Which destination in Egypt

[koenie79]

As a diving team, we want to plan a
trip to Egypt. Only, the destination is still a bit of a search.
Can anyone give me advice on the best option? Marsa Alam, Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh

 

[iliketopetsharks]

What kind of diving?
Dahab might be an option too!

 

[BoltSnap]

@JustSurfaceInterval is the expert

I'd say Marsa Shagra or one of their other villages, Marsa Nakari and Wadi Lahami:

Marsa Shagra Village, Marsa Alam, Red Sea

Our gateway to the south with one of the most beautiful house reefs in the Red Sea & perfectly situated for diving some of the world’s most famous dive sites.

www.redsea-divingsafari.com

Marsa Nakari Village, Marsa Alam, Red Sea

A small, intimate village south of Marsa Alam with its own house reef and easy access to Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House).

www.redsea-divingsafari.com

Wadi Lahami Village in Hamata, Deep South, Red Sea

South of Hamata in the Deep South of the Egyptian Red Sea coast line with its pristine coral reefs and world class Fury Shoals reefs.

www.redsea-divingsafari.com

 

[Silverback9]

I did the northern “Wrecks and Reefs” (Thistlegorm, Giannis D, Sharks and Yolanda) week long itinerary out of Hurghada this past June. The locals are friendly, and have some beautiful resorts (I stayed at the Marriott) for before and after your liveaboard. And the airport is big enough to be served by multiple airlines.
My trip was with Emperor Divers and they did an excellent job. Food was excellent, boat was well kept, and the guides were wonderful.
Hope that helps.

 

[KeelsonGraham]

Not been to Hurguda but I’ve heard that the local diving isn’t that great. It’s apparently a better bet as a launching point for liveaboard trips.

I have been to Sharm 4 times. The diving is varied and superb, with coral gardens in really excellent condition. Elite diving is an extremely well run organisation who can cater for parties of all sizes. Talk to them.

Dahab is much more limited than Sharm but probably worth a visit for a day or two. Easily done from Sharm. You don’t need a visa if you’re just going to Sharm and Dahab for up to 15 days. But you will need one if you want to dive the Thistlegorm.

 

[MB NZ]

Dahab is largely shore diving, that may or many not appeal. I thought the diving there was OK. Hurghada as has been said is the place to get on a liveaboard. Diving is better around Sharm El-Sheikh, but my pick would be a liveaboard or the southern desert "villages".

Egypt is a strange destination. Tourist infrastructure has grown up around the diving centres and has become a sort of cut price tourist Disneyland, or at least what the Egyptians think tourists want as an Egyptian Disneyland. I don't think you can get a real sense of Egyptian culture by visiting these places, so in my opinion, you're not missing out by going on a liveaboard or visiting the desert villages.

 

[Mod63]

Given all the liveaboard sinkings in the Red Sea and the increase in pirates, if you go, you better sleep with one eye open.

Which pirates?

 

[Mod63]

to the OP: I would be a little wary of the southern part, as it has heaviliy suffered from global warming. Fortunately the temperatures have now dropped significant, so there is a chance that the reefs will recover.
The area from Hurghada down to El Quesier has some nice dive sites that can be reached on day trips.

 

[iliketopetsharks]

After almost a decade of hibernation, Somali pirates have resurfaced. Their reemergence follows the Yemeni Houthi movement's campaign to target Red Sea shipping in support of Hamas in its war with Israel.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/22/world/somali-pirates-red-sea-gaza-dg/index.html

That was down in Somalia, you think the pirates will travel ~1500 km in their zodiacs all the way up to Egypt?

 

[Mod63]

After almost a decade of hibernation, Somali pirates have resurfaced. Their reemergence follows the Yemeni Houthi movement's campaign to target Red Sea shipping in support of Hamas in its war with Israel.

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/22/world/somali-pirates-red-sea-gaza-dg/index.html

so you worry about something that is roughly 2000km away?