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Hurghada is a coastal town in Egypt with a lot of tourism and is known for one thing internationally… diving.
Which is why we chose it on our 10-day trip to Egypt as the last stop.
Before going to Egypt, I had a ton of questions about where and how to dive in Egypt, as well as prices, equipment, and safety. I already know I want to return for a full week or a liveaboard in the Red Sea, so this was more of a test drive for a few reasons.
I chose Hurghada over Dahab or Sharm el-Sheikh purely due to airport access and how close it was from Luxor but there are plenty of other options to choose from in Egypt.
While this is by no means an extensive account, here is what to expect as a first-time visitor to Hurghada for diving, how to prepare, and what I did well and wrong.
Things to Do in Hurghada
✨ Favourite things to do in Hurghada✨
- Scuba dive (of course) check out Diamond Red Sea Diving or Sea Secret Diving that is also highly recommended
- Another option for non scuba divers is to head out to Orange Bay with a boat for some snorkelling
- Skip the Marina and head to the market for traditional Egyptian (cheap food). Here is the pin to my fav place.
Where is Hurghada?
Hurghada is located on the Red Sea coast, south of Cairo, and about a 4-hour drive from Luxor, which is where we came from via bus.
There is also an airport that is well connected to Cairo and other major cities, so you can fly in and out of Hurghada through Istanbul or other major hubs if you are only coming for diving.
In terms of the actual town, I had noted quite a few places to see and visit but I must say that diving took up most of my time.
I expected Hurghada to be a bit more flashy and clean than the rest of the country, but that wasn’t the case. The Marina near the water where we were did have some good restaurants and more tourists but the rest of the town had the general chaos in that semi-good and bad way in Egypt. You can expect a mix of resort areas with restaurants and some nightlife as well as more modest neighborhoods and markets all around.
Is Hurghada good for diving?
100% yes.
In general, Egypt is considered a very affordable and easily accessible destination from Europe, and on that front it didn’t disappoint.
The temperature was around 27°C at the end of November, and the water was a perfect 25°C. What I loved most, though, was the visibility. It’s so high that you don’t need to dive deep to appreciate the beauty. This is especially great if you’re a newer diver or, like me, dealing with a minor injury and not wanting to overextend.
What’s the best time of year to dive in Hurghada?
In general, the best times are spring and autumn, when visibility and water temperature are both good.
I dove with a shorty, whereas I would normally want a 5mm full suit even in Greece during that period. That said, I usually go down to 30m or more, and in the Red Sea our max depth was 17m.
The good thing is that you dive year-round both summer and winter also have a lot of dive shops open. If you get cold easy, then the winter time on a windy day might be slightly too cold but nothing compared to diving in Malta in the winter or even diving in the summer in the Greek islands.
How many days should you plan to dive in Hurghada?
As many as you can afford and want is the short answer.
In my case, I only had 3 days, meaning one full day of diving and one half day before needing to rest ahead of our flight. If possible, I would go back for a full week of diving with some rest days built in.
At minimum I would plan for a 7 day holiday, flying in to Hurghada, then 5 days of diving or a short liveaboard and a few days to relax before your fly out.
Picking a dive school in Hurghada
I was not prepared for the sheer volume of dive operators when I started researching dive schools in Hurghada. A quick Google Maps search brings up so many pins that it becomes overwhelming very fast.
The approach that worked best was narrowing down by reviews, then checking the top schools’ websites, offerings, and how they responded to our initial message.
Since diving is so popular and well established, expect everyone — including your hotel and other tour providers — to offer a dive rate.
We were offered a €30 per person package for two dives, transfer, lunch, and equipment on our first day, which seemed a bit too good to be true. The company also didn’t have a social media presence or a website.
The second litmus test was asking about night dives.
Night diving in Hurghada has been stopped by the government and is now only allowed if you’re on a live aboard. We didn’t know this when we asked, but some of the more sketchy options still offered to do it for us.
The dive shop we ultimately chose gave a clear explanation as to why it isn’t allowed, while others replied with one-word answers that didn’t inspire much confidence.
We had no issue booking something last minute, but that might be different for certain operators.
Ultimately we went with Diamond Red Sea Diving which I’ll talk about a bit later on and we were very satisfied.
How much does diving in Hurghada cost?
Price fluctuations are quite normal.
In addition to the very cheap €30 offer for two dives with transfer, lunch, and equipment, most rates ranged between €55 and €80 per person. This still falls firmly under the “very affordable” umbrella.
We rented all our equipment, so if you’re bringing your own, you can expect to pay a bit less.
Is it better to pre-book dives or arrange on arrival?
In our case, we weren’t set on diving before arrival. Due to my recent ACL and meniscus surgery, we opted to wait and see how things felt first. Luckily, the weather was good and availability wasn’t an issue. If you have certain dive sites you are set on or want to get certifications I would prebook. For experience dives or go-with-the-flow divers that are just happy to be there, then you are fine to book on arrival.
What to Expect from Dive Sites in Hurghada
Our boat with Diamond Red Sea Diving visited two different dive sites each day. You usually don’t know in advance where you’re going, but they do take into account where you’ve already been, which is great if you’re diving multiple days.
On our first day, we dove near the Banana Reef area — not the site itself, but nearby spots that are part of the same reef system. The two we visited were called Shaab Sabina and Torfa, both fairly easygoing dives with beautiful coral gardens and great visibility.
There were about 20 people on board that day, but groups were split by certification and experience level. On day two, we brought friends who had never dived before and they joined a try dive group, while we went for certified dives at a different site.
What stood out for me — aside from the water temperature and visibility — was how accommodating the dive staff were. Since I’m still recovering from an ACL and meniscus surgery, I asked if I could avoid carrying my gear on entry, and they were quick to help lower and lift my tank in and out of the water.
Sabina was definitely my favorite site of all the one’s visited as the coral garden was huge and I could have stayed there for an hour. We also spotted the biggest monster moray eel I’ve ever encountered in my life.
We also came across Tridacna squamosina, the giant clam endemic to the Red Sea. Their colors were incredibly vibrant and almost mesmerizing, with bright reds, purples, and blues that slowly opened and closed underwater, making them look alive in a way that’s hard to describe.
Also on the list, a couple of blue spotted rays, a peppered moray which is appearantly grey but to me looked super white as well as large schools of bluestripe snapper that glided around us.
Honestly, even putting your head underwater there felt like you are in an aquarium.
Lunch onboard was also really good. It was a buffet style with some rice, pasta, veggies and meat plus 4-5 different salads and sauces which was much needed. The staff was super accommodating bringing out coffee and water and we also never felt pushed to book again or to tip, which was standard across Egypt in other places.
What I Would Do Differently Next Time
Honestly, for a first dive trip to Egypt, Hurghada was a solid choice. But if I were to do it again, I’d:
- Stay longer – Two days wasn’t enough. I’d go for at least 5 full days or a full liveaboard.
- Bring my own dive computer – It’s not essential, but I missed tracking my own stats.
- Plan for rest days – Especially before flying out. Diving + travel = exhaustion.
Lots of New Divers on Board
One thing I found super encouraging? On both days, there were plenty of people either doing intro dives or actively completing their Open Water certification.
This made the vibe on board much more relaxed. No pressure to be advanced or experienced — lots of people were learning, asking questions, and figuring things out as they went.
That said, even though getting certified in Egypt is definitely cheaper than in many other places, I would still personally opt for a more hands-on, private certification experience.
I did my Open Water, Advanced, and Deep Water certificates in a dive shop in northern Greece — Athos Scuba in Halkidiki — where we had some of the most patient, intense, and hilarious instructors. They explained things clearly, repeated instructions as needed, and made sure we had 1-on-1 support within our small private group.
The dive sites in Egypt are definitely more exciting and beginner-friendly in terms of sea life and warm water. But there are a few factors to consider: language barriers between instructors and students, crowded boats, and the fact that most of your first dives will be done from a boat with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of other divers and snorkelers in the area. That can be overwhelming if you’re just starting out.
We noticed a lot of new divers being held onto by their instructors throughout the entire dive — literally gripping their jackets to manage buoyancy because of how chaotic the site was.
In contrast, during my training in Greece, we were taught to manage our own buoyancy and dive controls from the very beginning — in quieter conditions with fewer distractions.
So yes, Egypt is a great place to dive, and the Red Sea is ideal for new divers. But if you’re planning to get certified here, I’d suggest having at least a bit of background knowledge or a few pool sessions under your belt beforehand. That way, you’ll feel more confident and enjoy it way more.
What to Bring On the Dive Boat to Egypt as a Beginner
If you are also a beginner considering your first dive or Open Water certification at the Red Sea, there are a few things you’ll want to bring with to make the experience more comfortable.
- Towel (the boats usually don’t provide them)
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes
- Dive socks or booties (especially if using rental fins)
- Motion sickness tablets (just in case — Red Sea can get choppy)
- Snacks (most boats give lunch but not snacks between dives)
- Sunscreen and a hat – the sun is brutal even in winter
- Dry bag or ziplocks for your phone and valuables
- Cash tip for the crew
I keep a detailed account of my most useful items when packing that you can check out here for long term travel.
Most equipment is provided, but if you’re picky about masks or wetsuit fit, bring your own. And definitely check if there’s a working shower or rinse tank on board if you have sensitive skin.
My other tip for newbies is to have a look at the course material from PADI as well as dive signals and safety checks… before your first day on the water, especially if you are Type A like me and prefer to take your time understanding the equipment and what it does, instead of quickly shown and thrust into it.
As for underwater photography: most dive instructors will discourage beginners from bringing a GoPro or action cam on their first dives. It’s not a hard rule, but it’s a safety thing. Until you have control over your buoyancy and gear, holding a camera can be a big distraction — and you don’t want to be fiddling with settings while floating into a coral wall.
That said, some instructors take photos of you underwater as part of the experience (especially for intro dives). And if you’re keen on capturing footage, ask whether you can mount your camera to your head or chest so your hands are free.
Where to Stay in Hurghada
In terms of accommodation, I found it just as tricky as the rest of Egypt. Some of the budget hotels looked okay online but turned out pretty run down, and even when you go up in price, it doesn’t always mean you get fancy amenities or what you’d expect for the rate.
The place I ended up choosing was the Bay Hotel Hurghada and it turned out perfect for what I needed, even though the reviews were all over the place. People either loved it or completely hated it. For me, it was great value.
We paid around €200 for three nights in a two-bedroom apartment, which was honestly a steal. Yes, there were a few stains in the bathroom and a bit of that classic pipe smell, but that didn’t really bother me. The rest of the apartment was super clean, the beds were comfy, and the space overall was really nice.
I also really appreciated the receptionist and the location. We could walk down to the marina at night for dinner or head the other direction toward the markets. The big white mosque — El Mina Masjid — is also right there if you want to pop in and have a look. And the port where we went diving was just five minutes away by car, which made the mornings super easy.
Breakfast wasn’t included, but you could order à la carte. I went with the falafel and omelet combo which worked great as a budget option before a dive day.
There are plenty of other options depending on your budget. Hurghada has everything from basic hostels to luxury resorts. If you’re mostly diving and just want a clean, comfortable place to sleep and shower, the bay area has some solid middle-priced places that keep you close to the marina without overpaying.
Where to Eat in Hurghada
We tried a few different restaurants in the Marina, and while none of them were bad, I’d say: manage your expectations. Prices aren’t high for what you get. You can’t really complain about a surf and turf for €13, but it’s not exactly fine dining either. Think resort-style food in a touristy area. It hits the spot after a long day, but I wouldn’t call it high quality.
The menus look good, the décor is fun, and the vibes are there. But if you’re hoping for a great cocktail, I’d skip it. I didn’t find a single place that made a decent one. I’m not a snob about this, just realistic. I’d honestly rather have a cold, cheap beer and enjoy people-watching in the marina than spend €6 on a bad cocktail.
If that’s your style, chilling, casual drinks, decent plates of food, then you’ll find lots of places to enjoy the view and wind down after diving. I would also once again mention how you can’t trust reviews. Some great places have low reviews and some great reviews are obviously semi-fake.
My favorite place to eat in Hurghada wasn’t in the marina. It was a little no-name grill spot on the main Sheraton Road, directly across from the Syria Shawarma & More Sheraton Branch. The sign outside says El Hatee Grill, but I couldn’t find it on Google Maps. Here is a pin that you can use to find the corner here.
This place is exactly the kind of Egypt food experience you hope for.
Full of locals, prices so low you double-check the receipt, and food I’m still thinking about days later. Like most restaurants in Egypt, it started with free tahini and a small fresh salad, plus lots of bread.
We ordered a big mixed meat platter. The lamb kebab and kofta were both excellent, but the real standout was the tarb. If you’ve never heard of it, tarb is minced meat wrapped in lamb fat and grilled. It’s rich, tender, juicy, and yes, a little heavy. Definitely worth trying once, especially if you like bold flavors. We paid about $20 for 4 people and we each got 2 sandwiches plus drinks, soup, and some other main meals to share.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting Egypt
- Emergency: Dial 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, and 180 for fire services. English is not always guaranteed, so if it’s a serious situation, ask your hotel or a local contact for help calling.
- Language: Arabic is the official language. In tourist areas, hotels, and with guides, English is commonly spoken, but don’t expect it everywhere. Learning a few basics helps: Salam Aleikum (hello), Shukran (thank you), La shukran (no thank you). Google Translate works fairly well for Egyptian Arabic when you download it offline. Also keep in mind that some people can’t read so using voice recordings to communicate is better than showing them a translation in written Arabic.
- Navigation: Google Maps works in Egypt for driving and walking, but directions and ETAs can be unreliable, especially in Cairo. I found it most useful just for orientation and tracking routes in taxis rather than strict navigation. Always keep offline maps downloaded.
- Water: The general word of advice is to not drink the water in Egypt. You can stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side. Driving in Egypt, especially Cairo, is chaotic and not recommended unless you are very experienced and calm under pressure. If you need a car, arrange a driver or transfers instead. For longer distances, internal flights or trains are much easier. I would not drive in Egypt. If you must drive, check out Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com offers the widest range of hotels, from budget stays to luxury Nile-view properties. Hotels in Egypt tend to use their own rating scale: 1–3* are usually very basic, while 4–5* properties can be extremely expensive but often feel closer to a 3* in terms of amenities. Keep in mind that reviews at both the low and high end can be unreliable. A 3* property I booked turned out to be quite good, while an 8/10-rated one was underwhelming. Many hotels don’t even appear on Google Maps or have much of an online presence, so if you value comfort and predictability, it’s best to stick to well-known hotel chains.
- Public Transport: Public transport exists but is not tourist-friendly. Cairo’s metro is cheap and functional but very crowded. Most visitors rely on Uber, Careem, or pre-arranged drivers. For longer distances, domestic flights save a lot of time and stress.
- Activities: There’s no shortage of things to do in Egypt, from food tours around Cairo to full day guided tours in Luxor and lots of water and scuba activities near the coast. For hassle-free bookings with verified reviews, use Get Your Guide to arrange activities in advance.
- Taxi & Ride Apps: Uber works well in Cairo and was my preferred option. Careem is another solid alternative. Always avoid getting into random taxis off the street unless arranged by your hotel. Keep in mind that even Uber drivers will try to haggle a price with you (ahem, overcharge you) and cancel the ride if you don’t agree to it. If you find an Uber driver that you feel good with, exchange phones so you can request him when you need him.
- Culture: Egypt is conservative but welcoming. Dress modestly at religious sites (covered shoulders and knees). Expect attention as a tourist, especially in busy areas — staying polite, firm, and not engaging too much with unsolicited offers goes a long way. Tipping (baksheesh) is common for small services, though not mandatory everywhere. With that said, you will be asked to tip almost everywhere and sometimes less politely than other times.
