Our Diving in Sharm El Sheikh
Scroll down for for diving in Dahab
Scuba diving in Sharm el Sheikh is quite an experience. There are many divers, and the protected shoreline allows for two main harbours, so expect to see many boats in the morning. Scuba diving Red Sea with Active makes it easy by keeping you at the dive centre while your kit is loaded on board.
“The corals, fish and colours were incredible. The organisation and experience really paid of, as we didn't get caught up with the large, ‘supermarket' dive groups.” John Edmonton
Sharm el Sheikh has two main nightlife areas. Naama bay and the Old Market. Both are busy with the hustle and bustle you would expect from Egypt , and the locals are very friendly, but can often hassle the more obvious targets (to sell goods). Our dive guides show you the best places to eat out, whether you want local Bedouin or Egyptian food, or a taste from back home.
Scuba diving in Sharm el Sheikh is done by boat. Give us a ring and speak to a diver who has been diving in Sharm el Sheikh to get a real feel for the place, on 0845 838 5953. Click here for our red sea diving packages.
Our Diving in Dahab
Diving in Dahab with Active is like having a massage at work. You will find a Bedouin fishing village used by hippies for a while to relax and dive in. It is now changing into a major new tourist spot for UK and Irish divers.
“Dahab was so relaxed. I reckon I got the best of Egypt here, nice people and incredible diving. I loved the local restaurant you sent me to, and felt safe seeing your sign there. It was more like entertainment than a meal!” Sarah Squire
Scuba diving in Dahab is shore-based, and home to the famous Blue Hole. It has a really laid back atmosphere, but its standards are still catching up with European standards, so it's important to follow our advice when booking a diving holiday in Dahab.
Speak to one of our divers at Active Adventures, who can tell you all about all about diving in Dahab on 0845 838 5953. Click here for our red sea diving packages.
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- Water = 20oC - 28oC
- Only 5 hrs Away
- Famous Worldwide
- Great Value, great fun! |
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IT'S MORE THAN
JUST A DIVING HOLIDAY, WITH ACTIVE! |
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The Facts About Scuba Diving Red Sea
Between 20 o C and 28 o C water temperature
Ideal training topographies (sand and reef)
Visibility average 25 metres
Average tidal change of 2 metres
Year-round diving and sunshine
5mm one or two piece wetsuit used by most
Large life around in the Summer (Sharks and Manta rays)
Egyptian and Bedouin local culture
Some of the most diverse marine life on the planet
Your Questions Answered
Where is the Red Sea ?
Why is the scuba diving in the Red Sea so good?
What fish and ocean life will I see?
What after-diving fun can I expect?
Does it have year-round sunshine?
Is the diving the same year-round?
What equipment will I need to dive in the Red Sea ?
Visas for British travellers:
Taking diving equipment?
Climate?
Where is the Red Sea ?
The Red Sea separates the north east coastline of the African continent from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East . The Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez around the Sinai peninsular come together creating the northern most point of the Red Sea, and at its most southern point meets the Indian Ocean . Only 5 hours flight from the UK , the Sinai peninsular is surrounded by Egypt , the Gaza strip, Jordan and Saudi Arabia . The Red Sea also flows past the Sudan , Eritrea , Djibouti and Yemen coastlines.
Why is the scuba diving in the Red Sea so good?
The higher salt content and protected topography of the Red Sea has allowed hard corals to grow over thousands of years. Heat from the deep Median trench (reaching a depth of 2,850 metres) beneath the Red Sea , warms the water to a much higher temperature at depth (21 o C at 1,000 metres where normally the Ocean temperature is 6 o C). The high mineral content, warm temperatures and year-round sunshine have created one of the most bio-diverse seas in the world.
What fish and ocean life will I see diving in the Red Sea ?
Hopefully will see: Dolphins, grey reef sharks, manta rays, white tips, scalloped hammerheads & turtles!
Normally always see: Blue spotted eagle & sting rays, lionfish, yellow clown fish, napoleon fish, large moray eels, yellow and blue masked butterfly fish, emperor angel fish, giant triggerfish, steep headed parrot fish, stone fish, bluespine unicorn fish, shoal surgeon fish, bluegreen pullers, octopi, blackfin barracudas, large shoals of jacks, red antheas, lined butterfly fish, nudibranchs, fan corals and much, much more...
Sighted on occasion: Whale sharks, tiger sharks and whales.
What after-diving fun can I expect?
Diving is a social sport. The Red Sea is a very social place, with Sharm el Sheikh being quite lively and upbeat, and Dahab a more relaxed and laid-back place. It has plenty of bars and restaurants. Locals and tourists mix freely, and our divers and instructors often spend time in the evening over a beer discussing the days dive, and anything that comes to mind! Some divers prefer time alone, and relax with a nice evening meal watching the sunset. All rooms have a few sky channels.
Does the Red Sea have year-round sunshine?
Yes! Being far closer to the equator (on the same latitude as the Sahara Desert ) it is hotter, and has only two seasons. The Sinai peninsular air temperature ranges between 20 o C and 40 o C, has an average humidity of 55% and an annual rainfall of 250mm. So, it is hot and sunny year-round.
Is the diving the same year-round?
The visibility is fairly consistent – around 30 metres. During the winter months you will see less divers, but also less large predators and Manta rays. The spring season brings hundreds of baby fish, so the visibility drops a little. The summer is the best time go scuba diving in red sea and see large marine life, especially for diving in sharm el sheikh.
What equipment will I need to dive in the Red Sea ?
Most divers use anything from a 3mm shorty to a 5mm one or two piece wetsuit. If you get cold quickly use a 5mm, especially in the winter months. DSMB's are generally not need (non-tech diving) but of course it's always safer if you have one. Torches are great for the many crevices and coral heads. Adjustable strap fins and wet boots definitely recommended over full foot fins. Contact us for more information.
Dive Sites in the Red Sea
There are many dives sites (over one hundred), and the most famous are mentioned below.
The Blue hole – In Dahab, 30m, beach entry at El Bells, large vertical swimthrough.
The Canyon – In Dahab, shingle beach entry, 18m or 30m dive, large rock canyon
Shark & Yolanda – Ras Mohammed tip, any depth, incredible bio-diversity of marine life.
Strait of Tiran – 4 main dives (Gordon, Woodhouse, Jackson & Thomas. Sharks!
Thistlegorm – 126 metre steam freighter sunk in 1941by two German bombers.
Call us now and speak to dive professionals with experience diving in the Red Sea and Lanzarote on 0845 838 5953, request a brochure or check our availability by clicking here.
Visas for British travellers: You will need an entry visa, which can be obtained in the UK at a cost of £15 from the Egyptian Consulate, 2 Lowndes Street, LONDON, SWIX 9ET. Tel: 0207 235 9719. Open 0900-1300.
Alternatively, you can buy one on arrival in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. The cost is about $15US, GBP is also accepted. As the cost of visas often changes, please check prior to departing. If you are only visiting the Sinai and will not be travelling to Ras Mohammed or Cairo, then all you need is a Sinai pass, although we do advise that everyone obtain a full visa.
Taking diving equipment? Scuba equipment must be within the weight allowance allowed by the airline – usually 20kg. BCDs and bottles must be empty, properly closed and carried in the hold. Note: Some content and depth gauges and computers can be affected by low pressure. As with cameras, these should be carried as part of your hand luggage.
Climate?
Water temperatures range from 20ºC in the winter months to 29ºC in summer. The topside air temperatures range between 22ºC in winter to 38ºC in summer. July and August are the hottest months. In winter, there can often be a breeze.
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