Egypt may be most famous for its ancient civilization and their gorgeous pyramids, but as divers, we know its world-class diving is worthy of equal billing. From sunken wrecks and colorful coral to streamlined sharks and gorging dugongs, Egypt is home to some of the best diving in the world.
Luckily for divers, seeing what Egypt has to offer is made easy by its wealth of liveaboard vessels, dive resorts and dive shops, all ready to take you into the action. Whether you want to explore the SS Thistlegorm from Sharm El Sheikh or swim with oceanic whitetip sharks at Elphinstone Reef from Marsa Alam, there’s a boat or resort waiting to welcome you.
To help you find the right dive getaway, you’ll find a selection of some of the best scuba diving resorts in Egypt (based on PADI Travel reviews) below. If you’d prefer to travel by liveaboard, click here for a list of the best liveaboards in Egypt.
Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort, Sharm El Sheikh ($$)
The Renaissance Sharm El Sheikh Golden View Beach Resort is situated in an idyllic location between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea. This Marriott family resort is home to the Dive In Diving Center, a top-rated PADI Dive Center providing convenient access to a gorgeous house reef and beyond via the nearby jetty. Whether diving or snorkeling, the dive boats boast spacious interiors, sunbathing areas, and modern bathrooms. Notable dive destinations in the area include Ras Mohammed Marine Park, the Strait of Tiran, and the Thistlegorm wreck.
Week-long packages booked through PADI Travel are all-inclusive and come with 12 boat dives per diver and free DAN dive accident insurance. The PADI Five Star Dive Center also has a training pool, a classroom and a house reef. Additionally, the dive center caters to multiple languages, including English, German, Arabic and Spanish.
Highlights:
- Breathtaking location between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea
- All-inclusive concept — including evening entertainment
- On-site PADI Five Star Dive Center, beach and snorkeling area
Marsa Shagra Village, Marsa Alam ($$)
If you want shore diving to be the center of your getaway, Marsa Shagra Village should be your port of call. With one of the best house reefs in the world, this coastal diving village is a sure win for divers who can’t get enough diving. Throw into the equation that unlimited shore diving is included in any PADI Travel package, and it’s easy to see why Marsa Shagra Village is one of the best scuba diving resorts in Egypt.
The resort caters to a range of budgets and preferences, with a variety of accommodation types to choose from. This includes huts, royal tents and chalets. In addition to providing quick access to nearby dive sites, the resort’s coastal location is also great for guests wanting to explore ancient ruins, observe desert wildlife and even meet the Bedouins of southern Egypt.
Highlights:
- Unlimited shore diving
- Accommodation choices to suit a range of budgets
- A world-class (and protected) house reef
Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa, Sharm El Sheikh ($$)
Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa in Sharm El Sheikh offers guests the opportunity to enjoy outstanding diving and top-notch luxury during their dive getaway. The hotel’s beachfront location means spectacular views can be found throughout the property. Plus, you’ll never be more than a few steps away from the resort’s beach and adjacent house reef. The five-star resort also boasts seven different swimming pools, an on-site spa, a gym and 17 bars and restaurants for guests to enjoy.
Diving-wise, the Reef Oasis Dive Club is on-site and has everything you need. This Green Fins dive center boasts a classroom, a training pool and an adaptive services facility. It also caters to nine languages. The location close to the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park means coral, wrecks, mantas, turtles and tropical fish-filled moments are never far away.
Highlights:
- Beachfront accommodation — including a house reef
- 7 Swimming pools to choose from, as well as a spa and a gym
- Location near Ras Mohammed National Marine Park
Desert Divers Dahab Hotel & Camp, Dahab ($)
Desert Divers Dahab Hotel & Camp is a multi-award winning resort with sustainability at its core. The three-star accommodation has room options to suit every preference and budget, ranging from backpacker rooms in a Bedouin Camp to luxury sea view rooms closer to the shore. Guests can also choose from multiple food options, including a restaurant with a 100% vegan menu.
Guests will dive with Desert Divers Co. Ltd, a PADI Five Star Dive Center that sits on the Red Sea. Diving at world-class sites like Canyon and Blue Hole will be on your doorsteps. In addition, guests at Desert Divers Dahab Hotel can experience a truly unique dive trip. Board a camel to get to and from more remote sites along the coast.
Highlights:
- Ideal base for diving, climbing, trekking and freediving
- A 100% vegan restaurant
- Secluded dive sites reached by camel transport
Desert Rose Resort, Hurghada ($$)
If you like the sound of a stunning natural lagoon, a private beach and four swimming pools to choose from, the Desert Rose Resort could be the right choice for you. Guests to this five-star property will also love the striking Red Sea views, the range of water slides and the all-inclusive meal plan, which gives you access to more than 10 different on-site bars and restaurants.
PADI Travel packages also include 10 boat dives per diver for every seven-night stay. Guests at the resort dive with Red Sea Life, a top-rated PADI Five Star Dive Center with a waterfront location, training pool, classroom and house reef. Divers have a chance of meeting turtles, sharks, other pelagics and hundreds of species of fish. Additionally, it’s possible to arrange Dolphin House trips and, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, underwater wedding ceremonies.
Highlights:
- Natural lagoon location with direct access to a private beach
- A waterpark with a pool for kids
- More than 10 different bars and restaurants to choose from
Ready to Dive Into an Egyptian Getaway?
The best scuba diving resorts in Egypt are ready to give you the dive vacation you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re ready to book, or want help making a decision, contact PADI Travel directly via email, phone or live chat.
