Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's major diving bases. Dive-club boats leave the harbour for nearby reefs, the Giftun islands, and for more distant wrecks. There are trips for certified divers as well as introductory dives and snorkelling: choose according to your level and dive only with an approved club that provides supervision and well-maintained equipment.
Highlights
The Abu Nuhas wrecks
On this reef, north of the Strait of Gubal, several ships ran aground, including the Carnatic, the Giannis D and the Kimon M; the bow or hull of some breaks the surface. These wrecks are usually visited on day trips or liveaboards, by divers of a certain level.
The Giftun islands
A protected area, with reefs suited to drift dives, schools of anthias and sometimes Napoleon wrasse; the eastern reefs have more current.
Abu Ramada
A reef valued for sheltered dives and small marine life, which macro photographers like.
Carless Reef
An isolated plateau in open sea, with two large pinnacles, which the weather sometimes makes unreachable.
The Salem Express
A wreck near Safaga, to the south, and a memorial to a shipwreck: behave with respect. See Safaga.
The Thistlegorm
A famous Second World War wreck: from Hurghada, allow three to four hours by boat depending on wind, and two dives at most on a day trip.
Practical info
Tips
- I did not record any prices: they vary by club, number of dives and equipment, so ask for a written quote. Check the level required by each site, your dive insurance and the club's certification. Snorkelling is also done on trips to the islands: see Giftun Island and Paradise Island. For the budget, see the Hurghada travel budget.
How to get there
Clubs collect divers at the hotel and take them to the harbour or marina: see Hurghada Marina. For Abu Nuhas, the Salem Express and the Thistlegorm, departures are earlier, for the full day.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
Comments
No comments yet.