For beginners and holiday divers
Many reefs around Hurghada are calm, clear and ideal for relaxed dives or getting started with diving.
Dive sites in Hurghada – which reefs can you expect?
Hurghada is one of the most popular diving areas in the Red Sea. Along the coast there are many spectacular dive sites in Hurghada with coral reefs, plateaus, wrecks, walls and an impressive variety of marine life.
Among the best-known spots are Giftun Island, Abu Ramada, Carless Reef, Umm Gammar, Shaab Dorfa and Shaab El Erg. Many of these sites offer ideal conditions for beginners, holiday divers and experienced divers.
Reefs, wrecks and plateaus
The region offers not only classic coral gardens, but also wrecks, drop-offs, sandy areas and varied underwater landscapes.
Interesting all year round
Hurghada is an exciting destination for diving throughout the year. Different conditions depending on the season keep many spots attractive again and again.
Directly with Diver on Tour
With our daily trips, you can comfortably reach many of the best-known reefs around Hurghada by boat, with personal support on site.
What awaits you underwater at Hurghada’s dive sites
Not every dive site looks the same. Some reefs are colourful and calm, while others are known for schools of fish, macro life or special encounters with larger marine creatures.
Colourful reefs
Many dive sites around Hurghada are known for coral gardens, schools of fish and typical Red Sea species on shallower reef tops and plateaus.
Structures and macro life
Crevices, overhangs, small reef blocks and coral formations make many spots especially interesting for divers who like to take a closer look.
Special encounters
With a bit of luck, larger fish or special sightings are also possible at certain spots. Which encounters are possible always depends on the site, season and conditions.
Which dive sites suit you best?
The dive sites around Hurghada differ considerably. Some are ideal for relaxed dives, others for schools of fish, current, dolphin areas or structured reefs.
For relaxed dives
Sites such as Gota Abu Ramada, Shaab Dorfa or calmer areas around Giftun are often very suitable if you are looking for relaxed reef dives.
For schools of fish and more dynamics
Banana Reef, Fanadir and similar spots often offer more movement in the water, larger schools and varied reef edges.
For dolphin areas
Shaab El Erg is especially well known as Dolphin House. Dolphins are a natural wildlife experience and of course can never be guaranteed, but the area is famous for them.
For wrecks and structure
The El Minja Wreck and structured sites such as Carlson's Corner or Erg Somaya add even more variety to your diving holiday.
Dive maps of the most popular dive sites near Hurghada
The following maps show some of the best-known dive sites around Hurghada. They give you an overview of reef structure, depth ranges and typical dive routes at the most popular spots in the Red Sea.
Click on a dive map to enlarge it.
Shaab El Erg – Dolphin House
Large lagoon reef north of Hurghada. Known for dolphin encounters as well as shallow coral gardens and sandy plateaus.
Banana Reef
Long reef with a drop-off and large schools of fish. Especially popular for varied current dives.
Gota Abu Ramada – Aquarium
One of the most popular dive sites near Hurghada with a shallow plateau, coral gardens and huge schools of fish.
Typical impressions from Hurghada’s underwater world
Many dive sites around Hurghada are interesting not only because of their maps, but above all because of the marine life, colours and structures underwater.
Corals and colours
Many reefs around Hurghada impress with their variety of colours, hard and soft corals and dense reef fish populations.
Turtles and calm encounters
Depending on the site and the conditions of the day, relaxed encounters with turtles or other typical residents of the Red Sea are also possible.
Macro life and details
Alongside the bigger impressions, it is also worth looking into small crevices, at coral blocks and along the seabed at many dive sites.
More exciting dive sites around Hurghada
In addition to the classic reefs, the area around Hurghada also offers wrecks, coral plateaus and small underwater landscapes with impressive biodiversity. These maps show more popular spots in the Red Sea.
Click on a dive map to enlarge it.
El Minja Wreck
A well-known wreck off Hurghada. The sunken minesweeper lies on sandy bottom and is now covered with corals and inhabited by numerous fish.
Carlson's Corner
Shallow coral reef with small plateaus, sandy areas and plenty of marine life. Ideal for relaxed dives and varied underwater scenery.
Shaab Dorfa
A varied dive site with several small reef blocks, channels and lagoons. Especially popular because of its diverse topography.
More dive spots in the Red Sea near Hurghada
The region around Hurghada offers an enormous variety of reefs, plateaus and underwater landscapes. These maps show more exciting dive sites in the northern Red Sea.
Click on a dive map to enlarge it.
Fanadir Foc
A long reef with a wall, overhangs and a shallow reef top. Especially known for varied dives with many reef fish.
Erg Somaya
Popular dive site with several coral blocks and sandy channels. Its varied structure attracts many reef fish and larger predators.
Giftun Soraya – Ham Ham
A spectacular dive site at Giftun Island with gorgonians, walls and a great variety of fish. Ideal for experienced divers.
Important questions about dive sites and diving in Hurghada
Instead of a long accordion section, you will find the most important answers directly visible here as cards – clear, mobile-friendly and quicker to grasp.
Which dive sites are especially popular?
Among the most popular dive sites around Hurghada are Giftun Island, Abu Ramada, Carless Reef, Umm Gammar, Shaab Dorfa and Fanadir. These reefs offer a great variety of corals, schools of fish and underwater landscapes.
Can you also dive in Hurghada as a beginner?
Yes. Many dive sites around Hurghada are also suitable for beginners. Shallow coral reefs and calm conditions make the region ideal for introductory diving or an Open Water Diver course.
Can you see dolphins in Hurghada?
Yes. Around Hurghada there are several areas where dolphins are regularly seen. The reef Shaab El Erg, also called Dolphin House, is especially well known.
Does Diver on Tour offer airport transfers?
Yes. We organise reliable airport transfers from Hurghada Airport directly to your hotel or accommodation. Our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit with a Diver on Tour sign.
Can you also organise accommodation?
Yes. We have several apartments and accommodations in Hurghada. Simply use our contact page and we will be happy to help organise your accommodation.
When is the best time for diving in Hurghada?
Diving in Hurghada is possible all year round. Water temperatures are usually between around 22 °C in winter and up to 29 °C in summer.
Would you like to experience these dive sites yourself?
Then book your dive days in Hurghada directly online or first learn more about prices, training and how your diving trips with Diver on Tour work.