Diving in Hurghada is one of the best ways to experience the Red Sea beyond its beaches. Just offshore, you’ll find colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, underwater walls and even historic shipwrecks, with dive sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers.
You also don’t need a diving licence to try it for the first time. Many diving centres offer introductory dives with an instructor, while certified divers can join daily boat trips or take advanced courses.
From shallow reefs around Giftun Island to deeper sites such as El Mina Wreck, Hurghada gives you plenty of ways to explore the Red Sea at your own pace.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best diving sites in Hurghada, the types of diving trips available, expected Hurghada diving prices, and what to look for when choosing a dive centre.
What Are the Best Dive Sites in Hurghada?
The best dive site depends on what you want to see and your diving experience. Some locations are ideal for beginners and snorkellers, while others are better suited to certified divers looking for deeper water or wreck diving.
| Dive Site | Best For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Magawish Island | Beginners and snorkellers | Calm waters, colourful reefs |
| Giftun Island and Orange Bay | Beginners, families and snorkellers | Turquoise water, beaches and reefs |
| El Sakala Reef | Beginner to intermediate divers | Coral formations and marine life |
| Abu Ramada | Different experience levels | Diverse reefs and fish |
| Umm Gamar | Certified divers | Deeper water and coral walls |
| El Mina Wreck | Experienced certified divers | Wreck diving and marine life |
Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular spots.
1. Magawish Island
Magawish Island and the surrounding dive sites are a great option if you want to combine scuba diving with snorkelling.
The area is known for clear water, colourful coral reefs and plenty of small fish swimming around the reef. Some sites have relatively shallow depths and calmer conditions, making them suitable for beginners and first-time divers.
Best for: Beginners, introductory dives and snorkelling.
Why go? If this is your first time underwater, ask your dive centre about the beginner-friendly sites around Magawish. Your instructor can choose the most suitable location based on the sea conditions and your experience.
2. Giftun Island and Orange Bay
If you want to spend a full day on the Red Sea with a mix of diving, swimming and relaxing on the beach, Giftun Island is a popular choice.
The area is known for turquoise water, sandy beaches and coral reefs, making it suitable for both diving and snorkelling. Keep in mind that not every Giftun Island boat trip is a dedicated diving excursion. Some focus mainly on beach time, swimming and snorkelling.
Best for: Beginners, families and snorkellers.
Before you book: Ask the operator exactly what the trip includes. Does it include a proper scuba dive, or is it a snorkelling trip? It’s also worth asking which dive site you’ll visit.
3. El Sakala Reef
El Sakala Reef offers a different experience from the shallow sites commonly used for snorkelling.
The reef features interesting underwater formations and a variety of marine life, although the exact experience depends on the dive location and sea conditions. Some areas can work well for beginner to intermediate divers, while others may require more experience.
It’s a good choice if you want to spend more time exploring coral formations and observing marine life rather than simply swimming close to the surface.
Best for: Beginner to intermediate divers, depending on the specific site and conditions.
4. Umm Gamar
Umm Gamar is worth considering if you’re looking for deeper water and more dramatic underwater formations.
The experience varies depending on the exact entry point, but the area includes deeper sections and coral walls that are better suited to certified divers with appropriate experience.
The appeal isn’t only the depth. The coral formations and marine life make this an interesting site for divers who want to explore a different underwater environment from the shallower reefs closer to shore.
Best for: Certified divers with suitable deep-diving experience.
New to diving? Don’t book a site simply because it’s famous. Tell the dive centre about your certification and experience and let the instructor recommend a suitable location.
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5. Abu Ramada
Abu Ramada is well known for its coral reefs and varied marine life, which is why it features in many diving in Hurghada packages.
The area includes different dive sites, so depth and difficulty can vary considerably. Some locations may suit less experienced divers, while others require better buoyancy control and more experience.
It can also be a good option for underwater photography, thanks to the variety of fish and marine life found around the reefs.
Best for: Different experience levels, depending on the specific dive site and sea conditions.
Before your trip: Ask your dive centre which part of Abu Ramada you’ll visit and what depth you should expect.
6. El Mina Wreck
For anyone interested in wreck diving, El Mina offers a completely different experience from exploring coral reefs.
Located close to Hurghada’s port, the wreck is a former military vessel that has gradually become part of the local underwater ecosystem. Marine life now surrounds the structure, creating an interesting combination of history and reef life.
The wreck is better suited to certified divers with appropriate experience. Wreck diving also requires good buoyancy control and awareness around metal structures and enclosed areas.
Best for: Experienced certified divers.
Why visit? You get to explore a piece of underwater history while seeing how marine life has made the wreck part of the Red Sea ecosystem.
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What Types of Diving Trips Can You Book in Hurghada?
There’s more than one way to go diving in Hurghada. Your best option depends on your experience, how long you’re staying and how much you want to spend.
Introductory Diving for Beginners
Never dived before? An introductory dive lets you experience scuba diving without first completing a full certification course.
The experience usually starts with a safety briefing and an introduction to the equipment, followed by basic training with an instructor before you enter the water.
The exact format varies between dive centres, so check what’s included before booking. The number of dives, dive duration and training time can differ from one programme to another.
Best for: Visitors without a diving certification who want to experience the Red Sea for the first time.
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Daily Diving Trips for Certified Divers
If you already hold a PADI, SSI or another recognised diving certification, you can join daily boat trips to some of Hurghada’s offshore dive sites.
A typical trip includes two dives at different locations, although some operators offer additional dives or night diving.
The final dive sites are usually selected according to weather, wind, currents, sea conditions and the experience levels of the divers on board.
Best for: Certified divers who want to explore several Red Sea sites during their holiday.
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Diving Courses in Hurghada
If your first dive leaves you wanting more, you can use your trip to Hurghada to earn an internationally recognised diving certification.
PADI Open Water Diver
The PADI Open Water Diver course is a popular starting point for anyone who wants to become a certified diver.
The course combines theory, confined-water training and four open-water dives. Once you complete the requirements, the certification allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres within the limits of the certification.
The course generally takes around three to four days, depending on the diving centre and training schedule.
PADI Advanced Open Water
Already certified? The PADI Advanced Open Water course can help you develop your skills and gain experience with activities such as deep diving and underwater navigation.
Keep in mind that an advanced certification doesn’t automatically make every dive site suitable for you. Your actual diving experience, number of logged dives, and the conditions at the site still matter.
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How Much Does Scuba Diving Cost in Hurghada?
Hurghada diving prices vary from one centre to another. The final cost depends on the type of trip, number of dives, equipment rental, hotel transfers, season and any additional site or marine fees.
As a general guide, published prices can fall within the following ranges:
| Diving Experience | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Daily boat trip with two dives | EGP 1,900–3,200 |
| Introductory dive for beginners | EGP 2,200–3,500 |
| PADI Open Water course | Around EGP 14,000–19,000 |
| Two-dive trip at some centres | Around €45 |
| Equipment rental | Depends on the centre and equipment |
Prices can change, so it’s best to confirm the current rate directly with the dive centre before booking.
What Can Affect the Price?
Two diving trips can have noticeably different prices because they may not include the same services.
Before booking, ask if the price covers:
- Full diving equipment
- Lunch and drinks
- Hotel transfers
- Marina or boat fees
- Marine park or protected-area fees
- Number and duration of dives
- A third dive, if available
- Underwater photography
A cheaper package isn’t always the better deal if you later discover that equipment, transfers or other fees are charged separately.
How Can You Get a Better Diving Deal?
Planning to dive for more than one day? Ask about multi-day diving in Hurghada packages instead of booking each trip separately.
It’s also worth comparing what you get for the price. A slightly more expensive centre with smaller groups, well-maintained equipment and experienced instructors may offer better value than the cheapest option available.
What Is the Best Dive Centre in Hurghada?
There isn’t one dive centre that is automatically the best choice for every visitor. The right centre depends on your experience, the type of diving you want to do, group size, equipment and the sites included in the trip.
You may come across names such as Diving Star Hurghada and Diamond Red Sea Diving in Hurghada when researching your options. Rather than choosing based on the name alone, compare the services, certifications, reviews and current packages offered.
Here are a few things to check before paying for your trip.
Check the Centre’s Registration
Look for the centre in the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) directory instead of relying only on a social media advertisement.
Ask About Group Size
A reasonable group size makes a big difference, especially if you’re a beginner. Smaller groups can make it easier for instructors to keep an eye on everyone and provide individual guidance.
Check the Equipment
Ask what equipment is included and make sure the sizes are suitable for you. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask about the condition and age of the equipment before your dive.
Let the Instructor Choose the Site
The most famous dive site isn’t necessarily the right one for you.
If you’re a beginner, tell the instructor your experience level and let them recommend a location based on the weather, sea conditions and your ability.
Ask What the Price Includes
Before confirming your booking, ask:
“Does the price include equipment, transfers, lunch and site fees?”
That simple question can help you avoid unexpected costs later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diving in Hurghada
Do I need a diving licence to dive in Hurghada?
You don’t need previous certification to try an introductory dive with an instructor. Independent recreational diving requires an appropriate certification. Beginners who want to continue diving can take a course such as PADI Open Water Diver.
How deep can beginners dive in Hurghada?
The depth depends on the programme, dive site and instructor. Introductory dives generally take place in relatively shallow water under direct supervision. A PADI Open Water certification allows diving to 18 metres within the limits of the certification.
How long does a diving trip in Hurghada take?
A typical daily boat trip takes most of the day, particularly when it includes two dives at different sites. An Open Water course takes several days because it includes theory, training and open-water dives.
Is diving in Hurghada suitable for children?
Age requirements vary depending on the diving organisation, programme and centre. Some PADI programmes allow children to begin training from age 10 under specific conditions. Always confirm the requirements with the dive centre before booking.
Is diving better than snorkelling in Hurghada?
It depends on the experience you want.
Snorkelling is simpler if you want to stay close to the surface and see the reef without extensive training. Scuba diving takes you deeper into the underwater environment, giving you a closer look at coral reefs and marine life.
What is the best place for diving in Hurghada for beginners?
There isn’t one site that works for every beginner. Calm water and shallower depths are generally more suitable for first-time divers, but the final choice should be based on the conditions on the day and your instructor’s assessment.
Is diving in Hurghada expensive?
It doesn’t have to be. Hurghada offers introductory dives and daily trips at different price points. Some two-dive trips can start from around EGP 1,900, while courses and packages that include additional services cost more.
Found Your Perfect Dive Site? Find Somewhere to Stay
After a full day exploring the Red Sea, having a comfortable place to return to makes the experience even better.
From apartments and chalets to properties close to the beach, Bayut Egypt lets you explore a range of properties in Hurghada and find a place that fits your budget and holiday plans.
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