Stop everything you are doing and start planning your next dive trip to the Red Sea in Egypt! Hurghada is an absolute hidden gem perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts, one I don’t think Americans even know about.
What surprised me the most about this spot was the turquoise color of the water and the simultaneous abundance of marine life at each site. We traveled to Hurghada in October and the weather was perfect the entire time, and apparently also a lull with the main tourist season so we had the entire dive boat to ourselves.
In this ultimate guide, I will cover where to dive, where to stay, the best diving companies, how many days to spend, day trips, getting around, and costs so you can plan your perfect Red Sea escape.
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The BEST Scuba Diving Companies in Hurghada
When you start researching dive operators in Hurghada you will find there is no shortage! There are so many companies to choose from with pretty much the same offerings. After a lot of research we decided with Blue Paradise Diving Center for their small dive charter sizes and diversity of dive sites. We liked their prices, the number of dives you get, and the easy communication through WhatsApp (also look at their logo below). These other two companies were also close contenders, but I would use Blue Paradise again if I go back.
- Blue Paradise Diving Center – Personalized small group diving adventures.
- Red Sea Diving College – Offers PADI certified courses and guided dives.
- Emperor Divers – Professional instructors with a variety of dive trips.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season (October–April). We went at the beginning of October and booked all our dives the month before with no problem. The region’s biggest dive tourism comes from Europe and they typically wait until later in the winter to travel to the Red Sea.
We did not meet any other American tourists the entire time we were there and our dive guides also said it is not common for the region, as most of their tourism comes from Europe and Russia.
Top 10 Dive Sites in Hurghada
Hurghada is home to some of the Red Sea’s most spectacular dive spots and most were on the docket at most dive companies. If you see one you really want to go to, don’t hesitate to ask when registering or on the boat.
- Giftun Island
- Ideal for beginners with shallow reefs and vibrant fish.
- Abu Ramada Reef
- Advanced divers can enjoy coral walls, caves, and turtles.
- Elphinstone Reef
- Famous for steep drop offs and spotting oceanic predators.
- Orange Bay
- Calm waters, colorful coral gardens, and night diving opportunities.
- Shaab El Erg – Dolphin House
- A large horseshoe shaped reef famous for encounters with wild dolphins. Great for beginners and snorkelers too. We did not see any dolphins but everyone else I have see go there since has seen large pods.
- Umm Gamar
- A stunning reef with caves, tunnels, and dramatic drop offs. Expect strong currents—ideal for advanced divers.
- Carless Reef
- A remote, pristine site featuring towering coral pinnacles and abundant marine life. Best for experienced divers due to unpredictable currents. Likely not going to be on the regular dive list for most providers unless you can convince them to go.
- Shaab Abu Nuhas – Shipwreck Alley
- Home to four legendary wrecks:
- Giannis D
- Carnatic
- Chrisoula K
- Kimon M
- Home to four legendary wrecks:
- Small Giftun – Police Station
- A classic drift dive with colorful soft coral walls, impressive overhangs, and big fish action.
- Shaab Petra
- Known for huge coral pinnacles and vibrant soft corals. Incredible photography site.
Cost of Diving in Hurghada
Hurghada offers many options for different budgets and these prices are some of what I saw while registering and exploring other companies.
- Single Dive: $40–$70 per dive.
- Dive Packages (3–5 dives): $120–$250, usually including equipment.
- PADI Open Water Courses: Starting around $350–$450.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels $20–$50/night, mid range $60–$120, luxury resorts $150+.
Best Places to Stay in Hurghada
Hurghada offers accommodations for every budget, from luxurious resorts to affordable hotels. My friends and I split an Airbnb across from the beach and it was less than $150/person for the 5 days we were there.
| Hotel / Resort | Approximate Price Per Night (USD) |
|---|---|
| Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel | US $156–$180+ for a standard/superior room. Deals sometimes start around US $156 for lower season or standard rooms. |
| Jaz Aquamarine Resort | US $117–$150+ typical for a standard/superior room. Lower end deals begin around US $117 per night. |
| (Budget / value oriented options) | Many 3 star or simple hotels in Hurghada tend to range around US $35–$50/night for budget accommodation. |
Most resorts can arrange transfers to dive centers or packages directly. Your dive company will probably offer free morning pick up and afternoon drop offs.
How Many Days to Spend in Hurghada
A 4–7 day trip is ideal for diving enthusiasts:
- Day 1: Arrival and explore the town, there is a lot to see and do.
- Days 2–5: Full day dives.
- Day 6-7: Relaxation, day trips, or specialty dives.
This schedule balances diving with exploration of local culture and attractions.
Getting Around Hurghada
Travel in Hurghada is straightforward and easy. You can use Uber or taxi from the airport. Also ask your Airbnb or hotel if they have any drivers they recommend, because then you can prearrange a driver and make it even easier for you. The Hurghada strip and places you would want to stay closer to nice beaches is about a 30 minute drive from the airport. Also many flights get in over night, but felt fine traveling around at 2am.
- Taxis & Ride Sharing: Convenient for short distances. Uber works.
- Public Buses & Mini Vans: Affordable but less flexible.
- Hotel & Dive Center Transfers: Most recommended for divers.
Day Trips from Hurghada
Hurghada offers more than diving and there are many exciting excursions nearby. I wish we had been able to go to Luxor because you are much closer here than traveling from Cairo or other cities in Egypt, and you could theoretically do it as a day trip.
- Luxor & Valley of the Kings – Explore some of the best preserved ancient Egyptian temples and tombs.
- Desert Safari & Bedouin Village – Camel rides and desert landscapes.
- Makadi Bay – Snorkeling, beach relaxation, and watersports.
- Giftun Island – Perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling for non divers.
You can also find plenty of water activities like tubing, water skiing, jet skiing, snorkeling, beach resorts, and more right in town.
Final Thoughts: Why Hurghada Should Be Your Next Diving Destination
Hurghada, Egypt, is the Red Sea’s best kept secret scuba diving paradise. With stunning reefs, abundant marine life, affordable dive packages, and easy accessibility, it’s perfect for divers of all skill levels. Pair your underwater adventures with day trips to Luxor or desert safaris for an unforgettable Egyptian vacation. The cost, nature, and overall vibe will definitely bring me back to explore it again.
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