Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh – Which is better for diving?
Located along the coast of the Red Sea, Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh are both prime destinations for divers. While both towns offer unparalleled underwater experiences, each boasts unique diving shaped by specific geological and marine conditions.
Hurghada’s diving sites are influenced by its distinct underwater topography, offering divers a mix of coral gardens and larger wrecks. In contrast, Sharm El Sheikh, with its proximity to the Gulf of Aqaba, presents divers with vibrant reefs teeming with marine life and the occasional pelagic encounter.
Recognising these differences is essential for divers and travellers planning adventures beyond Cairo and Luxor. This guide aims to highlight the distinct diving experiences in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, providing insights into the different marine environments, dive sites, and the options for non-diving tours.
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Hurghada or sharm – the quick answer
For resort-based diving with amazing hotels and lots of non-diving options including Cairo and the Pyramids head to Hurghada. There are more hotels with house reefs making it better for snorkelling.
For a smaller town feel and more of a focus on diving then Sharm el Sheikh is best. There are reefs suitable for snorkelling and nearby Ras Mohammed National Park and Mount Sinai are good for non-dive days.
Dive Sites
Hurghada Dive Sites
Hurghada is a prominent coastal town situated on the western shore of the Red Sea, approximately midway between the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and the northern city of Safaga. This positions Hurghada within proximity to some of the Red Sea’s best dive sites and marine reserves.
- Giftun Islands: A jewel in Hurghada’s crown, these islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens. Dive sites like Small Giftun, have colourful coral pinnacles that rise from sandy bottoms and are home to anthias, butterflyfish, and the occasional Napoleon wrasse.
- Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks: History meets marine life at Abu Nuhas. This area is home to several shipwrecks, with the Giannis D and Carnatic being the most well-known. Covered with corals, these wrecks are covered in marine life and offer a hauntingly beautiful dive.
Sharm El Sheikh dive sites
Sharm El Sheikh is a growing resort town located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aqaba. Nestled between the rugged desert mountains and azure waters, Sharm El Sheikh is a gateway to some of the Red Sea’s most celebrated dive locations.
- Ras Mohamed Marine Park: Ras Mohammed National Park has amazing reef dives and beautiful wrecks including the Yolanda and Dunraven. There are fast drift dives along steep walls with frequent encounters with reef sharks, while the Yolanda presents a unique mix of reef and artefacts including the famous toilets.
- Tiran Island: Positioned at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba, Tiran’s dive sites include Jackson Reef and Gordon Reef which are stunning drift dives with coral gardens and large shoals of fish.
Level of Diving
Both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh cater to a range of diving levels. To get the most from your diving you should talk to the dive guides. They will take you to the sites most suited to your level of experience and interests.
- Beginners: Hurghada’s calm bays, especially around the Giftun Islands, provide ideal settings for novice divers. Similarly, Sharm’s sheltered sites, like those within Ras Mohamed’s lagoons, offer gentle introductions to the Red Sea. Even the house reefs in both locations provide a huge range of fish and are the perfect introduction to diving.
- Intermediate Divers: With slightly stronger currents and deeper dives, sites like Abu Nuhas in Hurghada and the wreck of the Thistlegorm from Sharm El Sheikh provide a change from the shallower reefs. The currents on the Thistlegorm can be strong and there are areas to enter the wreck so you need to have experience diving in currents and swim-throughs to make the most of this site.
- Advanced Divers: The challenging drifts of Ras Mohammed’s outer reefs or the deep dives around Tiran Island are perfect for experienced divers looking for fast drifts and encounters with larger fish species.
Security and Safety
Safety remains paramount in both destinations. Dive centres adhere to international standards, ensuring equipment quality with experienced guides on all boats. All of the boats are inspected annually for adherence to safety, the briefings provided to divers and the quality of the equipment and food provided.
While there have been problems in the past, security in Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh is tight and this helps with making you feel safer as a visitor. Taxis are not allowed to enter hotel compounds so the dive centres will pick you up from outside the hotel gates.
Before going onto the boats each day in Sharm you will pass through a security check and bag inspection. This is enforced more in the larger harbours than the small jetties, but there is a police presence at most harbours.
Visas for diving
While both locations are part of Egypt and located along its Red Sea coastline, they are subject to distinct visa regulations.
Historically, Sharm El Sheikh has been granted certain exemptions, especially for visitors arriving via direct flights and heading straight to the Sinai Peninsula resorts. This approach aimed to boost tourism in the region. If you are visiting Sharm for 14 days or less and are not diving the Thistlegorm then you can get the free entry permission stamp at immigration. If you enter Egypt via Sharm airport but will be visiting other parts of Egypt, diving the Thistlegorm or staying longer than 14 days then you will need to purchase the 25USD visa from the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall.
Hurghada adheres to Egypt’s standard visa requirements for international tourists. You will need to purchase a visa on arrival. This costs 25USD and is payable on arrival in cash at the bank kiosks in the arrivals hall before immigration. This is valid for 30 days from arrival.
Non-diving days – What is there to do?
While you are probably going for diving, there always needs to be a rest day before flying home. Many divers travel with non-diving friends and there are only so many days you can spend on a sun bed by the pool.
Hurghada day trips
Desert Safari: Quad bikes or camels will take you into the vast expanse of the Egyptian desert with a unique safari. Most tours will visit Bedouin camps offering authentic cultural insights.
Giftun Island Excursions: Beyond diving, Giftun Island has pristine beaches and turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling. Day trips often include barbecues and leisurely beachside relaxation.
Giza and Cairo: Hurghada is closer to Cairo than Sharm and this makes it much easier if you want to visit Cairo, Giza or Luxor. It is possible to day trip from Hurghada or have a night or two away from diving before flying home.
Sharm El Sheikh day trips
Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery: An early morning hike will take you to the summit of Mount Sinai where you can watch the sunrise before visiting the beautiful St Catherine’s Monastery. If you have been diving always check that you can go to altitude (has your computer no-fly warning cleared?)
Naama Bay: Naama Bay is the shopping area in Sharm el Sheikh. Here you will find small shops and local cafes. Take time to visit the Old Market and Sahaba Mosque just 10 minutes from Naama Bay.
Ras Mohammed Nature Reserve: Beyond its diving sites, Ras Mohammed is a large national park. With lakes and mangroves as well as mountainous desert areas it is a beautiful landscape to visit on a guided tour.
Hurghada vs Sharm – A summary
| Aspect | Hurghada | Sharm El Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| Dive Sites | Giftun Islands Abu Nuhas Shipwrecks | Ras Mohammed Marine Park Tiran Island |
| Beginner-Friendly | Calm bays & sheltered sites | Sheltered sites & lagoons |
| Intermediate Dive | Abu Nuhas wrecks | Thistlegorm wreck |
| Advanced Dive | Deep dives Challenging drifts | Outer reefs Deep drift dives around Tiran |
| Marine Life | Colourful corals Napoleon wrasse | Turtles Larger pelagics |
| Accommodations | Dive-centric resorts Luxury amenities | Diverse options Dive-centric resorts |
| Security | Adherence to international standards | Robust safety measures at hotels and harbours |
| Flight Accessibility | Direct flights from the UK | Direct flights from the UK |
| Visa Requirements | 25USD for a 30-day visa for all visits | Permission to enter stamp for 14-day stays in Sharm el Sheikh 25USD for 30-day visa for all visits from 15 days, exploring beyond the Sinai Peninsula or diving the Thistlegorm |
