Top Dive Sites in Sharm El-Sheikh

Sharm El-Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is renowned as one of the world’s top diving destinations. Its crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, teeming with marine life and stunning coral reefs, offer divers of all levels an unforgettable experience. Here’s a guide to the top Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites that make it a true diver’s paradise.

1. Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed is Egypt’s first marine national park and is often considered the crown jewel of Red Sea diving. This park features world-class dive sites like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, where divers can witness breathtaking coral gardens and schools of jacks, barracudas, and the occasional reef shark. The unique shipwreck of the Yolanda, with its cargo of bathtubs and toilets, creates an unusual underwater spectacle.

Diving Site: Ras Mohammed National Park Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
Ras Mohammed National Park Diving site

2. Tiran Island

Just a few kilometers off the coast, Tiran Island boasts four famous reefs: Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon. These reefs lie in the nutrient-rich Straits of Tiran, attracting a diverse range of marine life. With steep walls and vibrant coral formations, this site is perfect for both novice and experienced divers.

Dive Site: Strait of Tiran Island Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
Strait of Tiran Island

3. SS Thistlegorm Wreck

The SS Thistlegorm is one of the most famous wreck dives globally. This British cargo ship, sunk during World War II, now rests on the Red Sea floor, offering an extraordinary underwater museum. Divers can explore the ship’s holds, filled with wartime supplies like motorcycles and trucks, all encrusted with coral. This dive is suitable for advanced divers due to its depth and occasional strong currents.

Dive Site: SS Thistlegorm Wreck Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
SS Thistlegorm Wreck

4. Shark Observatory

Near Ras Mohammed, the Shark Observatory features dramatic walls that drop hundreds of meters into the deep blue. Named for occasional shark sightings, divers can also expect to see Napoleon wrasses, turtles, and schools of reef fish. The visibility here is typically excellent, allowing for breathtaking views of coral-covered walls.

Dive Site: Shark Observatory Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
Shark Observatory

5. The Gardens (Near, Middle, and Far)

The Gardens dive sites, located close to shore, are divided into Near, Middle, and Far Gardens. These spots are ideal for beginners due to their shallow depths and gentle currents, but deeper sections cater to more experienced divers. The gardens are rich in hard and soft corals, providing shelter for various reef fish, moray eels, and even the occasional eagle ray.

Dive Site: The Near Garden Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
The Near Garden
Dive Site: The Middle Garden Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
The Middle Garden
Dive Site: The Far Garden Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
The Far Garden

6. Blue Hole and Canyon in Dahab (Day Trip)

For adventurous divers, a day trip to Dahab offers two iconic dive sites: the Blue Hole and the Canyon. The Blue Hole, a deep underwater sinkhole, attracts advanced divers, while the Canyon features a stunning underwater cavern. Both sites are famous for their dramatic underwater landscapes and excellent visibility.

Diving Site: Blue Hole and Canyon in Dahab Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
Blue Hole and Canyon in Dahab
Sharm El-Sheikh diving sites
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