Which destination in Egypt

[JustSurfaceInterval]

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

There is not THE best option... That will depend on what you fancy, budget, travel logistics, ...
Below only my opinion, others may agree or not.

• Hurghada: only day trip dive from boat but a few iconic wrecks. Have a look at James & Mac
• Soma Bay (40 km) south of Hurghada: far better spots than Hurghada e.g. Panorama Reef and Salem Express. Have a look at Orca Dive Club at The Breakers
• Sharm: mixed views here, i would go straight to Dahab, where most dive are from shore, even from the main street. The town has a special wibe and there are some great spots around (incl. the overrated Blue Hole)
• Marsa Alam: is a stretch of approx 200 km, flights to RMF are not that frequent but quality of reefs improves the further south you go (unless bleaching of course). Great spots like the Abu Dabbabs, Elphinstone. My favourite here: Marsa Shagra, where you can experience a pure sleep, eat, dive, repeat. But beware: nothing to entertain you after diner.

 

[JustSurfaceInterval]

Geography was never my strong point.

And stil not is...
There are approx 1.200 km between the southern Egyptian border and the cost of Yemen (+ 400 km from that border to Marsa Alam). And yes, this is also the Red Sea, but it's not the Egyptian Red Sea where people are spending thier holidays.
So, please take a map and have a look. We are talking about a distance like Long Island to Florida...

 

[rjack321]

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

I'd be more worried about the Egyptian crews and boats themselves sinking than piracy

 

[BoltSnap]

the increase in pirates

When/where???

 

[BoltSnap]

please take a map and have a look. We are talking about a distance like Long Island to Florida...

Geography isn't a subject of focus in the American educational system by any means. I remember how difficult it was to explain to Americans where I came from and where Libya is. Whenever I say Libya, they start talking about Lebanon, and when I tell them that Libya is a different country in "North Africa," they start talking about "South" Africa. They won't get it until I mention "Qaddafy."

 

[JustSurfaceInterval]

No, I didn't. For diving tourism in the Red Sea, it is irrelevant what happens off the Yemeni coast. Please read my post again and realise how great the distances are.

 

[CamC]

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

Presuming your team isn't into liveaboards by the phrasing of your question, then I'd recommend Sharm as the best all round option. As well as a good range of sites at Tiran and Ras Muhammad within relatively short day boat range, it's easy to do a day trip to Dahab, or even to the Thistlegorm. There's plenty of choice of operators (Emperor are my favourites, mostly Brits, but I've met a fair number of divers from the Netherlands there over the years.)

There are some really nice sites in the South too, but they're mostly a longer boat ride away from Marsa Alam or one of the centres down that way. The South is a better option if you're more into sharks than stripey fish.

 

[Mod63]

One cavet for Sharm: It can get very busy at Ras Mo at times, and then the diving really sucks.