Sharm El Sheikh is a popular destination for divers of all levels, thanks to its diverse and stunning underwater scenery, warm and clear water, and easy access to some of the best dive sites in the world. Whether you are looking for colorful coral reefs, spectacular shipwrecks, or thrilling drift dives, you will find something to suit your taste and skill level in Sharm El Sheikh. In this blog post, I will give you an overview of some of the best diving spots in Sharm El Sheikh, as well as some tips on how to plan your trip and enjoy your diving experience.
Best Diving Spots in Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh has around 30 different dive sites to explore on day trips alone, plus more options for liveaboards and shore dives. Here are some of the most famous and recommended ones:
SS Thistlegorm Wreck: One of the most famous wrecks around the world, the SS Thistlegorm was a British cargo ship that sank in 1941 after being bombed by German planes. It lies at a depth of 30 meters and is home to a variety of marine life, as well as an impressive collection of wartime artifacts, such as motorcycles, trucks, rifles, and ammunition. The wreck is best explored over two dives, as it is quite large and has many areas to discover. You will need an advanced certification and some experience to dive here, as the currents can be strong and the visibility can be low at times.
Ras Mohammed National Park: This is one of the top dive sites in the world, and a must-see for any diver visiting Sharm El Sheikh. Ras Mohammed is a protected marine park that covers an area of 480 square kilometers and hosts more than 220 species of coral and 1000 species of fish. The park has several dive sites, but the most famous ones are Shark and Yolanda Reef, where you can see sharks, turtles, barracudas, jacks, snappers, and a pile of toilets that fell from a cargo ship; and Anemone City, where you can admire a huge field of anemones and clownfish.
Straits of Tiran: This is another world-class diving destination that offers four main reefs: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. Each reef has its own characteristics and attractions, but they all share some common features: stunning coral formations, rich marine life, deep walls, and strong currents. You can expect to see sharks, rays, tuna, Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, lionfish, and more.
Local Dive Sites: If you are looking for something more relaxing and suitable for beginners or snorkelers, you can also enjoy some of the local dive sites that are closer to the shore and have calmer conditions. Some of the popular ones are Ras Um Sid, where you can see a beautiful coral garden and a variety of reef fish; Ras Katy, where you can spot octopus, cuttlefish, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs; and Ras Nasrani, where you can find coral pinnacles, caves, and tunnels.
How to Plan Your Trip
Sharm El Sheikh is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It has an international airport that connects it with many major cities in Europe and the Middle East. You can also reach it by bus or car from Cairo or other nearby towns.
The best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh for diving is from March to May or from September to November when the water temperature is around 25°C (77°F) and the air temperature is around 30°C (86°F). The summer months are hotter and more crowded but still offer good diving conditions. The winter months are cooler but can have strong winds that affect visibility.
We offer courses, equipment rental, day trips, liveaboards, and shore dives. You can choose from different options depending on your budget, preference, and certification level.
How to Enjoy Your Diving Experience
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh can be an amazing and unforgettable experience, but it also requires some preparation and precautions. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your diving adventure:
Check your equipment: Before you go diving, make sure that your equipment is in good condition and fits you well. If you are renting equipment from the diving center, inspect it carefully and ask for assistance if you have any doubts or problems. If you are bringing your own equipment, make sure that it is serviced and tested regularly.
Choose your dive site: Depending on your certification level, experience, and interest, you can choose from a variety of dive sites in Sharm El Sheikh. However, you should also consider the weather conditions, the visibility, the currents, and the marine life activity. You can consult with your diving center or guide for recommendations and advice.
Follow the rules: When you go diving, you should always follow the rules and regulations of the diving center, the dive site, and the marine park. You should also respect the environment and wildlife by not touching, feeding, or harassing anything underwater. You should also avoid diving alone, exceeding your limits, or decompressing too quickly.
Have fun: Diving in Sharm El Sheikh is a wonderful opportunity to explore a different world and discover new things. You should enjoy every moment of your dive and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the underwater realm. You should also take pictures or videos of your dive to capture the memories and share them with others.