Diving in Sharm El Sheikh is an experience like no other, as the Red Sea is unparalleled when it comes to how clear the water is, and what you can see underwater. Since I have recently returned from my adventure in this diving paradise, I can’t wait to share my experience diving there!
During my trip to Sharm El Sheikh I went on four incredible dives, including taking my PADI ReActivate course (as it had been three years since my last dive!).
From vibrant coral reefs to fascinating marine life encounters, I’m thrilled to share every detail (I love writing about diving, and some of you may remember that I used to write for PADI!). So, if you’re planning a trip to Egypt and dreaming of exploring the underwater wonders of Sharm El Sheikh, this blog post is just what you need to get a glimpse of the magic that awaits you.
I’ll also share my best tips for diving in Sharm El Sheikh, including dive sites and dive center recommendations – so keep reading!
Table of Contents
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh – My Experience
Before I dive into (get it?) the tips and general guide for diving in Sharm, I wanted to share my experience. As mentioned, I just got back from a week there, and I both went on a boat day to go diving and completed my PADI ReActivate course from shore.
I did both my course and the boat trip with Sheikh Coast Dive Center, as they were conveniently located on hotel property during my stay at Domina Coral Bay (a quite large resort – read my full review here).
PADI ReActivate Course
I took the PADI ReActivate Scuba Refresher course after a three-year hiatus from diving, and I must admit, I was a bit nervous diving back in. However, my instructor, Bolbol, was truly exceptional. His expertise and reassuring nature made me feel secure and safe throughout the course.
The practical tests, like removing and refinding my regulator or dealing with a flooded mask, were the moments that had me most on edge. I was (for some silly reason) nervous that I wouldn’t be able to do it and be told that I couldn’t dive anymore! Completely irrational, I know.
Thankfully, with Bolbol’s guidance, everything went smoothly, and I regained my confidence in no time. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that rekindled my love for diving. Getting my buoyancy just right took me a few minutes at first, and I was definitely holding on to my BCD buttons for the first 10 minutes of the dive.
After the tests, we finished our dive, going all the way down to 28,8 meters below the surface (both me and the other person on the course were Advanced Divers – I have written about getting Advanced certified in Spain here). This way, Bolbol could gauge how we react being that deep, and he got to observe us during a full-length dive.
After a break for lunch, we went back in the water for another dive, and it was a whole new experience. We were at the same dive site (Tiger Bay), and this time around I felt much more in control of my buoyancy and gear – and it was a great dive!
To summarize, doing my ReActivate course with Sheikh Coast Dive Center made me feel confident and ready to go diving again, and I was very excited to go on a boat dive just a few days later!
Boat Trip to Tiran Island
Our boat trip to Tiran Island was an unforgettable experience for all of us! What made it so special was that everyone could do what they loved most – whether it was diving into the depths of the crystal-clear waters or exploring the vibrant marine life while snorkeling.
It was the perfect full-day adventure that catered to everyone’s preferences, making it a truly inclusive and enjoyable trip for all. There are several boat trips to Tiran to choose from, and most of them include lunch like ours (since you are out from morning until late afternoon.
Browse some of the tours below! One fun fact about Tiran is that the island is actually part of Saudi Arabia – so even though you don’t go ashore, you can technically boast having visited another country during your dive trip to Sharm El Sheikh!
We stopped at two reefs/dive sites, and both the snorkelling and diving was great! A lot of people opt to try scuba diving for the first time as part of their boat day, and I think that’s a great idea!
Learning to scuba dive is something I highly recommend to any traveller, but starting out with the Discover Scuba Diving course is a good idea. That way you can get a feel of whether diving is for you.
It was quite wavy in the morning, so I have to admit I was glad one of the ladies on the boat gave me a sea sickness tablet. After the first stop, the waves calmed down, and it was fine for the rest of the day. We enjoyed a nice lunch in the sun, did some more snorkeling at a third reef (just along the coast near Sharm), and enjoyed being on a boat (you know I love being on a boat).
Popular Dive Sites in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt is a paradise for divers, offering a plethora of stunning dive sites.
- Tiger Bay, where I did my ReActivate course is known for its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, but the biggest highlight of it is that it is accessible from land.
- Gordon Reef is a must-visit spot with its impressive coral walls and the chance to spot reef sharks.
- Laguna Reef is perfect for those seeking calm waters and beautiful coral formations, and a diverse reef with something to see across all depths. This makes it great for snorkeling too.
- Lastly, the iconic wreck of the Thistlegorm, a WWII shipwreck, is a favorite among advanced divers for its historical significance and marine life. It was actually recently listed by PADI as one of the best wreck dives in the world!
- Jackson Reef is a popular dive site, located in the Red Sea Island just off the coast of Egypt. Divers from all over the world flock to Jackson Reef to experience its crystal clear waters and stunning underwater scenery.
- Ras Mohamed National Park is also a haven for diving in Sharm El Sheikh, with Shark and Yolanda Reef being the two most popular dive sites in the park. I was told there is some great cave diving there too!
These dive sites in Sharm El Sheikh promise unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all levels. No matter what type of diving experience you have, there are plenty of dive sites to explore around Sharm!
Learning to dive in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is an ideal destination for those looking to learn how to dive. With its diverse dive sites and crystal-clear waters, it offers the perfect setting for beginners to explore the underwater world. The region boasts several high-quality dive centers, ensuring that aspiring divers have access to professional guidance and top-notch equipment.
During my stay, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the hotel I stayed in offered complimentary opportunities to try out scuba diving before committing to a full course. I highly recommend taking advantage of experiences like the PADI Discover Scuba Diving lesson, as it provides a wonderful introduction to the thrill of diving and helps you determine if it’s a passion worth pursuing.
Luckily, there are several dive centers in Sharm offering the Discover Scuba Diving session – a short session and dive, where you are being guided through the entirety of it by an experienced dive guide/instructor.
Browse Discover Scuba Diving sessions in Sharm El Sheikh below!
Sharm El Sheikh Diving FAQ
Yes, Sharm El Sheikh is a great destination for diving and snorkelling!
Sharm El Sheikh is a great year-round dive destination, with water temperatures staying around 22 degrees Celsius even in winter.
There are some great dive sites in Sharm El Sheikh, such as the Thistlegorm Wreck, Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed National Park.
Prices vary, but a boat day with a reputable dive center costs around €80.
Like any other ocean, there can be sharks in the Red Sea outside Sharm El Sheikh, but these are usually reef sharks and smaller species.
Final Thoughts
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh is truly an experience like no other, offering a glimpse into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. Whether you’re a novice eager to take the plunge for the first time or a certified Open Water Diver seeking new adventures, Sharm’s crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life promise unforgettable moments.
I highly recommend diving in this enchanting destination to all ocean enthusiasts, as it is sure to leave you in awe of the beauty and magic that lies beneath the surface. So, pack your gear, dive into the unknown, and let the wonders of Sharm El Sheikh unfold before your eyes!
There are lots of diving sites to explore, and plenty of great dive shops and centers with highly qualified dive masters (like I mentioned, my scuba instructor was amazing). From boat diving to shore diving, you’ll find your perfect dive in Sharm El Sheikh!