Northern Red Sea

The northern Red Sea, around Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and the Straits of Tiran, is one of the most accessible warm-water dive regions for travellers from Europe. Reefs start close to shore, the water is usually clear, and the fish life is dense enough that even a short dive feels busy.

Much of the diving here is gentle. Many reefs are sheltered, currents are generally mild, and boats from Hurghada and Sharm reach dozens of sites in a day. That makes the area a good place to build up logged dives after certification. More experienced divers head to offshore reefs and to the region's wrecks, some of the best known in recreational diving, where depth and occasional current call for Advanced certification.

The sea is diveable all year, but temperature changes more than in the tropics. In winter the water drops to around 21 to 23°C and most divers wear 5 to 7 mm suits. From June to September it reaches 28 to 29°C, comfortable in a 3 mm suit, though air temperatures on land can be very hot. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the favourite seasons: warm water, calmer weather and good visibility.

Liveaboards run year-round from Hurghada and Sharm and are an efficient way to combine reefs and wrecks. On popular reefs, boat traffic can be heavy in the middle of the day, so early starts pay off. Southern and exposed sites have stronger currents than the sheltered northern reefs, so match the itinerary to your experience.