When you first think about Egypt it is most likely that you think about temples, tombs, pyramids, and dry, hot desert weather. You would probably be surprised to learn about the abundance of scuba diving locations within the area. Scuba diving in Egypt is a phenomenon in and of itself and if you love diving down deep you simply have to visit this unique country. Within Egypt, there are a few destinations you should seek out including Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada, Dahab, and Marsa Alam.
Scuba diving in Sharm El Sheik
Sharm El Sheik is one of the most exquisite diving spots within the entire Red Sea. From the lush sandy beaches, the tropical climate and the exciting nightlife including restaurants and casinos there is not too much else that you could ask for. Just picture yourself in one of the most tropical, beautiful diving locations in the world and you will have just a small sense of what it’s like visiting Sharm El Sheik. If you are thinking about going scuba diving in Egypt then you need to spend some time in this area or you will regret it.
Scuba Diving in Hurghada
Hurghada is another popular diving destination in Egypt. It is characterized by its sheltered reef and exciting dives close to shore. There are also quite a few, popular wrecks within the area that can be visited if you are interested in doing so. The underwater sea life varies greatly and you have the opportunity to see some exotic creatures at all times. Possibly the best part of the area is that it is perfect for beginner divers. The water is shallow, warm and extremely clear yet this does not take away from the beauty or number of sites you may be able to see. Some of the wrecks you can find just off of the shore are breathtaking and you do not need to be an expert diver to access them. While the area is less developed and not as popular as Sharm El Sheik, it is gaining popularity all the time. Many people that go scuba diving in Egypt are now electing to visit Hurghada and for good reasons, and not just for the diving. There are a number of excellent markets and bazaars where you can go shopping, or other activities such as jeep safaris or a chance to visit some famous temples.
Scuba Diving in Dahab
Dahab is a much lesser-known location to go scuba diving in Egypt, but should not be ignored. The village started off as a small fishing village and used to be known as a hangout spot for hippies. The Blue Hole and the Canyon are two of the most famous diving spots in Egypt but you want to make sure you take a few lessons before trying to conquer the waves within the Red Sea. The main appeal of this area is that it is a lot less uptight in comparison to Sharm El Sheikh and thus you can relax and enjoy yourself a lot more. This relaxed atmosphere by the way does not mean that you won’t have access to all the amenities you want. Dahab offers a beautiful spot for diving, attractive beaches, warm people, laid back atmosphere, and all the five-star accommodations you need. If you are a little tighter in your budget, that is not a problem either. You can find the perfect hotel and dive tour to suit your desires and budget.
Scuba diving in Marsa Alam
Now if you are looking for a truly unique and unspoiled dive spot then you need visit Marsa Alam when scuba diving in Egypt. Most dive trips within the area focus on eco diving and projects that are set up and focused on the environment and preserving the beauty within the area. From half-day tours to full day tours far off the shore you can experience toiling directly with nature in Marsa Alam. No more overcrowded beaches or dive sites and no more mega-resorts plastered around the area. This is nature at its best and if you want to truly experience natural diving then this is the place to be.
The best months to go scuba diving in Egypt are hard to classify. The entire year offers ideal weather but you may want to visit from December to march in order to dive more comfortably. At this time the weather is less intense and will not completely sweat you out. The water temperature in Egypt varies from between 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius at any given time. When swimming in the area you will most likely require extra weights as the Red Sea is extremely salty and offers extra buoyancy. The visibility you will notice underwater when scuba diving in Egypt is unrivaled. You can usually see as far as 30m below the surface at any give time. When it comes to climate in Egypt it is always warm and gets extra hot right around May where the temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. However the air cools significantly at night and the temperatures are hardly ever unbearable.