Egypt and the Red Sea
Egypt Diving Holidays
Egypt is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to dive from the UK, with warm water, colourful reefs, wrecks, marine parks and a wide choice of Red Sea liveaboards and dive resorts. Use this guide to choose between liveaboards, resorts, itineraries and the best areas for your next Egypt diving holiday.
Why choose Egypt for a diving holiday?
Egypt is a classic diving destination for good reason. The Red Sea offers clear water, reliable sunshine, excellent visibility, colourful coral gardens and a choice of relaxed resort diving or more adventurous liveaboard itineraries.
For many UK divers it is also one of the most convenient warm-water options, with a wide range of departures, good value packages and diving suitable for different experience levels.
Choose your style of Egypt diving holiday
Red Sea liveaboards
Best if you want more diving, remote reefs, famous wrecks and itineraries such as Wrecks & Reefs, Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone.
View Red Sea liveaboardsEgypt dive resorts
Best if you prefer to stay on land, travel with non-divers, enjoy house reef diving or combine diving with a more relaxed holiday.
Search Egypt resortsPopular diving areas in Egypt
Hurghada and the northern Red Sea
A good choice for wrecks, reefs and liveaboard departures. Northern Red Sea itineraries are popular with divers looking for varied diving and classic wreck sites.
Marsa Alam and Port Ghalib
A useful gateway for southern Red Sea liveaboards, marine park itineraries and trips heading towards reefs such as Daedalus and Elphinstone.
Sharm el Sheikh and Sinai
Known for reefs, walls, day boat diving and access to famous northern sites. A good option for divers wanting a resort-based Red Sea holiday.
What can you see diving in Egypt?
Egypt offers a mix of reef, wreck and big-blue diving. Depending on itinerary and season, trips may include coral gardens, drop-offs, reef fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, wrecks and pelagic encounters.
- Colourful reef diving and coral gardens
- Historic wrecks and northern Red Sea itineraries
- Marine park routes for more experienced divers
- Liveaboards with multiple dives per day
- Resort-based diving for a more relaxed pace
Best time to dive in Egypt
Egypt is a genuine year-round diving destination, with sunshine and good visibility in every month. The main thing that changes is the water temperature.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| September to November | Peak season, especially September and October. The warmest water of the year, around 26 to 29°C, and the best chance of oceanic whitetip sharks at the offshore reefs. |
| December to February | Cooler water, around 21 to 23°C, and breezier days, so a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is a good idea. Quieter dive sites and good value. |
| March to May | Warming water, longer days and calmer seas. A lovely time for the northern wrecks. |
| June to August | Hot, sunny days and warm water, with lively reefs and plenty of schooling fish. |
Egypt liveaboards with flights from the UK
Most of the Egypt diving we arrange is on our two Red Sea liveaboards, Ghazala Explorer and Ghazala Adventure. Every week is priced with return flights from Gatwick, transfers and a week on board full board, so there is nothing else to arrange, and flights from regional airports can often be added.
Routes range from the northern wrecks, including the SS Thistlegorm, to the offshore marine parks of the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone. Our Red Sea liveaboard guide compares every route, and the Ghazala fleet comparison shows the two boats side by side.
How much does a diving holiday in Egypt cost?
A week on one of our Ghazala liveaboards, including return flights from Gatwick, is currently from about £1,400 to £2,300 per person, depending on the date, route and boat. That makes the Red Sea one of the best-value liveaboard destinations in the world. Winter and early spring weeks are usually the best value, and there are often special offers on selected departures.
Live prices and spaces for every departure are on each trip page. If you would rather stay in a resort, ask us and we will suggest somewhere that suits the way you like to dive.
Egypt diving holiday FAQs
Are Egypt diving holidays suitable for newer divers?
Yes. The northern Red Sea routes, including our Wrecks and Reefs liveaboard, suit all levels and are a lovely first liveaboard. Routes to the Brothers, Daedalus and Elphinstone need Advanced Open Water and at least 30 logged dives.
Are flights included?
Yes, on our Ghazala Explorer and Ghazala Adventure liveaboards, which are priced with return flights from Gatwick and transfers. Flights from regional airports can often be added.
How long is the flight to Egypt?
Around 4 to 5 hours direct from the UK, which is why the Red Sea is such a popular choice for a week of diving.
What is the water temperature in the Red Sea?
Around 21 to 23°C from December to February, rising to around 26 to 29°C from late summer into autumn.
Should I choose a liveaboard or a resort?
If diving is the main reason for your trip, a liveaboard gets you to many more sites, including the famous wrecks and offshore reefs that day boats cannot reach. A resort suits a more relaxed pace or a trip with non-divers.
Can Scuba Travel help me choose?
Of course. We have been sending divers to the Red Sea for over 30 years and know every route well. Tell us your experience and what you would love to see, and we will tell you honestly which week we would choose.