Egypt Diving Holidays: An Overview

What species can I expect to see?

Whitetip reef sharks and grey reef sharks are common sights when diving in Egypt's watery world. If you stick to shallower waters, you'll spot various flitting fish, including butterflyfish, damselfish and parrotfish, as well as octopus and moray eels. Diving deeper? Keep your eyes peeled for spotted eagle rays and blue-spotted stingrays, which stand out with their blue and gold markings.

You probably won't even need to dive to see dolphins - bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins are often seen playing in the waves by passing boats.

What types of diving can I do here?

• Coral diving - With over 200 species of soft and hard coral, there's no shortage of colourful sights to marvel at on your dive.
• Wreck diving - The best wrecks are found in the Northern Red Sea in the Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran.
• Wall diving - Dive from a liveaboard and discover diverse marine life at Daedalus and Elphinstone Reefs.
• Shore diving - You can explore fascinating dive sites directly from the coastline in Hurghada.

What should I pack for diving in Egypt?

Here are some essentials for any diving trip to Egypt:

• Mask, snorkel and fins
• 3mm wetsuit (in the summer months)
• 5mm wetsuit (ideal between November and March when water temperatures are colder)
• A buoyancy control device (BCD)
• A dive computer
• Regulators
• A diving torch
• A reef hook for drift dives
• An underwater camera with macro and wide-angle lenses (for photography fans)
• Reef-safe suncream
• A dry bag

Make sure your equipment has been serviced and is well-maintained before you travel to Egypt.

Is the diving suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Red Sea is the perfect place to learn to dive, thanks to its warm, clear and calm waters. This is the ideal environment for anyone finding their sea legs, with many dive centres offering introductory dives for beginners.

What level of dive qualification will I need?

You'll need an Open Water Diver certification, which is the minimum requirement for most dive sites. If you're joining a liveaboard (especially one travelling in the Southern Red Sea), an Advanced Open Water Diver certification is recommended, as you'll be doing deeper dives with stronger currents. A nitrox certification is also highly recommended for liveaboard trips.

• In Cairo, marvel at the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Relax on a cruise along the Nile, travelling between Aswan and Luxor.
• Take a tour of Cairo - our trusty Concierges can arrange a private one.
• Uncover Egypt's fascinating history at the Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles in Luxor.

What is Egypt known for?

Egypt is famous for its ancient history (which needs little introduction). From its fantastic pharaohs and hidden treasures to its legendary pyramids, Egypt is celebrated for its invaluable contributions to art, science, and literature. Beyond its myriad historical marvels, Egypt is famed for the Nile River - the longest in the world - which has supported agriculture and trade for millennia. Today, Egypt continues to captivate visitors with its vibrant culture, bustling bazaars, and Red Sea resorts.

What is the food like in Egypt?

Egyptian cuisine boasts a delicious blend of North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, with chickpeas, cracked wheat and beans as staple ingredients. Expect plenty of hummus, tahini, stews, kofta, kebabs and soups. Desserts include syrup-soaked pastries and rice pudding.

What drinks should I try in Egypt?

Tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices are popular among the locals. Be sure to try karkade, a hibiscus-infused tea and Egypt's flagship drink, enjoyed hot or cold.

Alcohol is restricted to approved hotels and tourist facilities.

How much should I tip in Egypt?

Tipping, known as 'baksheesh', is customary and expected in Egypt, so it's always worth carrying small notes with you to make this easy. Don't let anyone bargain with you for a bigger tip, but don't be offended if they try - bargaining is common in Egypt.

How should I dress in Egypt?

Dress modestly, covering your shoulders, chest and knees. Swimwear should only be worn at the beach or pool, and you should remove your shoes indoors and cover your hair if you visit a mosque. Our Concierges can give you further advice on appropriate attire for different locations in Egypt.

What etiquette is important to know when visiting Egypt?

Bargaining is a common practice, especially in markets, and should only be done if you genuinely want to buy the item. Start negotiations at around 40% below the asking price, keep a friendly but firm demeanour, and be prepared to walk away.

If you're invited to share a meal with a local family, wait for the host to say bismillah (in the name of God) before meals. When you tuck in, eat with your right hand and try everything offered.

Ramadan impacts local life, with schedule changes for museums, shows and bazaars. During Ramadan, refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day.

Beware of scams, such as unsolicited guides and fake merchandise. Only show your ticket at official checkpoints, and politely decline the offer of extra guides from non-officials.

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when the temperatures are pleasant (anywhere between 20°C and 30°C), rainfall is low, and it's not too hot to head out exploring.

What is the climate like in Egypt?

Egypt's climate is hot and dry, with sunny weather and little rainfall. Summers (between May and September) are particularly hot, but more bearable in coastal areas where there's a bit of a breeze. Temperatures can sit anywhere between the late teens and the early 40°Cs, depending on the area and time of year.

Where is Egypt?

Egypt is located in northeastern Africa, with a portion of the country, the Sinai Peninsula, located in western Asia.

How big is Egypt?

Egypt has an area of 390,121 square miles.

Which plugs do they use in Egypt?

They use Type C plugs (two round pins) and Type F plugs (two round pins with two earth clips). The electricity supply is 220V.

What is the capital city of Egypt?

The capital city of Egypt is Cairo.

What language is spoken in Egypt?

Egypt's official language is Arabic, and you'll hear multiple dialects spoken during your time in the country.

What is the religion in Egypt?

Islam is the official religion of Egypt, predominantly practised in the form of Sunni Islam. Christianity is the second-most practised religion, with most following Coptic Christianity.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Egypt?

Egypt is two hours ahead of the UK. They don't observe daylight saving time, so during our summer, they're only one hour ahead.

What currency does Egypt use?

The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Can you drink the tap water?

No. Avoid tap water and ice, and drink filtered water instead.

When do amenities open?

Generally, shops open between 10am and 9pm, closing for prayers between 11am and 1pm on Friday. Many shops stay closed on Sunday. Some businesses close early during Ramadan, with shops shutting between 3pm and 7pm for the evening fast.

Museums are open daily between 9am and 4pm, and also close for prayers between 11am and 1pm on Friday.

Banks operate from Sunday to Thursday, opening between 8.30am and 2pm. However, hours may be limited to 10am and 2pm during Ramadan. They close on Fridays and Saturdays, but some hotels can assist with currency exchanges.

Currency can't be taken out of Egypt, so make sure you exchange it before you leave.

How long is the flight from the UK to Egypt?

The flight from the UK to Egypt can take between four hours and 40 minutes and 11 hours, depending on which airport you fly into and whether there's a stopover. Flight times for some popular diving destinations include:

• Hurghada: the fastest flight takes five hours and 20 minutes.
• Marsa Allam (Elphinstone): the fastest flight takes eight hours and 50 minutes with one stopover.
• Sharm El-Sheikh (Straits of Tiran): the fastest flight takes five hours and 25 minutes.

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Yes, British citizens need a visa to visit Egypt. You can apply online before you go. Once issued, this lasts for three months.

While you can get a 30-day visa on arrival from approved bank kiosks at the airport, we recommend securing your visa before your trip to save time.

What are the passport requirements when visiting Egypt?

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Egypt.

Are there any other entry requirements for Egypt?

You need prior permission from Egypt's Ministry of Health to bring certain UK medications into Egypt. Carry a medical certificate from your GP along with any prescription medication.

What are the vaccination requirements for visiting Egypt?

You must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you travel from a country with a transmission risk. You should also be up to date with all vaccinations required for life in the UK.