5/5 for the number of wrecks to be visited
4/5 for close encounters with dolphins
4/5 for coral gardens and schools of fish
3/5 for cave and canyon dives
4/5 for nudis and other macro objects
1/5 for close encounters with sharks
3/5 for big fish sightnings
At the start of a diving safari, the trip usually begins with a relaxed check dive, giving divers time to test their equipment, adjust weights, and get comfortable in the water before heading to deeper or more challenging sites.
These introduction dives are typically done at sheltered locations with calm conditions and sandy bottoms, making it easy to practice buoyancy and review basic skills.
Common first-day check dive sites in the northern Red Sea include Poseidon Reef, Shaab el Erg, Abu Nuhas lagoons or other nearby spots.
Abu Nuhas is a famous dive site located in the northern Red Sea, near Hurghada, Egypt, just north of Shadwan Island. It is renowned for its concentration of shipwrecks, making it one of the best wreck diving destinations in the Red Sea.
The reef has a long history of shipwrecks due to its position near a busy shipping lane leading to the Suez Canal, with at least seven wrecks resting on its slopes. Four of these wrecks—the Giannis D, Chrisoula K, Carnatic, and Kimon M—are accessible to recreational divers.
The SS Thistlegorm is a legendary World War II wreck in Egypt’s Red Sea, widely considered one of the world’s best wreck dives. Sunk by a German air raid in 1941, the ship lies at depths of 16–32 meters and is famous for its remarkably preserved military cargo, including trucks, motorcycles, and munitions.
Shaab Mahmoud (also called Sha'ab Mahmoudat) is a well-known dive site located about three miles west of Ras Mohamed National Park. The site is famous for the British merchant shipwreck Dunraven, which sank in 1876 and lies upside down at 15–30 meters. The wreck offers an exciting dive experience with large openings and is home to various fish like lionfish and glassfish.
For most itineraries, Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, and Anemone City form the centerpiece of any Ras Mohamed visit, often planned as one extended drift dive. Jackfish Alley, Shark Observatory, Ras Za'tar, Ras Ghozlani, and Marsa Bareika provide variety for groups and conditions, with options for both advanced and intermediate divers. Strong currents, vibrant reef life, and frequent pelagic encounters make these sites essential highlights on any Red Sea diving safari.
The Straits of Tiran are famous for four iconic dive sites: Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef, and Gordon Reef. These vibrant reefs are renowned for their healthy coral gardens, dramatic walls and canyons, and strong currents that attract schools of fish and pelagic species like sharks and rays. The area also sometimes includes Laguna Reef and the wrecks of ships such as the Loullia on Gordon Reef and Lara near Jackson Reef, which add to the underwater attractions of this world-class diving destination.
The Dahab Blue Hole is a famous natural submarine sinkhole on the southeast Sinai coast, about 10 km north of Dahab, Egypt. It reaches depths over 100 meters and is known for a near-vertical reef wall, a shallow "saddle" entry at 6 meters, and an underwater tunnel called "the Arch" at around 55 meters.
The Dahab Canyon features a stunning deep underwater crack or fissure in the seabed, with entry points at depths of approximately 18, 22, and 54 meters. The canyon extends from a coral garden area and descends gradually to a maximum depth of around 50 meters. Inside, divers explore spacious chambers, narrow passages, and dramatic walls with vibrant marine life like lionfish, glassfish, groupers, and napoleons.
5/5 for the number of wrecks to be visited
4/5 for close encounters with dolphins
3/5 for coral gardens and schools of fish
2/5 for cave and canyon dives
4/5 for nudis and other macro objects
1/5 for close encounters with sharks
3/5 for big fish sightnings
At the start of a diving safari, the trip usually begins with a relaxed check dive, giving divers time to test their equipment, adjust weights, and get comfortable in the water before heading to deeper or more challenging sites.
These introduction dives are typically done at sheltered locations with calm conditions and sandy bottoms, making it easy to practice buoyancy and review basic skills.
Common first-day check dive sites in the northern Red Sea include Poseidon Reef, Shaab el Erg, Abu Nuhas lagoons or other nearby spots.
Abu Nuhas is a famous dive site located in the northern Red Sea, near Hurghada, Egypt, just north of Shadwan Island. It is renowned for its concentration of shipwrecks, making it one of the best wreck diving destinations in the Red Sea.
The reef has a long history of shipwrecks due to its position near a busy shipping lane leading to the Suez Canal, with at least seven wrecks resting on its slopes. Four of these wrecks—the Giannis D, Chrisoula K, Carnatic, and Kimon M—are accessible to recreational divers.
The SS Thistlegorm is a legendary World War II wreck in Egypt’s Red Sea, widely considered one of the world’s best wreck dives. Sunk by a German air raid in 1941, the ship lies at depths of 16–32 meters and is famous for its remarkably preserved military cargo, including trucks, motorcycles, and munitions.
Shaab Mahmoud (also called Sha'ab Mahmoudat) is a well-known dive site located about three miles west of Ras Mohamed National Park. The site is famous for the British merchant shipwreck Dunraven, which sank in 1876 and lies upside down at 15–30 meters. The wreck offers an exciting dive experience with large openings and is home to various fish like lionfish and glassfish.
For most itineraries, Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, and Anemone City form the centerpiece of any Ras Mohamed visit, often planned as one extended drift dive. Jackfish Alley, Shark Observatory, Ras Za'tar, Ras Ghozlani, and Marsa Bareika provide variety for groups and conditions, with options for both advanced and intermediate divers. Strong currents, vibrant reef life, and frequent pelagic encounters make these sites essential highlights on any Red Sea diving safari.
The Straits of Tiran are famous for four iconic dive sites: Jackson Reef, Woodhouse Reef, Thomas Reef, and Gordon Reef. These vibrant reefs are renowned for their healthy coral gardens, dramatic walls and canyons, and strong currents that attract schools of fish and pelagic species like sharks and rays. The area also sometimes includes Laguna Reef and the wrecks of ships such as the Loullia on Gordon Reef and Lara near Jackson Reef, which add to the underwater attractions of this world-class diving destination.
2/5 for the number of wrecks to be visited
1/5 for close encounters with dolphins
4/5 for coral gardens and schools of fish
0/5 for cave and canyon dives
3/5 for nudis and other macro objects
5/5 for close encounters with sharks
4/5 for big fish sightnings
At Port Ghalib, a diving safari typically starts with a gentle check dive at one of the region’s sheltered bays or coral gardens, giving divers the chance to fine-tune their gear and get into the Red Sea mood. Popular spots for this essential first dive include Marsa Mubarak, Marsa Shouna, and Torfet Ali, all renowned for their sandy bottoms and colorful reefs teeming with friendly marine life as well as Abu Dabab 2 and 3. These locations are ideal for refreshing skills and exploring shallow coral gardens, with regular sightings of turtles and rays offering an inviting introduction before setting out for deeper adventures.
The Brothers Islands, also known as El Akhawein, are two remote and world-renowned dive spots situated in the middle of Egypt’s Red Sea, accessible only by liveaboard safari. Comprised of Big Brother and Little Brother, these steep-walled islands feature some of the region’s healthiest and most impressive coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and strong currents that attract experienced divers. Big Brother is famous for the iconic wrecks Numidia and Aida as well as plentiful shark sightings, including oceanic whitetips and hammerheads, while Little Brother delights with vibrant soft corals, pelagic fish, and more opportunities for close shark encounters. The challenging conditions and breathtaking marine life make the Brothers Islands a must for advanced divers seeking adventure and unforgettable underwater scenery
Daedalus Reef, also known as Abu Kizan, is a remote and legendary offshore reef in Egypt’s southern Red Sea, recognized for its striking lighthouse and preserved marine environment due to its marine park status and isolation. Only reachable by liveaboard, Daedalus stands out for steep walls rich in vibrant hard and soft corals, powerful currents, and thrilling pelagic encounters, most famously with schooling hammerhead sharks as well as silky, oceanic whitetip, and occasionally thresher sharks. The site’s exposed location means conditions can be demanding, yet the promise of dramatic drift dives, big fish, and healthy coral makes Daedalus Reef a true highlight for experienced divers seeking adventure.
Elphinstone Reef, located about 30 km off the coast of Marsa Alam in the south, is one of the most famous and spectacular dive sites in the Red Sea. It features a long, narrow reef with steep drop-offs plunging over 100 meters deep. The reef is renowned for vibrant soft and hard corals, rich marine biodiversity, and thrilling drift dives along its walls. Elphinstone is especially famous for frequent sightings of oceanic white tip sharks, as well as hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and occasionally tiger sharks.
5/5 for the number of wrecks to be visited
3/5 for close encounters with dolphins
4/5 for coral gardens and schools of fish
1/5 for cave and canyon dives
3/5 for nudis and other macro objects
3/5 for close encounters with sharks
3/5 for big fish sightnings
At the start of a diving safari, the trip usually begins with a relaxed check dive, giving divers time to test their equipment, adjust weights, and get comfortable in the water before heading to deeper or more challenging sites.
These introduction dives are typically done at sheltered locations with calm conditions and sandy bottoms, making it easy to practice buoyancy and review basic skills.
Common first-day check dive sites in the northern Red Sea include Poseidon Reef, Shaab el Erg, Abu Nuhas lagoons or other nearby spots.
The Brothers Islands, also known as El Akhawein, are two remote and world-renowned dive spots situated in the middle of Egypt’s Red Sea, accessible only by liveaboard safari. Comprised of Big Brother and Little Brother, these steep-walled islands feature some of the region’s healthiest and most impressive coral reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and strong currents that attract experienced divers. Big Brother is famous for the iconic wrecks Numidia and Aida as well as plentiful shark sightings, including oceanic whitetips and hammerheads, while Little Brother delights with vibrant soft corals, pelagic fish, and more opportunities for close shark encounters. The challenging conditions and breathtaking marine life make the Brothers Islands a must for advanced divers seeking adventure and unforgettable underwater scenery
Abu Nuhas is a famous dive site located in the northern Red Sea, near Hurghada, Egypt, just north of Shadwan Island. It is renowned for its concentration of shipwrecks, making it one of the best wreck diving destinations in the Red Sea.
The reef has a long history of shipwrecks due to its position near a busy shipping lane leading to the Suez Canal, with at least seven wrecks resting on its slopes. Four of these wrecks—the Giannis D, Chrisoula K, Carnatic, and Kimon M—are accessible to recreational divers.
The SS Thistlegorm is a legendary World War II wreck in Egypt’s Red Sea, widely considered one of the world’s best wreck dives. Sunk by a German air raid in 1941, the ship lies at depths of 16–32 meters and is famous for its remarkably preserved military cargo, including trucks, motorcycles, and munitions.
Shaab Mahmoud (also called Sha'ab Mahmoudat) is a well-known dive site located about three miles west of Ras Mohamed National Park. The site is famous for the British merchant shipwreck Dunraven, which sank in 1876 and lies upside down at 15–30 meters. The wreck offers an exciting dive experience with large openings and is home to various fish like lionfish and glassfish.
For most itineraries, Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef, and Anemone City form the centerpiece of any Ras Mohamed visit, often planned as one extended drift dive. Jackfish Alley, Shark Observatory, Ras Za'tar, Ras Ghozlani, and Marsa Bareika provide variety for groups and conditions, with options for both advanced and intermediate divers. Strong currents, vibrant reef life, and frequent pelagic encounters make these sites essential highlights on any Red Sea diving safari.
1/5 for the number of wrecks to be visited
4/5 for close encounters with dolphins
5/5 for coral gardens and schools of fish
2/5 for cave and canyon dives
4/5 for nudis and other macro objects
2/5 for close encounters with sharks
3/5 for big fish sightnings
At Port Ghalib, a diving safari typically starts with a gentle check dive at one of the region’s sheltered bays or coral gardens, giving divers the chance to fine-tune their gear and get into the Red Sea mood. Popular spots for this essential first dive include Marsa Mubarak, Marsa Shouna, and Torfet Ali, all renowned for their sandy bottoms and colorful reefs teeming with friendly marine life as well as Abu Dabab 2 and 3. These locations are ideal for refreshing skills and exploring shallow coral gardens, with regular sightings of turtles and rays offering an inviting introduction before setting out for deeper adventures.
Daedalus Reef, also known as Abu Kizan, is a remote and legendary offshore reef in Egypt’s southern Red Sea, recognized for its striking lighthouse and preserved marine environment due to its marine park status and isolation. Only reachable by liveaboard, Daedalus stands out for steep walls rich in vibrant hard and soft corals, powerful currents, and thrilling pelagic encounters, most famously with schooling hammerhead sharks as well as silky, oceanic whitetip, and occasionally thresher sharks. The site’s exposed location means conditions can be demanding, yet the promise of dramatic drift dives, big fish, and healthy coral makes Daedalus Reef a true highlight for experienced divers seeking adventure.
Fury Shoal, located in Egypt’s far southern Red Sea, is an expansive reef system cherished by divers for its diverse underwater landscapes and remarkable marine life. The area features more than twenty unique dive spots, including highlights like Sha’ab Claudio with its picturesque swim-throughs and caves, Abu Galawa Soraya and Abu Galawa Kebir offering wrecks and vivid coral gardens, and Sataya Reef (Dolphin House), famous for encounters with large pods of playful spinner dolphins. The region also boasts dramatic drop-offs at Sha’ab Maksour and sheltered turquoise lagoons teeming with turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Accessible via liveaboard and ideal for both beginner and advanced divers, Fury Shoal promises colorful coral vistas, thrilling big fish action, and unforgettable dolphin interactions.
Elphinstone Reef, located about 30 km off the coast of Marsa Alam in the south, is one of the most famous and spectacular dive sites in the Red Sea. It features a long, narrow reef with steep drop-offs plunging over 100 meters deep. The reef is renowned for vibrant soft and hard corals, rich marine biodiversity, and thrilling drift dives along its walls. Elphinstone is especially famous for frequent sightings of oceanic white tip sharks, as well as hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and occasionally tiger sharks.
1/5 for the number of wrecks to be visited
4/5 for close encounters with dolphins
5/5 for coral gardens and schools of fish
4/5 for cave and canyon dives
5/5 for nudis and other macro objects
2/5 for close encounters with sharks
3/5 for big fish sightnings
At Port Ghalib, a diving safari typically starts with a gentle check dive at one of the region’s sheltered bays or coral gardens, giving divers the chance to fine-tune their gear and get into the Red Sea mood. Popular spots for this essential first dive include Marsa Mubarak, Marsa Shouna, and Torfet Ali, all renowned for their sandy bottoms and colorful reefs teeming with friendly marine life as well as Abu Dabab 2 and 3. These locations are ideal for refreshing skills and exploring shallow coral gardens, with regular sightings of turtles and rays offering an inviting introduction before setting out for deeper adventures.
Rocky Island is a small, uninhabited island in the deep south of Egypt’s Red Sea, near the Sudan border, measuring about 540 meters long and 300 meters wide. It is renowned for its world-class diving with vibrant coral reefs, steep walls, pinnacles, tunnels, and swim-throughs. The surrounding waters drop steeply to great depths, with excellent visibility often up to 30 meters. Rocky Island is famous for its diverse marine life, including reef sharks (blacktip, whitetip, hammerhead), manta rays, giant moray eels, sea turtles, barracudas, and schools of pelagic fish like trevally.
Zabagad (also called Zabargad or St. John's Island) is the largest island in Egypt's southern Red Sea, lying about 70 km off the mainland near the Sudanese border. It is famous for its dramatic wall diving with steep drop-offs, extensive coral gardens, and multiple underwater passes and swim-throughs.
St. John’s, in Egypt’s far southern Red Sea, is a remote cluster of pristine reefs celebrated for dazzling underwater topography and rich marine biodiversity. The area features both ‘gotas’—reefs breaking the surface—and ‘habilis’—submerged pinnacles, each offering photogenic drop-offs, colorful coral towers, and maze-like cave systems. Signature dive sites include Habili Ali and Habili Gafar, known for their pelagic sharks and deep plateaus, St. John’s Caves with its stunning light-play in shallow tunnels, Dangerous Reef for dramatic walls and shelter, and Paradise Reef or Gota Kebir, favored for breathtaking scenery and marine life interactions. With clear, warm waters and abundant soft and hard corals, St. John’s is only accessible on liveaboards and remains a favorite among divers seeking untouched reefs and encounters with dolphins, turtles, and rare sharks
Elphinstone Reef, located about 30 km off the coast of Marsa Alam in the south, is one of the most famous and spectacular dive sites in the Red Sea. It features a long, narrow reef with steep drop-offs plunging over 100 meters deep. The reef is renowned for vibrant soft and hard corals, rich marine biodiversity, and thrilling drift dives along its walls. Elphinstone is especially famous for frequent sightings of oceanic white tip sharks, as well as hammerhead sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and occasionally tiger sharks.
