Diving The Red Sea, Egypt

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Diving in the Red Sea, Egypt, is an aquatic odyssey renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life. Beneath the surface, encounter an underwater kingdom featuring intricate coral formations, including the iconic Thistlegorm wreck, and dramatic drop-offs like the Blue Hole in Dahab. The Red Sea is a kaleidoscope of marine biodiversity with encounters of colorful coral gardens, schools of vibrant fish, and frequent visits from majestic pelagics such as barracudas and sharks. With consistently warm waters and exceptional visibility, the Red Sea promises a captivating dive adventure with a stunning display of marine life, making it a diver’s paradise.

Red Sea Egypt Diving Online Insights

  1. Red Sea Diving Safari
    • Website: Red Sea Diving Safari
    • Red Sea Diving Safari is a well-known dive operator in the region. Their website often includes updates, dive site details, and diving experiences in the Red Sea.
  2. Dive The World
    • Website: Dive The World
    • Dive The World is a dive travel agency that features a insights covering various dive destinations, including the Red Sea.
  3. Scuba Diving Magazine – Red Sea
    • Website: Scuba Diving – Red Sea
    • Scuba Diving provides articles and insights into diving destinations worldwide, and their Red Sea section covers dive sites, marine life, and travel tips.
  4. Ultimate Dive Travel
    • Website: Ultimate Dive Travel
    • Ultimate Dive Travel offers information on different dive destinations, including the Red Sea, providing information on dive resorts, liveaboards, and dive experiences.
  5. Diver Magazine – Red Sea
    • Website: Diver Magazine – Red Sea
    • Diver Magazine includes a Red Sea section with articles, destination guides, and diving tips specific to the Red Sea.
  6. PADI Travel Blog – Red Sea
    • Website: PADI Travel – Red Sea
    • PADI Travel’s articles covers various dive destinations, and their Red Sea section provides insights into dive sites and travel recommendations.

Where to Stay

Choosing the best place to stay for scuba diving in the Red Sea depends on your specific preferences, the type of diving you’re interested in, and the dive sites you want to explore. Here are a few popular destinations along the Red Sea coast known for exceptional scuba diving:

  1. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
    • Key Features
      • Rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
      • Proximity to famous dive sites like Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island.
      • Access to the Straits of Tiran, renowned for its drift dives.
  2. Hurghada, Egypt
    • Key Features
      • Diverse underwater landscapes, including coral gardens and walls.
      • Famous wrecks like the SS Thistlegorm.
      • Opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers.
  3. Marsa Alam, Egypt
    • Key Features
      • Pristine coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
      • Chance to encounter dugongs and dolphins.
      • Access to the famous Elphinstone Reef.
  4. Dahab, Egypt
    • Key Features
      • World-class shore diving, including the famous Blue Hole.
      • Unique environments like the Canyon and the Islands.
      • Relaxed atmosphere and diverse marine life.
  5. El Gouna, Egypt
    • Key Features
      • Access to a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels.
      • Well-preserved coral reefs and abundant marine life.
      • Comfortable resort settings with access to dive centers.
  6. Aqaba, Jordan
    • Key Features
      • Clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
      • Unique dive sites like the Cedar Pride wreck.
      • Opportunities for both shore and boat diving.

When choosing a place to stay, consider factors such as the proximity to dive centers, the availability of diving packages, the type of accommodation you prefer, and the atmosphere of the destination. Many resorts along the Red Sea cater specifically to divers, offering diving packages, equipment rental, and easy access to dive boats.

Always check reviews and ratings of both accommodations and dive centers to ensure they meet your expectations. Additionally, be aware of any travel restrictions or requirements, and plan your trip accordingly.

Red Sea Diving Accommodations

The Red Sea offers a variety of scuba diving destinations, and there are numerous accommodations catering to divers along the Egyptian coastline.

Here are some popular destinations and accommodations in the Red Sea region:

  1. Sharm El Sheikh
  2. Hurghada
  3. Marsa Alam
  4. Dahab
  5. El Gouna
  6. Makadi Bay
  7. Aqaba, Jordan

Before booking, consider reaching out directly to the accommodations or using reputable travel platforms to ensure current information on services, availability, and any diving packages they may offer.

Getting There

Red Sea diving destinations are popular among scuba enthusiasts, and there are various travel options to reach these locations. The Red Sea spans several countries, but Egypt, particularly the cities of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, is a common gateway for Red Sea diving. Here are the main travel options:

  1. Flights
    • International Flights to Egypt: Most travelers fly into Egypt from their home countries. Cairo International Airport is the primary international gateway, but for Red Sea diving, consider direct flights to Hurghada International Airport (HRG) or Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH).
    • Domestic Flights: If you arrive in Cairo, you can take a domestic flight to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. Several airlines operate domestic flights within Egypt.
  2. Transfers
    • Airport Transfers: Many dive resorts and operators offer airport transfers from Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh airports to popular dive destinations along the Red Sea coast.
  3. Overland Travel
    • Bus or Car: You can travel overland by bus or car from Cairo to the Red Sea coastal cities. This option allows you to enjoy the scenery and potentially stop at interesting locations along the way.
  4. Liveaboards
    • Liveaboard Cruises: For a unique diving experience, consider liveaboard cruises that depart from various ports along the Red Sea. These cruises often include multiple dive sites, including remote and pristine locations.
  5. Specific Diving Destinations
    • Marsa Alam: If your destination is Marsa Alam, there are domestic flights to Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) or overland travel options.
    • Dahab: Dahab is accessible from Sharm El Sheikh by road. Sharm El Sheikh is a popular diving destination itself and is well-connected by air.
  6. Ferry
    • Ferry from Aqaba, Jordan: If you are traveling to the northern part of the Red Sea, consider taking a ferry from Aqaba, Jordan, to Nuweiba, Egypt. From Nuweiba, you can travel by road to Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh.

Always check the latest travel advisories, visa requirements, and entry regulations for Egypt. Additionally, consider the most convenient airport or transportation option based on your specific diving destination along the Red Sea. Dive operators and resorts often provide assistance with transfers and can help you plan your journey to ensure a seamless and enjoyable diving experience.

Flights and Flying Time from Minneapolis

Average cost of a round-trip flight from Minneapolis to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt is $1458. The flight time from Minneapolis to Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt is approximately 20 hours and 50 minutes. Layovers may increase or decrease the overall flight time.

Diving the Red Sea Trip Costs

Average price for scuba diving in the Red Sea range from between $50-$200 per person per day depending on the quality of the services provided.

Accommodations costs

The average hotel cost for one week in Sharm el-Sheikh is $588, and the average hotel cost for two weeks in Sharm el-Sheikh is $1,175 (not including taxes and fees).

Totaling it up for Two Divers Two Weeks

Best Flex Estimate: $14,000 ($7,000 per person double occupancy)

  • Flight $4000
  • Diving $6000
  • Accommodations & Transport $2200
  • Food $1800