Table of contents
- An Unforgettable Dive into Hurghada: A Comprehensive Guide on Hurghada Diving Prices, Sites, and Packages
- Why Choose Hurghada for Diving?
- An Overview of Hurghada Dive Sites
- Comprehensive Guide to Hurghada Diving Prices and Packages
- Choosing the Right Dive Center in Hurghada
- Equipment Rental and Safety Precautions
- Enhancing Your Hurghada Diving Experience
- Certification Courses and Training Opportunities
- Other Activities and Attractions in Hurghada
- Final Thoughts: Dive Into the Beauty of Hurghada
An Unforgettable Dive into Hurghada: A Comprehensive Guide on Hurghada Diving Prices, Sites, and Packages
Dive into the enchanting underwater realm of Hurghada, Egypt, a premier destination for Hurghada scuba diving. Its immaculate, crystal-clear waters are abundant with vibrant coral reefs and a multitude of marine species, securing its reputation as a top choice for scuba diving Egypt Red Sea prices. This comprehensive article is your ultimate guide to Egypt diving package options, detailing Hurghada diving prices, the most sought-after dive sites, and various diving packages.
Why Choose Hurghada for Diving?
Hurghada, the crown jewel of the Red Sea, offers a treasure trove of advantages for those diving in Hurghada. It’s a diver’s haven, presenting an awe-inspiring underwater experience that is unparalleled.
It’s not a secret that Hurghada Scuba Diving is one of the most sought-after underwater experiences in the world, and for good reason. Located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, Hurghada offers perfect diving conditions year-round, making it a top destination for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Hurghada Scuba Diving provides unmatched marine biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and affordable dive packages that cater to every budget.
1. Year-Round Perfect Weather
Hurghada enjoys sunny skies and warm temperatures (25–35°C / 77–95°F) almost every day, with water temperatures ranging from 22°C in winter to 30°C in summer. This makes Hurghada Scuba Diving possible 365 days a year, unlike many seasonal dive destinations.
2. Unbelievably Clear Waters
The Red Sea is famous for its visibility exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life. Hurghada Scuba Diving offers some of the clearest waters in the world, perfect for underwater photography.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to other top dive destinations, Hurghada Scuba Diving is incredibly budget-friendly. A full-day dive trip costs as little as €50, including gear, lunch, and transfers. Hotels range from €20/night budget stays to €300/night luxury resorts, making Hurghada accessible to all travelers.
4. Warm Egyptian Hospitality
Egyptians are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and Hurghada is no exception. Dive centers, hotels, and restaurants go out of their way to ensure visitors have an amazing experience. Many Hurghada Scuba Diving instructors speak multiple languages, ensuring smooth communication.
5. Diverse Accommodation Options
From backpacker hostels to 5-star all-inclusive resorts, Hurghada offers lodging for every budget. Many hotels have private house reefs, so you can dive right from the shore. Whether you choose a budget dive camp (€15–€30/night) or a luxury liveaboard (€200–€500/day), Hurghada Scuba Diving ensures comfort and convenience.
Final Verdict: Hurghada Scuba Diving is Unbeatable!
With its perfect weather, pristine waters, affordability, welcoming locals, and varied accommodations, Hurghada Scuba Diving stands out as a must-visit destination for divers worldwide. Whether you’re exploring shallow reefs, historic wrecks, or swimming with dolphins, Hurghada Scuba Diving delivers an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Exceptional Marine Life and Coral Reefs
Scuba Hurghada enthusiasts are treated to a mesmerizing display of colorful fish, regal sea turtles, and playful dolphins. The Red Sea’s rich biodiversity ensures that each dive is an exhilarating escapade.
Hurghada’s Red Sea is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 1,200 fish species and 250 types of coral. Below is a breakdown of the most fascinating marine creatures you’ll encounter, categorized by dive site, with detailed descriptions of their behaviors and habitats.
1. Coral Reefs & Macro Life
Fanous Reef (Dolphin House)
🔹 Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris)
- Description: Sleek, acrobatic dolphins that spin mid-air. They hunt in groups, often seen at dawn.
- Behavior: Curious—may approach divers but avoid touching (protected species).
- Best Spot: Near the reef’s drop-off.
🔹 Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Description: Small to medium turtles with hooked beaks, feeding on sponges.
- Behavior: Slow-moving; often rest under coral ledges.
- Threats: Critically endangered due to shell trade.
🔹 Picasso Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus assasi)
- Description: Bright yellow-blue patterns with a “painted” appearance.
- Behavior: Territorial during nesting (April–June)—may charge divers.
2. Wreck Diving & Predators
SS Thistlegorm (Deep Wreck)
🔹 Giant Moray Eels (Gymnothorax javanicus)
- Description: 2m-long eels with leopard-like spots.
- Behavior: Hide in wreck crevices, occasionally swim freely at night.
🔹 Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens)
- Description: Large (75cm), olive-green with a powerful bite.
- Behavior: Aggressive if near nests (vertical swim = warning).
🔹 Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
- Description: Silver torpedo-shaped fish with sharp teeth.
- Behavior: Form “walls” in currents; ambush predators.
3. Shark Encounters
Carless Reef (Offshore Site)
🔹 Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus)
- Description: Bronze-gray with white-tipped fins.
- Behavior: Bold, may circle divers (no sudden movements!).
🔹 Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna mokarran)
- Description: Rare sightings; T-shaped heads for 360° vision.
- Best Season: April–June in deep waters.
4. Macro & Critters
Small Giftun (Shallow Reef)
🔹 Frogfish (Antennariidae)
- Description: Camouflaged, lumpy bodies; colors match coral.
- Behavior: “Walk” on fins; strike prey in 1/6000th of a second.
🔹 Blue-Spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma)
- Description: Electric blue spots on sandy bodies.
- Behavior: Buried in sand; flap wings to escape.
5. Pelagic Action
Abu Nuhas (Ship Graveyard)
🔹 Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
- Description: Hump-headed, emerald-green giants (up to 2m).
- Behavior: Follow divers curiously; lifespan: 30+ years.
🔹 Trevally (Caranx ignobilis)
- Description: Silver-blue hunters with forked tails.
- Behavior: School near wrecks; lightning-fast attacks.
Key Takeaways by Site
| Dive Site | Iconic Species | Unique Behavior |
| Fanous | Dolphins, turtles | Dawn dolphin encounters |
| Thistlegorm | Morays, barracuda | Wreck penetration opportunities |
| Carless Reef | Whitetip sharks | Open-ocean adrenaline dives |
| Small Giftun | Frogfish, stingrays | Macro photography heaven |
| Abu Nuhas | Napoleon wrasse, trevally | Big fish action among wrecks |
Conservation Note
- DO NOT touch corals or chase dolphins.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Hurghada’s waters are a living encyclopedia of marine biology. Whether you’re face-to-face with a curious Napoleon wrasse or watching dolphins dance at Fanous, every dive is a lesson in nature’s brilliance.
Optimal Diving Conditions
The dive Hurghada conditions boast near-perfect clarity all year round, with visibility often surpassing 30 meters. The warm Red Sea temperatures, which range from 22°C to 28°C, contribute to the exceptional conditions, making every dive a visual delight.
An Overview of Hurghada Dive Sites
Hurghada is a treasure trove of dive sites, each with its own unique allure. From vibrant coral gardens to sheer drop-offs and the thrill of wreck dives, diving Hurghada caters to divers of all interests. Here is a detailed breakdown of each major dive site, highlighting what makes them unique and what they’re best known for.
1. Coral Gardens & Reef Dives
🔹 Fanous (Dolphin House)
Depth: 5–20m | Level: Beginner–Advanced
What’s Unique?
- Famous for wild spinner dolphin encounters (best in early morning).
- Shallow, sunlit hard coral gardens with over 50 coral species.
- A natural amphitheater formation creates ideal dolphin resting spots.
Best For: Snorkeling, dolphin interactions, and beginner divers.
🔹 Small Giftun
Depth: 8–25m | Level: Beginner–Intermediate
What’s Unique?
- A macro photographer’s paradise—home to frogfish, nudibranchs, and seahorses.
- Coral-covered slopes with rare black corals at deeper sections.
- Blue-spotted stingrays often buried in the sand.
Best For: Underwater photography, relaxed drift dives.
🔹 Umm Gamar
Depth: 10–30m | Level: Intermediate
What’s Unique?
- Sheer walls covered in soft corals, gorgonians, and sea fans.
- Strong currents attract pelagics like trevallies and reef sharks.
- One of the few sites where hammerhead sharks are occasionally spotted.
Best For: Advanced drift diving, big fish action.
2. Dramatic Drop-offs & Walls
🔹 Carless Reef
Depth: 15–40m+ | Level: Advanced
What’s Unique?
- Red Sea’s best shark dive—oceanic whitetips (summer) and thresher sharks (rare).
- Near-vertical walls plunging into the abyss.
- High-voltage drift dives with schools of barracuda and tuna.
Best For: Shark encounters, adrenaline-pumping currents.
🔹 Ras Abu Soma
Depth: 12–30m | Level: Intermediate
What’s Unique?
- Canyon-like formations with swim-throughs and caves.
- Giant moray eels hiding in crevices.
- Napoleon wrasse frequently seen patrolling.
Best For: Exciting topography, medium-depth exploration.
🔹 Sha’ab El Erg (Dolphin Reef)
Depth: 10–25m | Level: Beginner–Intermediate
What’s Unique?
Night dives reveal octopuses and hunting lionfish.
Best For: Dolphin interactions, night diving.
Dolphin cleaning stations where they rub against coral.
Coral towers rising from the seabed, covered in anthias fish.
Shaab El Erg
This diving location stands as the furthest spot in the northern direction, nestled between Hurghada and El Gouna. Due to its distance, it is more frequently visited by ships departing from El Gouna. A northbound safari boat is also often anchored here. The reef itself showcases beautiful hard corals, particularly in the channel that runs between the main reef and the smaller Gotta Shaab El Erg. In the northern section, a coral garden and towers adorned with various coral types enhance the underwater scenery.
However, the site gains its renown primarily because it offers the opportunity to encounter a group of dolphins, especially on calm and windless days. Respecting their natural habitat and not touching them increases the chances of swimming among these graceful aquatic mammals, adding a unique and memorable aspect to the diving experience.
The Thistlegorm Wreck
For the intrepid diver, the Thistlegorm wreck is an essential scuba diving Hurghada experience. The World War II cargo ship that lies at the seabed of the Red Sea offers a fascinating window into the past.
3. Historic Wrecks & Artificial Reefs
🔹 SS Thistlegorm (World-Famous Wreck)
Depth: 12–30m | Level: Advanced
What’s Unique?
- WWII cargo ship with trucks, motorcycles, and rifles still intact.
- One of the world’s top wreck dives (ranked by Diver Magazine).
- Giant morays in the holds, barracuda schools outside.
Best For: Wreck penetration, history buffs.
🔹 El Mina & Suzanna Wrecks
Depth: 18–32m | Level: Intermediate
What’s Unique?
- El Mina: A minesweeper with artillery still visible (great for AOW training).
- Suzanna: A fishing boat covered in soft corals and glassfish.
- Easy penetration for wreck beginners.
Best For: Wreck specialty courses, photography.
🔹 Abu Nuhas (Ship Graveyard)
Depth: 10–30m | Level: Intermediate–Advanced
What’s Unique?
- Four wrecks in one site: Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, Kimon M.
- The Carnatic sank in 1869—rumored to carry gold coins.
- Titan triggerfish guard the wrecks aggressively.
Best For: Multi-wreck diving, adventurous explorers.
🔹 Military Wrecks (Underwater Museum)
Depth: 11–15m | Level: Beginner
What’s Unique?
- Sunken tanks, APCs, and artillery (sunk in 2023 for artificial reefs).
- Glassfish swarms around the structures.
- Future coral growth expected to attract more marine life.
Best For: Novelty dives, easy wreck exploration.
Summary: What Each Site is Best Known For
| Dive Site | Best For | Unique Feature |
| Fanous | Dolphins & snorkeling | Natural dolphin playground |
| Small Giftun | Macro photography | Rare critters (frogfish, seahorses) |
| Umm Gamar | Soft corals & sharks | Hammerhead sightings (rare) |
| Carless Reef | Shark encounters | Oceanic whitetips in summer |
| SS Thistlegorm | Historic wreck diving | WWII artifacts in cargo holds |
| Abu Nuhas | Multi-wreck exploration | Four wrecks in one spot |
| Military Wrecks | Artificial reef novelty | Underwater tank graveyard |
Final Thoughts
- Beginners? Stick to Fanous, Small Giftun, or Military Wrecks.
- Wreck lovers? Thistlegorm and Abu Nuhas are must-dives.
- Thrill-seekers? Carless Reef and Umm Gamar deliver big-fish action.
Each site offers something totally unique—whether it’s history, marine life, or sheer underwater drama.
Comprehensive Guide to Hurghada Diving Prices and Packages
Hurghada offers a wide range of diving packages to suit every budget and preference, with hurghada prices varying depending on several factors. These factors include the duration of the trip, the number of dives included, and the type of diving experience.
Daily Diving by Boat
This option allows certified and medically fit divers to enjoy a day of diving for approximately €50. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Red Sea without committing to a long-term package.
Diving Packages
Hurghada offers diving packages ranging from 1-day to 10-day options. The table below provides an overview of the general pricing structure for these packages.
| Days | Dives | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 50 |
| 2 | 4 | 95 |
| 3 | 6 | 130 |
| 4 | 8 | 170 |
| 5 | 10 | 200 |
| 6 | 12 | 240 |
| 7 | 14 | 260 |
| 8 | 16 | 300 |
| 9 | 18 | 330 |
| 10 | 20 | 400 |
Please note: These prices are approximate and may vary depending on the dive center and the services included.
Luxury Dive Packages
For those seeking a more luxurious dive trip, Hurghada offers high-end packages that include accommodation in a top-tier resort, gourmet meals, and additional amenities.
Choosing the Right Dive Center in Hurghada
Choosing a reputable and experienced hurghada diving center is crucial for a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Consider factors such as safety record, instructor qualifications, and equipment condition. Check for certifications from recognized diving organizations such as PADI or SSI to ensure you’re selecting a quality diving center hurghada.
Equipment Rental and Safety Precautions
Most hurghada diving center options offer equipment rental services. However, it’s essential to ensure the rental equipment is well-maintained. Always prioritize safety when diving, follow all safety guidelines, and never exceed your diving limits.
Enhancing Your Hurghada Diving Experience
Here are some tips to make the most of your diving experience in Hurghada:
- Start with a refresher dive if it’s been a while since your last dive.
- Bring a waterproof camera to document your underwater adventures.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
- Respect the marine environment.
- Try night diving for a unique experience.
Certification Courses and Training Opportunities
Whether you’re new to diving or want to advance your skills, Hurghada offers a range of certification courses and training opportunities, with competitive diving courses prices. Dive centers in Hurghada provide courses including the PADI Open Water Diver course, Advanced Open Water Diver course, and Rescue Diver course, making diving courses hurghada an excellent choice for divers of all levels.
Other Activities and Attractions in Hurghada
Apart from diving, Hurghada offers plenty of other activities and attractions such as snorkeling trips, desert safaris, quad biking adventures, luxury resorts, and spas.
Final Thoughts: Dive Into the Beauty of Hurghada
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Hurghada offers an unforgettable scuba Hurghada experience. From budget-friendly options to luxurious dive packages, Hurghada caters to all types of divers. So, pack your gear and prepare for a lifetime adventure in Hurghada.
Need more information about diving in Hurghada? Check out our FAQs or contact us for personalized assistance. Dive into the beauty of Hurghada with Diving Around, offering PADI, SSI, SDI, and CMAS dive courses and day dive trips & diving packages.
