The best Red Sea diving routes in Egypt promise unforgettable experiences. The Red Sea is a diver’s paradise, offering a stunning variety of marine life, coral reefs, and historical wrecks. From the vibrant reefs of St. John’s to the haunting beauty of the SS Thistlegorm wreck, the Red Sea is a dream come true for underwater adventurers.
A Marine Wonderland: The Allure of Red Sea Diving
Diving in the Egyptian Red Sea means immersing yourself in an ecosystem bursting with color and life. From sprawling coral gardens to dramatic drop-offs, the region’s underwater topography is as stunning as its marine life. With over 1,200 species of fish—nearly 20% found nowhere else on Earth—the Red Sea offers an unforgettable encounter with nature. Schools of butterflyfish, angelfish, and anthias move in dazzling formations above coral bommies, while moray eels and scorpionfish hide in crevices, waiting for unsuspecting prey.
One of the main draws for divers is the incredible visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, allowing for breathtaking views of the marine spectacle below. Whether exploring the wrecks of Abu Nuhas, drifting along the walls of Ras Mohammed, or searching for hammerheads at Daedalus Reef, every site tells a different story. The Brothers Islands are known for their thrilling pelagic encounters, where oceanic whitetips, grey reef sharks, and even thresher sharks frequently patrol the blue.
For macro enthusiasts, the Red Sea is a hidden gem. Tiny yet mesmerizing creatures such as nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and harlequin shrimp can be found nestled among the coral formations. Photographers flock here to capture these rare finds, their intricate patterns and delicate movements making for stunning underwater shots.
Explore the Red Sea's Underwater Jewels
Best of the Red Sea
The Best of the Red Sea itinerary is ideal for divers looking to experience the finest dive sites in one trip. One of the best Red Sea diving routes, it features legendary locations such as Rocky Island, with its plunging coral walls, and Zabargad Island, home to mesmerizing reefs and mysterious wrecks. Daedalus Reef is a prime spot for schooling hammerheads, while Fury Shoals delights with playful pods of dolphins. The grand finale at Elphinstone Reef offers the exhilarating chance to encounter oceanic whitetip sharks cruising the deep blue.
The Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone Route
This adrenaline-fueled itinerary is designed for experienced divers seeking thrilling drift dives, sheer walls, and big pelagic action. The Brothers Islands consisting of a larger island, Big Brother, and a smaller one, Small Brother, are a hotspot for large schools of tuna, barracuda, and trevally.
Big Brother Island features two dramatic wrecks, the Numidia (10-80m), covered in soft corals and attracting large predators, and the Aida (28-60m), a former supply vessel resting on the northwest reef. Small Brother Island, though just 200m long, boasts a stunning coral forest, diverse marine life, and striking overhangs. Its biggest draw is the seasonal presence of pelagic sharks, including hammerheads, threshers, grey reef, and oceanic whitetip sharks.
This diving route also includes the Daedalus Reef, famous for its huge hard coral formations and hammerhead sharks, and Elphinstone Reef, which with its stunning plateaus, is one of the most rewarding sites for spotting Napoleon wrasse, eagle rays, and occasional tiger sharks
Strait of Tiran & North
For those who appreciate a mix of wreck diving and stunning reefs, this itinerary is perfect. The Strait of Tirant, a dive site at the Gulf of Aqaba’s entrance, is home to four world-class reefs—Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon—known for their rich coral life and encounters with whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, and schools of snappers.
This journey also takes divers to the renowned Ras Mohammed National Park, where the coral-covered walls drop dramatically into the abyss, and the SS Thistlegorm, one of the Red Sea’s most famous wrecks, a legendary WWII wreck sank to a depth of 32m which has transformed into a marine oasis. attracting diverse marine life and large schools of fish.
Top dive sites also include the Gubal Islands, known for its strong currents featuring the wreck of the Ulysses, starting at 5m and descending to 25m, Sha’ab El Erg, famous for dolphin sightings, and Siyul Kebir, a paradise for macro lovers, offering sightings of frogfish, rare pipefish, and marbled snake eels.
Ultimate Red Sea Itinerary
For divers seeking the most extensive exploration of Egypt’s underwater wonders, the Ultimate Red Sea Itinerary is a 10-night extravaganza. Covering everything from Abu Nuhas’ shipwreck graveyard to the breathtaking deep walls of Brothers, Daedalus, and Elphinstone, this itinerary ensures divers experience shark encounters, vibrant coral gardens, and untouched pelagic zones. It’s one of the best Red Sea diving routes and the perfect route for those wanting it all—wrecks, reefs, and some of the most thrilling drift dives the Red Sea has to offer.
North Red Sea & Safaga
Combining thrilling wreck dives with vibrant reef exploration, the North Red Sea & Safaga itinerary is perfect for divers looking for variety. The journey includes some of the most iconic wrecks, such as the SS Thistlegorm, where divers can explore WWII artifacts surrounded by massive schools of fish. Abu Nuhas, known as the ‘Ship’s Graveyard,’ is home to four well-preserved wrecks, each with unique stories and abundant marine life.
In contrast to the wrecks, Safaga offers breathtaking coral plateaus, towering pinnacles, and abundant marine biodiversity. Abu Kafan Reef is famous for its dramatic walls and swirling schools of fusiliers, while Panorama Reef, a coral block of 400 meters, is a haven for moray eels, colorful nudibranchs, and anemonefish dancing among the corals. The Salem Express, a 115-meter-long passenger ferry that sank in 1991, adds a poignant historical aspect to the itinerary, now serving as a peaceful artificial reef.
Rocky, Zabargad & St. John’s
For those seeking remote and untouched dive sites, the Rocky, Zabargad & St. John’s itinerary offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path experience. Rocky Island features plunging walls covered in soft corals, where sharks, barracudas, and trevallies frequently roam. The nutrient-rich currents make this a hotspot for large pelagic species, including oceanic whitetips and hammerheads.
Zabargad Island, with its mesmerizing turquoise waters and shallow lagoons, is known for its rich biodiversity and fascinating wrecks. The famous Khanka Wreck, also called the Russian Spy Ship, is a must-visit for wreck enthusiasts, covered in corals and surrounded by reef fish.
The journey then leads to St. John’s, a pristine reef system covering an area of around 290 square kilometres and offering incredible variety, from towering coral formations to cavernous swim-throughs. Cave Reef, also called Umm Kharalim, is a magical site where light beams penetrate tunnels, creating a breathtaking underwater scene. Divers can also encounter Napoleon wrasse, reef sharks, and even pods of dolphins in these secluded waters.
The Egyptian Red Sea is a marine treasure trove, drawing divers back time and again. With its unparalleled biodiversity, breathtaking coral formations, thrilling pelagic encounters, and rich maritime history, it remains one of the world’s most sought-after diving destinations. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker looking for shark action, a history buff fascinated by sunken wrecks, or a reef lover enchanted by kaleidoscopic coral gardens, the Red Sea has something for everyone. Plan your next dive trip and uncover the mesmerizing beauty that lies beneath the waves!
Hop on a Liveaboard to explore the Red Sea Dive Sites
Embarking on a liveaboard adventure in the Red Sea offers divers the ultimate access to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater landscapes. Each journey is carefully planned to provide the best possible diving experience, but the exact route and dive sites can vary due to several dynamic factors.
The liveaboard’s crew carefully assesses conditions such as weather patterns, ocean currents, tidal shifts, and site congestion to ensure both safety and optimal dive quality. Additionally, unexpected marine park regulations or conservation measures may influence site selection, requiring flexibility in the itinerary. Despite these variables, a liveaboard experience guarantees unparalleled opportunities to explore legendary reefs, thrilling drift dives, and historic wrecks, making each voyage a unique and unforgettable diving expedition.
