it has long been considered one of the most beautiful places for diving and benefits from year-round sunshine and warm weather. This makes it an ideal place for divers and non-divers.
Ben El Gabel
this dive site is located at the north-western end of the island Small Giftun
and is accessible in almost all weather conditions, as it is protected by a reef. The diving site consists of the main reef and all the Ergs scattered on the sand.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
it is one of the most interesting diving sites in Hurghada, and certainly one of the most photographed places. The ergs are densely covered with soft and hard corals, hundreds of fish swim around them. Stingrays and dolphins are often seen here. The most interesting are depths in the range of 5 m to 10 m, into which sunlight easily penetrates, which makes it an ideal place for the best underwater vacation pictures.
DEPTH: FROM 6 M TO 20 M
UMM GAMMAR
is one of the northernmost dive sites of Hurghada and is located halfway between Hurghada and Shedwan Island.
It is an island that looks a lot like a whale or a submarine with a small antenna on top. It rises from the depths of the sea with relatively steep walls. On the southern side, there is a large plateau bordered on the south and east by three large traps.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Here you can see almost the entire underwater world of the Red Sea: from basslets and turtles that keep at shallow depths, to huge crannies and tunas to sharks swimming in the blue. Huge flocks of snappers also flood the scene of breathtaking beauty. Take your time to search for interesting objects and discover many stone and dragon fish. You can see many giant species of moray eels around the plateau, and dolphins are also frequent visitors.
DEPTH: FROM 10 M TO 40 M
Small Giftun
This dive site is located on the southeast side of Small Giftun Island in the National Park.
It is considered the most interesting place for drift diving in Hurghada. Under water, the wall of the island descends to a great depth and forms a space for diving with a Drop-Off and two platforms. The strong current is always there and brings food for corals and fish, which makes this place one of the richest underwater.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
As this dive site is known for its strong currents, large pelagic fish can be seen. The platforms are rich in soft corals, which the turtles feed on. If we look into space, we can see large barracudas and cranes. If we carefully look closer to the reef, we will see crocodile fish and toadfish, stingrays and giant moray eels. At the anchorage we will see large brain corals and schools of mullets and snappers around them. There is a good chance to meet a huge and friendly Napoleon, who was fed by the crew some time ago and still arrives in the hope of getting a free meal.
DEPTH: FROM 12 M TO 40 M
Erg Sabina
is a dive site in the Giftun National Park at the Shaab Sabina site.
It is one of the most beautiful locations in Hurghada. Here, the Erg is surrounded by a sandy plain that stretches to the north and ends at another, but smaller, Erg.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
This is certainly one of the most photographed and liveliest places. We have the opportunity to observe all kinds of reef fish, from small basslets and butterfly fish, to stingrays, giant moray eels, turtles and urchins. With a bit of luck, we can even see a shark, whose appearance is always sensational. Huge and beautiful, soft and hard large corals will certainly be a temptation for lovers of underwater photography.
DEPTH: FROM 8 M TO 20 M
MARSA ABU GALAWA
is a dive site located north of Hurghada, near El Goun.
It consists of a sandy lagoon, a small reef on the south side of the lagoon and the main reef on the north side of the lagoon. The topography creates a perfectly protected system of reefs against wind and waves, which makes this place ideal for diving even in very adverse weather conditions. The depths range from 5 m into the lagoon to 30 m in front of the reef, which makes it an ideal place for beginners and advanced divers.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Although this place does not reach soft corals, it offers protection for millions of small species. Crested grouper and translucent catfish also often appear here. At the cleaning station, we can observe how shrimps clean the mouths of larger fish. On the ridge we see a giant stonefish, a toad and a thread-finned toad. There is also a great opportunity to observe many moray eels. It is worth looking for stingrays on the sandy bottom. Patient and careful divers can be rewarded with encounters with very rare starfish!
DEPTH: FROM 5 M TO 30 M
SHAAB PETRA NORTH
is located near Hurghada next to the island of Magawish. This dive site is
very popular with beginners and photographers This is quite a large Erg, which lies on a sandy bottom. 20 m to the north-east there is another and smaller Erg, which is very interesting because a tunnel passes through it.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
both Ergy are covered with many soft and hard corals, and especially the smaller one – its beauty is spectacular! The tunnel is full of cavemen, shrimps and various clips. It is the best diving site in Hurghada for a night dive. We can also see lobsters, crabs and rare cuttlefish or fantastic Spanish dancers. In the channel between the two Ergy, you will almost always find schools of snapper and pike.
DEPTH: 10 M
Hebbat Allah
The Red Sea Association had the idea to sink this ship some time ago, in order to reduce the pressure on the already busy cliffs of Hurghada, and also to increase the attractiveness of the Red Sea for divers.
The Hebbat Allah was an old cargo ship that had been sitting on the sandy bottom right in front of the Sindbad Hotel for a long time. Thanks to the kindness of its owner, Mr. Mohamed Hoeidek, who donated this ship to the Association, Hebbet Allah was sunk on November 7, 2004 in the area of El Arouk Giftun. The entire operation was carried out with the support of the Governor of the Red Sea, HE General Saad Abo Rida, and under the direct supervision of the Egyptian Navy. Hebbat Allah is 51m long, 8m wide and suitable for wreck diving, with her cargo spaces and superstructures in excellent condition.
It now rests in 44 meters on its keel with a bridge in 25 meters. The Egyptian Diving Federation has set some rules for diving at this wreck. The diver must have a CMAS * * * or equivalent qualification, at least 100 reported dives and divers are only allowed one dive per day This is the first artificial reef project in the Red Sea.
DEPTH: FROM 25 M TO 44 M
Hamda
the dive site is located in the Giftun National Park in the southeastern part of the island of Velký Giftun.
It is a wall that gradually slopes down to a depth of 40 m or more. There are two small platforms on the slope, one at 15 m and the other at 18 m, which form the only sand spots on an otherwise completely coral-covered wall.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Since the wall is covered with many hard and soft corals, it offers protection to many species of reef fish. Here you can often find turtle, octopus, stone or dragon fish and giant moray eel. A small shark or a large tuna often appear in blue. Whale sharks often appear here. Hundreds of striped reefs and snappers form an unforgettable backdrop that is worth photographing
DEPTH: FROM 15 M TO 40 M
GOTTA ABU RAMADA EAST
This is probably the most popular reef in Hurghada and offers excellent diving conditions for both beginners and experienced divers.
It consists of a huge coral block, which is located near the island of Abu Ramada, from which the name Gotta (“piece”) of Abu Ramada comes. Due to its size, the reef was divided into two diving locations: south and west. The place is often referred to as the “Aquarium”. Why? You will find out for yourself.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
This place is known for its large number and variety of hard and soft corals, with a predominance of brain corals, the largest and most beautiful in the region. In addition, as the reef’s nickname – the aquarium – shows, it is home to many species of fish in large quantities. The main reef is infested with mullet, spiny bream, butterfly fish and grunts. Near the reef, we can observe hunters such as barracudas and cranes, as well as flocks of snappers passing by. In the lower part of the cliff there are also beautiful pieces of toadfish, stone fish, crocodiles and lions. In the coral garden around the reef, we can find many stingrays, moray eels and sometimes turtles. On the eastern side of the reef, you should pay attention to the manta rays that live there.
DEPTH: FROM 8 M TO 18 M
GOTTA ABU RAMADA WEST
dive site is probably the most popular reef in Hurghada
and offers excellent conditions for diving for both beginners and experienced divers. It consists of a huge coral block, which is located near the island of Abu Ramada, from which the name Gotta (“piece”) of Abu Ramada comes. Due to its size, the reef was divided into two diving locations: south and west. The place is often referred to as the “Aquarium”. Why? You will find out for yourself.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
This place is known for its large number and variety of hard and soft corals, with a predominance of brain corals, the largest and most beautiful in the region. In addition, as the reef’s nickname – the aquarium – shows, it is home to many species of fish in large quantities. The main reef is infested with mullet, spiny bream, butterfly fish and grunts. Near the reef, we can observe hunters such as barracudas and cranes, as well as flocks of snappers passing by. In the lower part of the cliff there are also beautiful pieces of toadfish, stone fish, crocodiles and lions. In the coral garden around the reef, we can find many stingrays, moray eels and sometimes turtles. On the eastern side of the reef, you should pay attention to the manta rays that live there.
DEPTH: FROM 8 M TO 18 M
FANOUS EAST
It means “lighthouse” in Arabic and is located on the eastern and more popular side of the cliff. The cliff itself is 300 m long and stretches from east to west and is divided into two parts: El Fanous East and El Fanous West.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
It is a diving site where we can discover many interesting creatures hiding in the sand. Stone fish, gobies, crocodile fish, dragon fish or even a threadfin toad. All three Ergs are covered with soft and hard corals, which form specific colonies growing from the coral substrate. Interesting creatures that can be found here include, for example, shrimps and giant groupers. They ignore the divers and pose for photos. On the reef at a depth of about 5-6 m there are many soft corals that attract turtles or small colorful moray eels.
DEPTH: FROM 6 M TO 16 M
FANADIR NORTH
the dive site is one of the longest reefs in Hurghada.
It is located north of the Hilton Plaza Hotel and stretches almost directly north. Fanadir itself is divided into two places for diving: Fanadir South and North. The northern part consists of a 10 m high cliff wall, a sandy plateau about 15 m wide at the jetty and narrows to a depth of 40 m and more.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Dragonfish and stonefish can often walk together – especially during the mating season, they put on a nice show marching together on the sandy bottom! We can also see in the sand at the edge of the plateau a large Yemenite tern waiting for its victims. Gobies will fill all dug holes together with shrimp. Even octopuses often visit this reef. One of the most interesting and incredible types of fish is the threadfin toadfish, starfish or frogfish. A manta ray also sometimes comes by to check what’s going on in the neighborhood. During the decompression stop at a depth of 5 m, the reef is full of life, a special show is made by basslets and many blue snappers swimming in the blue. There are several large tunas and 2 turtles that like to pose for nice photos.
DEPTH: FROM 10 M TO 40 M
Erg Sabina
is a dive site in the Giftun National Park at the Shaab Sabina site.
It is one of the most beautiful diving locations in Hurghada. Here, the Erg is surrounded by a sandy plain that stretches to the north and ends at another, but smaller, Erg.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
This is certainly one of the most photographed and liveliest places. We have the opportunity to observe all kinds of reef fish, from small basslets and butterfly fish, to stingrays, giant moray eels, turtles and urchins. With a bit of luck, we can even see a shark, whose appearance is always sensational. Huge and beautiful, soft and hard large corals will certainly be a temptation for lovers of underwater photography.
DEPTH: FROM 8 M TO 20 M
El Arouk Giftun
it is located near the island of Giftun. There is a sand flat,
which stretches several hundred meters from west to east and slopes down on the northern side. Many ergs and coral blocks are scattered on its bottom. Some rocky hills reach the surface and are perfectly visible from the boat at the anchorage.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Here you can see representatives of almost all types of fish living in the Red Sea. Many basslets, barbs, clownfish, whole-eyed cranes, all kinds of groupers, parrot fish and several types of clippers live in Erge. Moray eels can be seen in the lower part of Erg and stingrays on the sandy bottom. This place is often visited by giant Napoleons and turtles, as well as pods of dolphins that like to play around. The shadow of a giant siba takes our breath away when it flies by
DEPTH: FROM 12 M TO 18 M
ECHTA
located near the coast near the city of Hurghada Magawish island.
It is very popular for diving for beginners and amateurs in underwater photography. It consists of two relatively small Ergs, which are connected by a shallow channel. Ideal place for diving in the bay.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
marine life from this reef is very rich and interesting. A lot of light and a lot of current, which surrounds the whole Erg, allows the growth of soft and hard corals. In the northern part of the smaller Erg there is usually a flock of pike. In addition, you can see lionfish, dragon fish, octopus, stingrays, turtles and squid floating under the surface. Due to the large number of fish living here, the place is often called “fish soup”
DEPTH: 10 M
CARLESS RIFF
This dive site consists of two pillars about 20 meters from a plateau rising from the depths of the sea.
Located north of Hurghada, this legendary reef is an ideal spot for an afternoon dive on the way back from Umm Gammar or Shaab Ruhr.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
It is well known to be home to many Reef Sharks and a huge amount of coral that can be found on Elphinstone or comparable to the Brothers Islands. You will find many big fish here, but also strong currents. However, the corals were largely destroyed by the crown of thorns. The pest was noticed years ago and collected by the local diving community on the reef, which prevented further destruction of the corals. This knowledge, at the time, was very frightening, and therefore it was decided that all the crowns of thorns would be removed, to be cut and thrown back into the sea. When the crown of thorns population revived, everyone was shy. Unfortunately, the corals attacked with multiple power and destroyed the whole place. The rescue operation was repeated. Since then, significant improvement has been noted, and now this place returns as one of the top five most beautiful cliffs of Hurghada. The main attractions are sharks, dolphins and fairy basslets. You can also meet turtles that feed on corals at the top. Sometimes even sailors come from the depths and hunt their prey. Hard corals, especially on the north side, create amazing, fabulous coral formations.
DEPTH: FROM 15 M TO 40 M
ABU RAMADA
This is probably the most popular reef in Hurghada and offers excellent diving conditions for beginners
even experienced divers. It consists of a huge coral block, which is located near the island of Abu Ramada, from which the name Gotta (“piece”) of Abu Ramada comes. Due to its size, the reef was divided into two diving locations: south and west. The place is often referred to as the “Aquarium”. Why? You will find out for yourself.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
diving site, known for its large number and variety of hard and soft corals, with a predominance of brain corals, the largest and most beautiful in the region. In addition, as the reef’s nickname – the aquarium – shows, it is home to many species of fish in large quantities. The main reef is infested with mullet, spiny bream, butterfly fish and grunts. Near the reef, we can observe hunters such as barracudas and cranes, as well as flocks of snappers passing by. In the lower part of the cliff there are also beautiful pieces of toadfish, stone fish, crocodiles and lions. In the coral garden around the reef, we can find many stingrays, moray eels and sometimes turtles. On the eastern side of the reef, you should pay attention to the manta rays that live there.
DEPTH: FROM 8 M TO 18 M
ABU NUGAR
This reef is one of the northernmost dive site of Hurghada and reaches almost to the El Gouna area.
There are many Ergs and one main reef that is known for its great variety of hard corals. Fish lovers may not be completely satisfied with the appearance of fish, but the fabulous table corals will certainly make up for it. The sand at the bottom of this place is covered with coral tufts. The cliff wall and very good visibility make this place ideal for beginners and advanced divers, for long and lazy dives.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
The amount of fish in this place is very limited, but you can often see whitefish and occasionally a small reef shark. What you will find amazing here are sensational, incredibly developed hard corals, from massive brain corals to wide slabs of table corals. This place definitely has an unforgettable atmosphere that is worth being filmed or photographed.
DEPTH: FROM 8 M TO 16 M
UMM GAMMAR
is one of the northernmost dive site of Hurghada and is located halfway between Hurghada and Shedwan Island.
It is an island that looks a lot like a whale or a submarine with a small antenna on top. It rises from the depths of the sea with relatively steep walls. On the southern side, there is a large plateau bordered on the south and east by three large traps.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Here you can see almost the entire underwater world of the Red Sea: from basslets and turtles that keep at shallow depths, to huge crannies and tunas to sharks swimming in the blue. Huge flocks of snappers also flood the scene of breathtaking beauty. Take your time to search for interesting objects and discover many stone and dragon fish. You can see many giant species of moray eels around the plateau, and dolphins are also frequent visitors.
DEPTH: FROM 10 M TO 40 M
Abu Haschisch
The name Abu Hashish comes from the smugglers who repackaged smuggled hashish from Sudan here.
This reef is located south of Hurghada. At this point, the boat will be further in the lagoon, where you are protected from the waves. The diving route starts directly at the wall from the outside, where there are many Ergs and interesting coral formations.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Abu Hashish is known for its beautiful gardens of hard corals, accompanied by soft ones, which cover every free postor. But the main attractions are the beautiful and impressive table corals. There are many violet-yellow groupers and clippers that dance around small corals and large Ergo. Blue snappers often flood the surrounding blue space. Directly under the surface you will meet squids or barracudas. There are many fish here, so there is a greater chance of discovering amazing dragon fish lurking somewhere, or poisonous stone fish. The right wagtail also often visits this reef.
DEPTH: FROM 5 M TO 30 M
Turtle Bay
it is called so because of its shape, which can be seen from the air. It is a very interesting and lively coral reef near Fanous East. This diving site is perfect even in bad weather – it lies behind the reef
FLORA AND FAUNA:
A diving site known for its beautiful soft and hard corals in the lagoons. You can often observe octopus, turtle, stone or dragon fish, blue-spotted stingray and spotted siba on the outer reef. Hidden in the holes you will find many moray eels.
DEPTH: FROM 4 M TO 16 M