ScubaDahab
What the diving is like
Day boats from Hurghada visit the reefs around the Giftun islands and the offshore reefs north and south of town. Expect sheltered coral gardens, pinnacles and a few gentle drifts: good, easy diving, though busier and less pristine than the national parks further north or the southern reefs.
The real draw is what you can reach by boat: the four wrecks on the Abu Nuhas reef (Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K and Kimon M), the Rosalie Moller and, a long day away, the Thistlegorm.
Why so many liveaboards start here
Hurghada sits in the middle of the Egyptian coast. From here a boat can go north to the wrecks of the Gulf of Suez and Ras Mohammed, or east and south to the Brothers Islands, Daedalus and Elphinstone. That flexibility, plus a large international airport, is why most of Egypt's fleet is based here.
When to go
All year. The marine parks are best from about May to November, when oceanic whitetips and hammerheads are most likely. Winter brings cooler water and stronger northerly winds, which can make crossings to the Brothers rough.
Top dive sites
- Abu Nuhas: four wrecks on one reef, a classic liveaboard day
- Carless Reef: pinnacles and morays off Giftun
- El Mina wreck: a WWII minesweeper close to the harbour
- Giftun islands: easy reefs for training and first dives
- Rosalie Moller: a deep cargo wreck for experienced divers
