Hurghada is quickly becoming one of Egypt’s top diving destinations, thanks to its sheltered reefs, towers and pinnacles, wrecks, and marine life. Although Hurghada itself is less-developed than Sharm El Sheikh, it is growing and is home to wonderful dive operators. There is plenty to see both above and below the water, with tours to the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Karnak being readily available. While most travelers know a lot about these famous above-ground destinations, many do not realize what kind of wonders await beneath the surface of the clear blue sea.
Diving Conditions and Marine Life
Unlike some of the other Egyptian diving destinations that require more skill and expertise, many dive sites in the Hurghada area are novice-friendly. With little to no current, incredible visibility, and fairly shallow sites – including wrecks – these sites allow you to fill up your log and create memories that will last your entire life.
The water temperature is generally between 68-81 degrees Fahrenheit and 20-27 Celsius. These warm, crystal clear waters are home to an astonishing variety of sea life, including blue spotted rays, turtles, healthy coral populations and plenty of colorful reef fish, and a wide array of pelagics ranging from dolphins and whales to sharks and barracudas.
Abu Nugar
Abu Nugar is characterized by pools and holes that dot the reef here. The name Abu Nugar means “father of pools”, and gives insight into what you’ll find when you dive here. Watch for large blocks of coral, pinnacles with soft and hard coral coverings, and amazing coral gardens. The entire area can be divided into several dives, including Erg Abu Nugar, which features a maximum depth of just fourteen meters and plenty of small reef fish as well as larger jacks and barracuda. Dolphins frequent the area, as do turtles and puffer fish.
At Gotta Abu Nugar North, divers enjoy a ledge extending from the reef and covered in plentiful coral. Eagle rays, dolphins, and barracuda ply the waters here, and most of the features are at a maximum depth of less than ten meters.
Gota Abu Ramada
Divers here feel almost as though they have landed in an aquarium, which is why this site, which is sometimes called “Gota” for short, is also known as “The Aquarium.” Here, butterfly fish and banner fish, goatfish and snappers, and small fish in every brilliant color of the rainbow swim with you over an amazing vista with healthy soft and hard coral growth in abundance. This site is very popular and can get crowded, so check with your dive operator to decide when to visit.
El Minya Wreck
This wreck goes by a few names: El Minya, El Minaya, and El Mina. The ship lies on her side with the top of the wreck being accessible at twenty-six meters, and the seabed at thirty meters. There can be a bit of a current, and visibility is lower here than at other Red Sea dive sites, due the wreck’s positioning inside the harbor.
El Mina was once a seventy meter Egyptian minesweeper, and was bombed in Hurghada Bay, while at anchor, by Israeli forces in 1969. Although penetration is possible, it is not always advised since interior spaces can feel cramped and there is an ever-growing amount of silt inside. Still, there is plenty to see on the exterior of this wreck. The stern is twisted to the port side, and it is easy to make out the twin propellers, which are now home to resident moray eels. As you head toward the bow, you can see minesweeping equipment and anti-aircraft guns, and you can explore the exposed deck areas. Be cautious of live ammunition which still lies scattered throughout the dive site. Once you reach the bow, you’ll see the anchor chains extending from it off into the depths. Watch for sea urchins, lion fish, anemones, and clownfish, as well as plenty of other marine life.
Small Giftun Island
Small Giftun Island is a lovely drift dive with a maximum depth of 100 meters and visibility in the twenty to thirty meter range. There is a separate entry fee for this marine reserve, which features a wide variety of marine life as well as beautiful underwater topography.
The main feature at Small Giftun Island is the wall, with its rock and coral formations which extend off the main wall and it offers plenty of intricate features which make for excellent photo opportunities. Tuna and barracuda are often seen a short distance from the wall, as are shoals of jacks.
As you come to the end of the wall, you’ll find yourself flying over a sandy plateau with even more coral and sea fans, as well as plenty of turtles, blue spotted stingrays, goat fish, and schools of fusiliers. Watch for moray eels and crocodile fish as you explore the hard coral formations!
Erg Samaya, a separate dive site within the confines of Small Giftun Island’s marine reserve boundaries, features a swim through and even more soft coral. Here, pinnacles sweep up from the main reef, and there are some huge fan corals in the area.
El Aruk Gigi
El Aruk Gigi offers shelter from the currents to some incredible inhabitants. Featuring a group of seven ergs in just ten to fifteen meters of water, this site is accessed by boat, and navigating can be difficult if you get caught in the current or lose track of where you are. Be sure to stay aware, and you’ll enjoy the sweetlips that take shelter under the erg ledges, blue spotted sting rays and the occasional turtle in the sandy areas, and swarms of glassfish and anthias along the walls. One prominent erg features a split center, which contains a grotto that is often overflowing with glassfish. Watch for massive groupers, lionfish, and huge stonefish in the area.
Dolphins are often seen in this area, so watch for them on the journey out and back!
These, as well as numerous other incredible dive sites make Hurghada an incredible destination for divers of every level. This is truly the trip of a lifetime.