From enchanting caves and colourful coral to abandoned wrecks and silver-hued sharks, Egypt is one of our favourite places in the world for diving. Whether you're a skilled diver or you're just starting to dip your fins in, Egypt's Red Sea dive sites offer clear waters, incredible marine life and fantastic biodiversity - and, to top it all off, it's only a five-hour flight from the UK. With such a range of sites to choose from, it's no mean feat to narrow it down, but we've defied the odds and created a shortlist of the best dive sites in Egypt. Read on to find out more…
Brothers Islands
The first stop on our list is the Brothers Islands. Affectionately called 'Little Brother' and 'Big Brother', these two islands lie 37 miles off the coast of Marsa Alam and, like many of the best dive sites in Egypt, can only be accessed via liveaboard. The islands hold marine protectorate status, meaning their reefs are in excellent condition. On top of their diving reputation, the islands are also famed for the Brothers Islands Lighthouse, a 19th-century lighthouse that is still in use today.
Once in the water, you'll be greeted with shoals of neon anthias and wall-to-wall kaleidoscope coral. The site boasts dramatic drop-offs, steep walls and rich biodiversity, as well as two shipwrecks: Numidia and Aida. The Brothers Islands are also a great place to spot oceanic whitetip sharks - but just be wary, as these curious creatures can sneak up on you.
Thistlegorm Wreck
Located just north of Sharm el-Sheikh, the SS Thistlegorm wreck was an Allied cargo ship that sank after an attack by German bombers in 1941. The wreck is pretty far down - around 30m - so unfortunately this dive site isn't suitable for beginners. For the advanced divers, though, it's a must see.
The ship itself isn't the only reason the SS Thistlegorm is considered one of the best dive sites in Egypt (and, indeed, the world). The wreck is also popular because of the amount of cargo that can be seen. From motorcycles and munitions to Wellington boots, swimming through the wreckage is like being transported back in time. Combine that with shoals of shimmering tuna, colourful lionfish and the odd sea turtle, and you're onto a winner.
Elphinstone
Next up on our list of the best dive sites in Egypt is Elphinstone. This spectacular site is only 1,230ft long and boasts steep drop-offs descending to depths of over 90m. The reef is located just six miles off the shore of Marsa Alam, so can be accessed via liveaboard or simply from the shore - perfect for divers who'd rather head back to a hotel at the end of their underwater adventure.
Once in the water, you can watch colourful anemonefish weave in and out of the coral formations and, if you're lucky, you might catch a hammerhead or silky shark gliding through the reef. Technical divers can swim to Elphinstone Arch, a hauntingly beautiful tunnel under the South Plateau. It's said to be where the remains of a pharaoh are buried, but don't get your hopes up - you're more likely to see tuna than Tutankhamun.
Daedalus Reef
If coming face-to-face with a hammerhead shark is on your bucket list, then Daedalus Reef is the place to go. The reef is renowned for opportunities to dive with these distinctive sharks, especially during the summertime, so you can top up your tan in the Egyptian heat before jumping into the water to cool off.
Daedalus Reef is situated far from the Egyptian mainland and possesses marine park status, meaning that once you enter the water from your liveaboard, you'll be greeted by clean water and fantastic visibility. Once you've successfully caught sight of a hammerhead, swim over to the reef's western wall which is adorned with swaying anemones and populated by hundreds of brilliant anemonefishes, earning it the unofficial title of 'Anemone City'.
Ras Mohammed
Ras Mohammed National Park was Egypt's first national park and is one of Egypt's most renowned dive sites. The water temperature here ranges from 22°C in winter to 28°C in summer, so you won't need a wetsuit.
Known for its technicolour coral gardens, the reef features over 200 types of coral, both hard and soft. Not only are these healthy and vibrant reefs spectacular to behold, but they also provide shelter to a range of marine life, including butterflyfish and glassfish. The reef also features looming drop-offs and underwater caves formed by long-ago earthquakes, making it the perfect place to explore.
Oberoi House reef
Last (but certainly not least), we have Oberoi House reef. Located south of Hurghada and part of the luxurious Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh resort, this house reef is the perfect place to begin your foray into diving. With its own certified PADI dive centre offering courses for beginners and pros alike, the resort makes it easy for anyone to get stuck in.
Unlike some other sites on this list, the reef can be accessed straight from the beach without any need for a liveaboard, and the dive jetty means it's very comfortable to get in and out of the sea. Once in the water, you can dive to depths of up to 30m and swim through striking coral bommies, spotting tropical reef fish as you go. As the reef is part of a resort, you can leave any landlubbers in your group on the hotel's private beach before regrouping for dinner and drinks by the pool. Perfect!
