of diving options that makes it ideal for both beginners and qualified divers. There's also plenty to do out of the water in Sharm el Sheikh; from dining and partying in bustling Naama Bay to exploring the desert on a camel or enjoying a pampering experience at one of the many hotel spas.
Diving prices & offers in Sharm el Sheikh >>
More information on Sharm el Sheikh >>
Excursions & activities from Sharm el Sheikh >>
Dive Centres in Sharm el Sheikh
Red Sea Diving College (for guests staying at all hotels)
Red Sea Waterworld (for guests staying at the Hyatt Regency only)
Essential Diving Info
Location: On the Southern-most tip of the Sinai Peninsula.
Transfer time: Approximately 30 mins from Sharm el Sheikh airport
Medical: Nearest recompression chamber / medical facilities 4 miles from Red Sea Diving College
Diving in Sharm el Sheikh
- The majority of the diving from Sharm el Sheikh is by day boat, leaving from the jetty in Naama Bay and visiting the diverse dive sites of the Northern Red Sea.
- Shore diving and snorkelling are also available at various hotels that have a house reef (see individual hotel pages for details).
- Dive sites are spread from the Straits of Tiran in the north to Ras Mohammed in the south.
- The Thistlegorm wreck located at Sha'ab Ali is also accessible from Sharm el Sheikh.
- The day boats offer you a high degree of comfort, with saloon, sundeck, bathroom facilities and a kitchen.
- Conditions range from slight reef slopes with little or no currents, found at local sites between Ras Nasrani and Ras Katy, to the vertical walls and current swept reefs of the Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed.
Diving Highlights
The Straits of Tiran
Found in the middle of the Gulf of Aqaba, the Straits of Tiran are approximately one and a half hours by boat from Naama Bay, and are one of the best loved diving sites in Sharm el Sheikh for qualified divers. Four coral reefs lined up in a row are visible on the surface; these are named after British cartographers (Gordon, Woodhouse, Thomas & Jackson), and are world famous for their extraordinary diversity of corals. Sightings of sharks, turtles and other big fish are possible. Currents around these reefs and steep drop offs require good diving skills.
Ras Mohamed National Park
Located at the Southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the Ras Mohamed National Park area is home to many varied dive sites, the most spectacular of which are the Shark and Yolanda Reefs. Over a thousand species of fish and over a hundred different hard and soft corals have been recorded in the Ras Mohamed area due to underwater currents providing a feast of nutrients. Napolean wrasse, Moray eels and Turtles are permanent inhabitants.
The Wreck of the S/S Thistlegorm
The S/S Thistlegorm was a 126m long and 17.5m, wide merchant vessel commandeered by the navy during World War II. In the early hours of 6 October 1941, she was hit by two German bombers, and sank shortly after. Rediscovered in the early 90s, sitting upright at 30m, she has become of the best wrecks for diving in the Red Sea. Her holds are open and easily accessed, showing the full range of cargo which includes ammunition, trucks, motorbikes, armoured vehicles, plane wings and engines, trains and tenders, Wellington boots and waders. The wreck is exposed to the tidal currents and prevailing winds, which can make this dive inaccessible at times. These conditions and the depth of the dive means that this is only open to experienced divers.
See Sharm el Sheikh diving map >>
Marine Life
From tiny Basslets and Glassfish to 6 foot Napoleon Wrasse and Manta Rays plus Hawksbill Turtles, Octopus, Cuttlefish and Squid as well as many species of Sharks including Whale Sharks, Hammerheads and Reef Sharks.
Apres Dive
The bustling Naama Bay area offers a cosmopolitan selection of restaurants, relaxed pavement cafés and lively bars and clubs. Alternatively head out into the desert on a camel for a Bedouin dinner. Many of the hotels also provide a range of dining and leisure options, including massage, spas, pools, tennis and mini-golf (check individual hotel pages for details).
Activities for non-divers
There is plenty of other leisurely activities to participate in. Take a trip back in time at St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, explore the Coloured canyon, and visit what has been proclaimed the 'eighth wonder of the world' Petra, as well as the magical pyramids in Luxor and Cairo.Excursions, activities & tours from Sharm el Sheikh >>
Map of Sharm el Sheikh Diving Sites
