A First-Timer's Guide to Red Sea Diving

The Red Sea is genuinely one of the best diving destinations on the planet, but which town you base yourself in matters more than most first-timers realize. Hurghada is the most convenient — direct flights, huge range of hotels, and easy boat access to reefs around Giftun Island. It's the right call if diving is one part of a broader beach holiday. Sharm El Sheikh is best for the sheer variety of dive sites in a small area, especially Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran. If you're getting certified or want to log a lot of dives in a week, Sharm makes logistics easy. Dahab is the choice for a slower, more backpacker-friendly pace — most diving here is shore diving, including the famous (and appropriately respected) Blue Hole. It's also one of the best places in Egypt to learn to free dive. Marsa Alam is the quietest and least developed of the four, and rewards the extra travel time with healthier reefs and a real shot at swimming with dolphins and turtles. Whichever town you pick, if you're not yet certified, book your course through a reputable local operator before your trip dates — Egypt is an excellent (and affordable) place to get PADI certified.