Diving in Sharm El Sheikh: Essential Advice for Your Red Sea Holiday

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Planning a diving holiday in Sharm El Sheikh? Whether you're preparing for your first underwater experience or returning to explore the Red Sea's famous reefs, a little preparation can make your holiday more enjoyable.

Sharm El Sheikh offers an incredible variety of diving, from relaxed shore dives and beautiful house reefs to exciting boat trips around Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Tiran. However, choosing the right dive sites, understanding local conditions, and allowing enough time between diving and flying are all important parts of planning your trip.

At Red Sea Marine Diving Center, based in Naama Bay, we help beginners and experienced divers enjoy the Red Sea through professional guidance, small groups, and diving programmes adapted to individual experience.

Here is our practical advice to help you prepare for your diving holiday.

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1. When Is the Best Time to Dive in Sharm El Sheikh?

One of the advantages of diving in the Red Sea is that Sharm El Sheikh is a year-round diving destination. Water temperatures, air temperatures, and weather conditions change throughout the year, so your equipment and exposure protection should match the season.

Winter (December – February)

Water temperatures are generally around 21–24°C. A 5mm full wetsuit is a good starting point for most divers, while people who feel the cold may prefer additional thermal protection.

Spring (March – May)

Water temperatures gradually increase, generally reaching around 23–26°C. A 3mm–5mm wetsuit is suitable for many divers, depending on personal comfort and the number of dives planned.

Summer (June – August)

The water is usually warm, approximately 26–29°C. A 3mm wetsuit or shorty may be comfortable for some divers, although a full suit can still be preferable for longer or repetitive dives.

Autumn (September – November)

This is a particularly pleasant period for diving, with water temperatures generally around 25–28°C. A 3mm–5mm wetsuit is a practical choice for most divers.

These temperatures are approximate rather than guaranteed. Conditions vary from year to year and between individual dive days.

Our advice: If you plan to make several dives per day, consider a full wetsuit even when the water feels warm. You can lose body heat gradually during repetitive dives.

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2. What Should You Bring for Your Diving Holiday?

You do not need to travel with a complete set of diving equipment. Quality rental equipment is available in Sharm El Sheikh, making it easy to enjoy your holiday without carrying heavy luggage.

However, bringing your own personal equipment can make diving more comfortable.

We recommend packing:

• Your diving certification card, physical or digital.

• Your diving logbook, particularly if you have experience at deeper or more challenging dive sites.

• Your own mask, if you have one that fits comfortably.

• Your dive computer, if you own one.

• Appropriate swimwear and a towel.

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for time spent on the boat.

• A reusable water bottle.

• Your diving insurance details and relevant travel documents.

If you have your own regulator, BCD, or other equipment, make sure it has been properly maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

A dive computer is an important personal safety tool, and certified divers should follow the dive operator's equipment requirements. If you do not own one, ask us about equipment availability before your trip.

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3. What Documents Do You Need to Go Diving?

Before diving in Sharm El Sheikh, you should be prepared to provide the information needed for registration and dive planning.

Depending on your diving experience and planned activities, this may include:

Diving certification

Bring proof of your highest recognised certification. A physical card or an accepted digital certification is useful.

Logbook

Your logbook helps your instructor or dive guide understand your recent experience, number of logged dives and previous diving conditions.

This is particularly helpful when planning dives at sites where depth, currents or other conditions require suitable experience.

Medical questionnaire

Divers must complete the applicable medical screening and declaration before participating. If your answers indicate that medical assessment is needed, obtain the required clearance from a qualified physician before diving.

Please do not hide medical information or assume that a previous medical clearance automatically covers a new condition.

Diving insurance

We strongly recommend specialist diving insurance that covers diving-related medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and hyperbaric chamber treatment.

Ordinary travel insurance may not provide adequate diving coverage. Check the policy carefully before travelling.

 

4. Should You Start with a Shore Dive or a Boat Dive?

If you are new to diving, have not been underwater for a long time, or feel unsure about your skills, starting with a shore dive can be a very good decision.

A shore dive allows you to enter the water gradually, become comfortable with your equipment, and review important skills without immediately dealing with boat-entry procedures or more exposed conditions.

At Red Sea Marine, our house reef at Ghazala Beach in Naama Bay offers a convenient place to begin.

For beginners, we can assess comfort and ability in suitable conditions before planning further diving activities.

Certified divers returning after a long break may also benefit from a refresher or check dive before joining more demanding excursions.

Remember: A boat dive is not automatically the best first dive of your holiday. Your comfort, experience, and the conditions should determine where you start.

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5. Understanding Currents and Choosing the Right Dive Sites

The Red Sea is famous for its beautiful coral reefs, but conditions are not identical at every dive site.

Some locations offer relatively sheltered diving, while others can experience stronger currents, changing conditions and more challenging entries or exits.

A few examples around Sharm El Sheikh include:

Ras Mohammed National Park

Famous for spectacular coral formations, marine life, and sites such as Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef. Conditions can vary, and some dives may involve currents that require suitable experience and good buoyancy control.

Strait of Tiran

Known for its impressive reef systems, including Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon Reef. Currents and surface conditions can change, so the choice of dive site should be made according to the conditions and the divers' experience.

Local Sharm El Sheikh dive sites

Sites around Naama Bay and the surrounding coastline offer different underwater environments, making them suitable for a range of diving experiences depending on conditions.

Dahab

Dahab offers a different diving experience, with popular shore dives such as Lighthouse and other well-known locations. Some sites have particular depth, entry, or environmental considerations.

The most important thing is not to choose a dive site simply because it is famous.

Your certification, recent experience, comfort in the water, and the actual conditions should always come first.

 

6. What Happens During a Typical Diving Day?

A normal boat diving day in Sharm El Sheikh is organised to give divers time to enjoy two dives at different locations, subject to weather, sea conditions, and the diving programme.

At Red Sea Marine, a typical day looks like this:

• Morning pickup: We arrange hotel transfers for our guests.

• Arrival at the marina: Meet the team, prepare equipment, and board the boat.

• First dive: Your guide provides a briefing covering the dive site, conditions, route, and safety procedures.

• Surface interval: Relax on the boat, hydrate, and enjoy lunch according to the booked programme.

• Second dive: Explore another suitable location, depending on the day's conditions.

• Return: The boat normally returns to the marina in the afternoon.

Boat departure is generally between 08:00 and 09:00, although timings may vary.

We also organise guided shore dives for guests who prefer a more relaxed schedule or want to explore the local reefs.

The exact programme is always subject to weather, sea conditions and operational planning.

 

7. How Long Should You Wait Before Flying After Diving?

This is one of the most important things to consider when planning your holiday.

After diving, your body needs time to eliminate excess inert gas. Flying too soon after diving increases the risk of decompression sickness because aircraft cabins are pressurised below normal sea-level atmospheric pressure.

According to Divers Alert Network (DAN), the recommended minimum pre-flight surface intervals for recreational no-decompression diving are:

• Single no-decompression dive: At least 12 hours.

• Multiple dives in one day or multiple days of diving: At least 18 hours.

• Dives requiring mandatory decompression stops: A substantially longer interval is prudent; seek specialist diving medical advice.

These are minimum recommendations, not guarantees against decompression sickness. Longer intervals provide an additional safety margin.

At Red Sea Marine, we recommend planning at least 24 hours between your final recreational dive and your flight home, particularly after several days of diving.

If you experience symptoms that could indicate decompression sickness, seek urgent medical assistance and do not fly until medically assessed and cleared.

Our advice: Plan your final diving day carefully. Leaving a full day between your last dives and your return flight is a sensible way to finish your holiday.

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8. How Can You Protect the Red Sea Coral Reefs?

The coral reefs are one of the greatest treasures of the Red Sea. Protecting them is a shared responsibility between dive centres, guides and visitors.

Even small actions can make a difference.

Please follow these simple guidelines:

• Maintain good buoyancy and keep a safe distance from the reef.

• Never stand, sit, or hold onto living coral.

• Do not touch, chase, feed, or disturb marine animals.

• Avoid collecting shells, coral, or other marine life.

• Follow your guide's instructions and respect protected-area regulations.

• Use shade, protective clothing, and suitable sun protection to reduce the amount of sunscreen entering the sea.

Remember that coral is a living organism. Even brief contact can cause damage.

Good buoyancy is not just a diving skill; it is also an essential part of responsible diving.

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9. Do You Need to Be an Experienced Swimmer to Go Diving?

You don't need to be an expert swimmer to start learning scuba diving, but swimming ability and comfort in the water are important.

Different diving activities and training programmes have different water-skills requirements.

If you are interested in trying scuba diving but are not confident in the water, please tell us before booking. We can explain the available introductory options and assess whether an activity is appropriate for you.

For certified diving, your guide will also consider your experience, comfort, and the conditions when planning the dives.

Never feel pressured to enter the water if you are uncomfortable.

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10. What If You Have Not Dived for a Long Time?

Returning to diving after a break is an excellent opportunity to refresh your skills before exploring more challenging dive sites.

Even experienced divers can become less comfortable with equipment, buoyancy and underwater procedures after a long period away from diving.

A refresher or Scuba Skills Update may be a good choice, depending on your certification, previous experience and time away from the water.

If you have not dived for several years, we recommend discussing your experience with an instructor before planning your diving programme.

There is no reason to rush. A comfortable return to diving is much more enjoyable than starting with a demanding dive.

 

11. Practical Travel Advice for Sharm El Sheikh

A little preparation outside the water can also make your holiday easier.

Entry requirements and visas

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, arrival point, length of stay and planned travel within Egypt.

Some visitors arriving directly at Sharm El Sheikh may qualify for a free Sinai-only entry permission for stays of up to 15 days, subject to the applicable conditions and travel restrictions.

If you intend to travel outside the permitted Sinai area or stay longer, a different visa may be necessary.

Check the latest official Egyptian entry requirements before travelling. Do not rely on old visa prices or information from travel forums.

Money and payments

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. Some hotels and businesses accept international cards or foreign currencies, but payment options vary.

It is useful to have some local cash for small purchases, taxis and tips.

Clothing and sun protection

Sharm El Sheikh is generally warm and sunny, particularly during summer. Bring lightweight clothing, comfortable footwear, sunglasses and a hat.

When visiting local areas outside resort and beach environments, modest clothing is a considerate choice.

Hotel transfers

If you are joining a diving trip, confirm your pickup time and location in advance. At Red Sea Marine, we arrange free hotel transfers for our diving guests according to the agreed programme and service area.

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12. Why Dive with Red Sea Marine in Sharm El Sheikh?

Choosing the right dive centre can make a real difference to your holiday.

At Red Sea Marine Diving Center, we believe good diving is about more than visiting famous dive sites. It is about feeling comfortable, receiving professional guidance, and enjoying the underwater world at a pace that suits you.

Based in Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, we offer:

• Daily boat diving and guided shore diving.

• SSI diving courses from beginner to professional level.

• Small diving groups and individual attention.

• Experienced instructors and dive guides.

• Equipment rental and diving assistance.

• Free hotel transfers for our diving guests.

• Programmes adapted to your certification and experience.

Whether you want to discover scuba diving for the first time, refresh your skills, or explore the famous reefs of Ras Mohammed and the Strait of Tiran, our team will help you plan a suitable diving experience.

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Ready to Discover the Red Sea?

Tell us about your diving experience, your travel dates, and what you would like to explore.

We will help you choose the right diving programme and make the most of your time in Sharm El Sheikh.

Red Sea Marine Diving Center

Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Email: info@redseamarinesharm.net

Telephone / WhatsApp: +20 1069781855

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