Diving, Hurghada

In my opinion Hurghada is more the vacation spot to relax on the beach. There is not much to the town besides the typical bazars, shops and markets. There are however, some wonderful finds underwater.

The local waters are decent diving, but if you have time, it is the closest departure port of diving ”The Brothers” Islands. Its a multi-day trip.

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On the first photo you can see basslets and soft corals at Abu Ramada, the north side, Hurghada.
Without the flash light, the red colour of the coral would not be seen at this depth.

I have been to Hurghada for scuba diving twice. Two weeks in June - July 2000 and another two weeks in December 2000 - January 2001. I prefer the diving in summertime. The water is warmer, the visibility better and there are more fishes. And there are less divers. But of course the diving is good in the Red Sea all year round. The underwater world is great with so many colours and so much life.

The world under the surface is wonderful in the Red Sea. So full of different and colourful life. There are also many interesting wrecks to dive at, like Thistelgorm.
On this picture you can see two Masked Butterfliefishes at Talata, Hurghada.

I was diving with Colona Dive Centre in Magawish, about 15 km south of Hurghada. Even though I have heard the opposite I must say that there are many excellent dive spots around Hurghada. Among others Abu Ramada (north side), Aquarium - Shab Abu Ramada (east side), Small Giftun, Fouleya (Sabina), El Desha, Oum Kamar, Camel Reef, Somaya, Abu Haschich etc.

In Hurghada I have taken the AOW course and the UW-photo course (the photos on this page are taken during the course).
I also went on a two day-diving safari to Thistelgorm, Giannis D and other good diving spots.

Colona Dive Centre is a reliable dive centre with good equipment and staff and can highly be recommended.
Most dives in Hurghada are boat dives, and lunch is often eaten on the boat between the dives.

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Red Sea is possibly one of the most beautiful and adventurous place for exploring an underwater world. It's a paradise for those who love to discover its misteries.
Red Sea is inahabited by over 1000 different species of animals and about 200 corals. You can swim with turtles, rays and lionfishes around you...and can meet a shark even if you go far enough... It takes your breath off! And sometimes you don't know where to look first!

Equipment: There are many diving centers in Hurghada. The prices for snorkeling beginnes usually from 15 $ up to 35$ for all day diving with meal on the boat, tea, coffee and snacks. The price includes usually all equipment and transfer from the hotel.

The Red Sea is one of the best dive spots close to Europe for scuba diving and snorkeling. The water is warm, very clear, there is plenty of fish and the corals are still intact.

Equipment: On our first vacation in El Gouna we went diving with The Dive Tribe, a 5* PADI instructor development centre, that was part of our resort (Mövenpick El Gouna Resort). The staff were very professional, the equipment was of first quality and the monitors are of various nationalities.
You can take classes when you're not qualified or just take some dives when you have your degree.
Don't forget to take your logbook and a recent health certificate.

NOTE: all the dives from El Gouna are boat dives, sometimes it takes 1 hour or more to get to the divesite. But then, the most beautiful spots are beneath you: Poseidon Garden, Dolphin Reef, Manta Point and many, many more.

If you come to Hurghada you just can't lounge on the beach all day, well you can but you would be missing out on the wonder that is the Red Sea.

The Red Sea has some of the finest coral reefs in the world and they are teeming with life. If you arent interested in Scuba diving you can always snorkel. Its inexpenisve and easy to learn. Almost every store in the area will sell you a snorkel and mask it cost about 56LE which last year converted to about €8. Even though you cant go deep you can still see amazing fish.

Diving is outings and lessons are offered at almost every hotel and if you dont want to go through them you can always find a dive shop near by. Many places offer trial lessons so you can see if you really want to spend the money to learn. All will supply you with what you need for a fee.

Equipment: See above

I just wanted to mention that there is a rescue and search teams in the red sea area to help people who are doing water sports and especially diving boats and safari boats. Maybe it is of interest to anyone.

Equipment: Theyt have rescye boats and equipment

Snorkelling is very popular because of all the exotic fish that can be seen even to the depth of 5-6 meters because of the water transparency. Diving with instructors is also very popular for young people. And the prices are not so high 15-30 euros.

Equipment: You'll get everything you need just bring the good spirits.