Hurghada Guide for divers and snorkellers

Diver on Tour • Hurghada Guide

Hurghada Guide for divers and snorkellers

This guide brings together the most important information for your stay in Hurghada: entry into Egypt, visa on arrival, airport arrival, weather, best time to travel, diving, snorkelling, dive sites and practical everyday tips for the Red Sea.

It helps you quickly find the information you really need before your trip, after landing or while planning your diving and snorkelling days in Hurghada.

Welcome to Hurghada – arrive prepared and dive relaxed

After landing in Hurghada, your holiday at the Red Sea begins. To help you arrive relaxed, we have brought together the most important information about entry, the airport, visa on arrival, everyday life, diving and snorkelling in Hurghada.

Current conditions

Weather in Hurghada

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Weather data: MET Norway

Best time to visit Hurghada – climate, water temperatures, wind and visibility

Hurghada is a year-round destination for beach holidays, snorkelling and diving. Depending on the month, air temperature, water temperature, surface wind and the general diving feel can differ significantly. Especially for beginners, families or liveaboard trips, it is worth choosing the right travel period for your personal preferences.

Best time to visit Hurghada

The most pleasant periods in Hurghada are usually spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. During these months, it is often warm, but not yet as extremely hot as in midsummer. At the same time, the sea is already pleasantly warm or still summer-like.

  • March to May: very good mix of pleasant temperatures and good diving conditions
  • June to August: very hot on land, but very warm water
  • September to November: often the most pleasant overall period for divers
  • December to February: mild winter, often clear, but sometimes windier on the surface

Water temperatures in Hurghada by month

The Red Sea in Hurghada can be enjoyed throughout the whole year. The following values are typical monthly average water temperatures:

  • January: approx. 23.1 °C
  • February: approx. 22.4 °C
  • March: approx. 22.3 °C
  • April: approx. 23.1 °C
  • May: approx. 24.9 °C
  • June: approx. 26.6 °C
  • July: approx. 28.3 °C
  • August: approx. 29.1 °C
  • September: approx. 28.1 °C
  • October: approx. 27.4 °C
  • November: approx. 26.3 °C
  • December: approx. 24.6 °C

Wind and visibility when diving

When diving around Hurghada, not only air and water temperature matter, but also the wind. Especially in the winter months, it can be noticeably windier on the surface. That does not automatically make the dive bad, but it can make boat crossings, entry and exit or surface conditions rougher.

  • The Red Sea often offers very good visibility
  • Typical visibility is often around 20 to 40 metres, depending on the spot and conditions
  • Winter: often clear conditions, but more frequently windy on the surface
  • Spring and autumn: usually especially well-balanced conditions for relaxed diving days

Which month suits whom?

  • For beginners: March to May and September to November are usually ideal, because water and air temperatures fit together very pleasantly
  • For warm bathing temperatures: June to October
  • For liveaboards: spring and autumn are often considered the most balanced months
  • For guests who want to avoid extreme heat: March, April, October and November
  • For winter sun holidays: December to February are much warmer than Central Europe and still well suited for diving

Our personal impression for many guests: October and November are often especially pleasant, because the water is still warm and air temperatures usually fit very well with an active diving holiday.

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Entry into Egypt – visa on arrival at Hurghada Airport

After landing in Hurghada, the first steps are the visa, passport control and baggage claim. The online application is deliberately not recommended on this page. In practice, it has caused uncertainty, errors and unnecessary frustration for many travellers. This is why we describe the simpler procedure through the official bank counter at the airport.

1

Keep your passport ready

For entry into Egypt, you should travel with a passport that is valid for at least 6 months on the day of entry. Keep your passport and cash for the visa ready before you reach the arrival hall.

  • Passport recommended
  • Validity: at least 6 months on entry
  • Keep travel documents within easy reach
2

Buy the visa at the official bank counter

Before passport control, go to one of the official bank counters in the arrival hall. There you buy the visa sticker for your passport.

  • Usually around 30 USD or the equivalent in euros
  • Fees can change locally
  • It is best to have cash ready
  • Do not buy the visa from private intermediaries
3

Visa sticker and passport control

After purchase, the visa sticker is placed in your passport or handed to you. Then you proceed to passport control.

  • Keep passport and visa sticker ready
  • Follow the signs to passport control
  • After passport control, continue to baggage claim
4

Documents for entry

In most cases, the passport and visa are sufficient. A return ticket or hotel booking can be helpful if questions arise during the entry process.

  • Passport
  • Visa sticker
  • Return ticket or hotel booking if available

Why we recommend the visa on arrival

  • The procedure at the official bank counter is usually clear and simple
  • You avoid problems with incorrect online applications
  • You pay directly on site
  • You immediately receive the visa sticker for your passport

Important for service or diplomatic passports

The visa on arrival procedure does not apply to all passport types. If you travel with a service or diplomatic passport, check the requirements separately before travelling.

Withdrawing or exchanging money

  • There are ATMs in the baggage area and arrival area
  • Visa credit cards usually work reliably
  • Withdrawing Egyptian pounds is often more practical than paying everything in euros
  • For the visa, cash in USD or euros is useful

Customs and important import notes

  • Do not bring drones without official permission
  • Be careful with radio, satellite and GPS devices
  • Do not take corals, shells or natural materials from Egypt
  • For medication, check import rules before travelling if in doubt

© Diver on Tour – Hurghada Guide • www.diverontour.com

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Arrival in Hurghada – baggage, customs and pick-up

Once entry is completed, it is all about baggage, the airport exit and finding your transfer. This part is much more relaxed when you know in advance what to expect.

1

Baggage claim

  • After passport control, go directly to baggage claim
  • The screens show your flight and the correct baggage belt
  • Afterwards, you pass through customs to the exit
  • Occasional random checks are possible
2

Pick-up by Diver on Tour

  • The car park is located directly in front of the airport exit
  • Our driver waits outside with a clearly visible “Diver on Tour” sign
  • Our drivers help you with your luggage
  • The drive to hotels in Hurghada usually takes about 10–25 minutes
3

Data SIM card for Egypt

  • Do not buy SIM cards from private sellers at the airport
  • You can order a data SIM card through Diver on Tour
  • The available data volumes and prices are shown in the booking form
  • The SIM card is paid directly to the driver in cash
4

If you cannot find the driver

  • Please stay close to the airport exit
  • Sometimes baggage claim takes longer than expected
  • If you have internet, contact us using the phone number on the contact page
  • If you do not yet have mobile data, ask someone on site for help if necessary

📞 Contact in case of problems: +20 111 817 31 51

Open Diver on Tour contact page

© Diver on Tour – Hurghada Guide • www.diverontour.com

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Snorkelling in Hurghada – ideal for families, companions and beginners

Hurghada is not only a strong diving destination. Snorkellers can also experience the Red Sea from the surface: coral reefs, colourful reef fish, shallow lagoons and relaxed boat days.

Who snorkelling trips are suitable for

  • Families with children
  • Non-diving companions
  • Guests who want to experience the Red Sea without a diving course
  • Beginners who want to get used to mask, snorkel and fins first

What you can see while snorkelling

  • Colourful reef fish
  • Coral gardens and reef edges
  • With a bit of luck: turtles, rays or dolphins
  • Clear water and shallow reef areas

Safety while snorkelling

  • Stay close to the group and follow the briefing
  • Do not stand on corals
  • Do not touch marine animals
  • Use a life jacket if you feel safer with one

Combine snorkelling and diving

Snorkelling trips are also suitable when one person wants to dive and another person prefers to stay at the surface. This makes Hurghada especially interesting for couples, families and mixed groups.

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The most beautiful dive sites and reef maps around Hurghada

Around Hurghada, there are many impressive dive sites in the Red Sea. Before you look at the reef maps, you will first get a few direct impressions from underwater – matching the dive sites and the underwater world around Hurghada.

Blue water and typical conditions in Hurghada

Clear visibility, open blue water and relaxed dives are among the impressions many guests associate with Hurghada.

Reefs and fish life in the Red Sea

The reefs around Hurghada show a great diversity of corals, reef fish and typical underwater landscapes of the Red Sea.

Special encounters underwater

Depending on the spot, season and conditions, the Red Sea can also offer impressive encounters with large fish.

Dive map Shaab El Erg Dolphin House Hurghada

Shaab El Erg – Dolphin House

A large lagoon reef north of Hurghada. Known for dolphin encounters as well as shallow coral gardens and sandy plateaus.

Dive map Banana Reef Hurghada Red Sea

Banana Reef

An elongated reef with a drop-off and large schools of fish – a varied dive site in the Red Sea.

Dive map Gota Abu Ramada Aquarium Hurghada

Gota Abu Ramada – Aquarium

One of the most popular dive sites near Hurghada with a shallow plateau, coral gardens and huge schools of fish.

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Diving holiday in Hurghada – from discover diving to dive packages

Hurghada offers ideal conditions for beginners, advanced divers and experienced divers. From discover dives and courses to multi-day liveaboards, you will find many options here.

Discover Diving Hurghada

Perfect for beginners without a diving certificate. Discover the fascinating underwater world of the Red Sea on your first dive.

Dive Course Hurghada

From beginner to advanced – dive courses and training in the Red Sea with experienced instructors.

Open Water Diver Hurghada

The world’s most well-known diving certification. Learn to dive and discover the most beautiful reefs around Hurghada.

Diving Trip Hurghada

Daily boat trips to the best dive sites with two dives in the Red Sea.

Snorkelling in Hurghada

Snorkelling trips are ideal for families, beginners and non-diving companions who want to experience the Red Sea from the surface.

Dive Packages Hurghada

Multi-day dive packages are ideal if you want to spend several days on the boat and discover different reefs around Hurghada.

Giftun and reefs off Hurghada

The reefs and islands off Hurghada offer coral gardens, clear water and varied conditions for different experience levels.

Diving in the south of the Red Sea

The southern Red Sea offers offshore reefs, steep walls and more demanding conditions for experienced divers.

Red Sea liveaboard

Several intense diving days on a liveaboard lead to remote reefs, wrecks and special underwater experiences.

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Diving in Hurghada – what awaits you in the Red Sea

Hurghada is one of the most popular diving regions in the Red Sea. Crystal-clear water, colourful coral reefs and an enormous variety of species make the region an ideal destination for beginners and experienced divers.

Why diving in Hurghada is so special

  • Good diving conditions in the Red Sea all year round
  • Warm water between around 22 °C and 29 °C
  • Very good visibility, often more than 20 metres
  • Great variety of coral reefs and marine life
  • Dive sites for beginners and experienced divers

Diving with Diver on Tour

With Diver on Tour, you will experience the most beautiful reefs around Hurghada in small groups and with experienced guides. Our boats take you every day to varied dive sites in the Red Sea.

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Red Sea liveaboards – several intense diving days away from the coast

In addition to daily diving trips around Hurghada, liveaboards are among the most impressive diving experiences in the Red Sea. The current focus is the North Route, which can be booked directly online.

What makes liveaboards special

Several days on a liveaboard make it possible to reach remote reefs, walls and legendary dive sites that are not reachable, or only very difficult to reach, on normal day trips.

Current focus: North Route

  • Ras Mohammed
  • Tiran
  • Abu Nuhas
  • Thistlegorm

The North Route is currently the route that can be booked directly online.

South routes

South routes such as Daedalus, Rocky Island and Zabargad remain part of our liveaboard programme, but the current south route is fully booked. Preferred dates for future south routes can be sent by email.

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Hotels in Hurghada – great places to stay in Hurghada and along the coast

Around Hurghada, you will find very different hotel areas. Staying directly in Hurghada usually means being more central and closer to the marina, Sheraton Road and the airport. In Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh, things are often calmer – with larger resorts and long beach stretches.

The following hotels are intended as a quick guide. The stars show a strong rating tendency and help you better understand which hotel area may suit your holiday in Hurghada.

The hotel transfer for diving, snorkelling and booked activities is not the same as the separate airport transfer. We organise the transfer to the boat after your booking. Within Hurghada this transfer is free of charge; outside Hurghada it costs 5 EUR per ride.

★★★★★ Hurghada

Pickalbatros Blu Spa Resort

A modern hotel in Hurghada with a quieter character, an upscale overall feel and a good location for holidaymakers looking for comfort and relaxation.

★★★★★ Hurghada

Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel

A well-known premium resort in Hurghada with a large complex, direct beach access and plenty of comfort for a classic Red Sea holiday.

★★★★★ Hurghada

Steigenberger Pure Lifestyle

A stylish adults-only hotel in Hurghada, especially popular with couples and guests who prefer peace and a modern atmosphere.

★★★★★ Hurghada

Pickalbatros White Beach Resort

A spacious beach resort in Hurghada with plenty of room, several pools and good suitability for families and beach holidays.

★★★★☆ Hurghada

SUNRISE Aqua Joy Resort

A popular hotel directly in Hurghada with a wide range of facilities for beach holidays, relaxing days by the sea and a comfortable stay at the Red Sea.

★★★★☆ Hurghada

Meraki Resort Hurghada

A modern adults-only resort with direct beach access and a livelier holiday concept for guests who enjoy an active atmosphere.

★★★★☆ Hurghada

JAZ Elite Casa Del Mar Beach

A well-located hotel in Hurghada with a short distance to the airport and a good base for holidays, excursions and relaxing beach days.

★★★★☆ Hurghada

Steigenberger Aqua Magic

A popular hotel in Hurghada for a classic beach holiday with many amenities and a good location within the tourist zone.

★★★★☆ Hurghada

Grand Palace – Couples Only

A good choice for adults who want to stay quietly in Hurghada while still being well connected.

★★★☆☆ Central Hurghada

Bella Vista Resort Hurghada

A centrally located hotel in Hurghada, especially interesting for guests who appreciate short distances to the marina, Sheraton Road and city life.

★★★★★ Makadi Bay

JAZ Makadina

A very popular resort with beachfront location, well-kept grounds and a relaxed atmosphere south of Hurghada.

★★★★★ Makadi Bay

SUNRISE Tucana Resort Grand Select

A high-quality resort in Makadi Bay for guests who want to combine comfort, peace and an upscale holiday atmosphere.

★★★★★ Sahl Hasheesh

Pickalbatros Citadel Resort Sahl Hasheesh

A striking resort directly by the sea with wide views across the coast south of Hurghada.

★★★★★ Sahl Hasheesh

Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa Sahl Hasheesh

An elegant adults-only hotel focused on peace, service and relaxation in an upscale setting.

★★★★★ Sahl Hasheesh

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh

A quiet luxury resort with plenty of privacy and an exclusive character for an especially relaxing stay at the Red Sea.

★★★★☆ Sahl Hasheesh

KaiSol Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh

An adults-only resort for couples and adults looking for a peaceful and stylish stay south of Hurghada.

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Frequently asked questions about Hurghada, diving and snorkelling

No drop-down FAQ: the most important answers are directly visible on the page.

Do I need a visa for Hurghada?

Yes. Tourists need a visa to enter Egypt. In practice, the visa is usually purchased on arrival at the official bank counter at Hurghada Airport.

Should I apply for the visa online?

We do not recommend relying on online visa application on this page. The visa on arrival at the official bank counter is usually the simpler and clearer option for many travellers.

How much cash should I have ready for the visa?

The amount is often around 30 USD or the equivalent in euros. Local fees can change, so it is best to have suitable cash ready.

Is Hurghada good for beginner divers?

Yes. Many dive sites around Hurghada are suitable for beginners, discover divers and guests returning to diving after a break.

Is Hurghada suitable for snorkellers?

Yes. Hurghada is very suitable for snorkellers, families and non-diving companions because many reefs can be experienced from the surface.

When is the best time to visit Hurghada?

Diving and snorkelling in Hurghada are possible all year round. Spring and autumn are often especially pleasant because air and water temperatures are well balanced.

How warm is the water in the Red Sea?

Water temperature in Hurghada is usually between around 22 °C in winter and around 29 °C in late summer.

Do I need experience to dive in Hurghada?

No. Many dive sites around Hurghada are suitable for beginners and discover divers. Experienced divers will also find more varied dives with depth, current or wreck character.

How do I book diving or snorkelling?

Diving and snorkelling can be booked through the dedicated booking pages on diverontour.com.

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