Red Sea Map: Where to Dive, Snorkel & Stay in Egypt

Quick answer: Warm, clear and reef-lined almost the whole way, Egypt's Red Sea coast is the country's other half — the reward after the temples. The dive sites split across two shores: the mainland coast (Hurghada down to Marsa Alam) and the Sinai peninsula (Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab).

Hurghada — the easy base

The most-connected resort town, with an hour's boat ride to the reefs of Giftun Island and the wreck-and-reef sites offshore. Great for first dives, snorkelling day trips and families. Browse Hurghada.

Marsa Alam — wilder and quieter

Further south, the water gets clearer and the crowds thin out. This is the coast for dolphins at Sha'ab Samadai, dugongs in the seagrass, and long house-reef dives straight off the beach.

Sharm el-Sheikh — the marine parks

Across the water on Sinai, Sharm sits beside Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran — steep walls, strong life and some of the most famous dives in the world. Best reached by its own airport.

Dahab — the diver's hang-out

An hour up the coast from Sharm, Dahab trades resorts for a barefoot town and legendary shore diving, including the notorious Blue Hole. Snorkellers get the Lighthouse and the Islands reef right off the promenade.

Choosing your coast

Want reefs plus easy flights and nightlife? Hurghada or Sharm. Want quiet water and serious diving? Marsa Alam or Dahab. All four sit within a short hop of the temples inland — an easy add-on to a Nile trip.

🗺️ See the whole coast: Open the interactive map to plot your dives from Hurghada to Sinai.