Diving in Egypt: dive sites, training, reviews

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Absolutely clear sea water, a rich water world, new sensations and vivid emotions - all this and much more is attractive for divers in Egypt. Both beginners and experienced swimmers and lovers of underwater adventures will find something to do here. Diving becomes ideal due to climatic conditions and a large number of special schools, training centers. In this article we will talk about everything related to diving in Egypt.

Dive for beginners

Special courses and schools can be found in any resort in the country. And it's not that hard to sign up. To do this, the traveler must be over 10 years old. And, of course, at least a little, but you must be able to swim. Regardless of which diving center in Egypt has been chosen, the first dives will take place under the guidance of instructors in the pool.

Specialists will teach diving using specialweights. Weight is selected depending on body weight. With the help of such test dives, you can evaluate your own strengths and understand whether diving is of interest or it is worth looking for another hobby, which abound in the resorts of the country.

Diving in Egypt interests an amateur? You will have to learn a whole system of special signals that help you communicate at depth. It will be necessary to learn how to properly use the equipment and control breathing with pressure during diving and resurfacing.

Training at this stage will take place already at sea at a shallow depth. A novice “submariner” will have to dive only with an instructor. The depth will increase gradually. At the end of diving courses in Egypt and after eight successful hand dives, a special certificate will be issued.

Experienced dives

In the event that a person wants to become a professional diver, you will need to study on CMOS or PADI systems. The second program is the most popular. It is considered the best for learning at a professional level.

The system includes several courses. There are special standards that help keep divers safe. A training program for people who already have their first certificate is suitable. Courses can last from a week to a month. It will depend on preparation.

Several popular courses

Among those in demand are:

1. Advanced open water diver. If you are interested in diving in Egypt, you will need to take courses. This tutori althe program is designed for people who have already had to dive with instructors. The course includes 10 lessons - five each for the study of theory and for diving (deep, conventional, night and with special navigation). With the help of such practice, the diver will understand what awaits him at depth, learn to navigate and use the equipment. After successfully completing the training, it will be possible to go diving in Egypt or another country in the world. At the last lesson, a plastic card is issued confirming that the courses have been successfully completed.
2. Speci alty diver. The course is suitable for people who want to get not quite standard skills. Practice involves exploring underwater caves, photographing landscapes and marine life. The course is short but meaningful for people who wish to learn diving in Egypt at a professional level.
3. Rescue diver. This course is aimed at obtaining the knowledge necessary to complete first aid in the event of an unsuccessful dive. Includes both theory and practice. During the training, dangerous situations will be simulated so that the student can demonstrate all available skills.
4. Professional divers should attend an Assistant instructor or Dive master course. They are the longest, help to level up. After graduation, you can get a job as a diver, start working with beginners. A special certificate will be issued.

Training centers for Russian tourists can be found in any hotel. There are courses for both beginners andand for more experienced divers. In addition, you can find a teacher on any beach. Schools and centers with appropriate equipment are scattered along the coast. You can rent a boat, arrange an excursion or a non-standard trip.

How much does it cost to dive

Prices for diving in Egypt may vary. It all depends on the resort. In Hurghada, for example, the cost varies between 30-50 dollars. But at the same time, you will not need to take special equipment with you. The purchased package includes equipment, a boat trip, lunch, diving (the cost depends on the date). If you need an instructor, you will have to pay extra about $ 30 per hour.

Every traveler will be able to order a diving safari. This service involves accommodation on a sea boat in a cozy cabin. The cost will be comparable to a regular trip. You will only have to pay extra for the services of an instructor and training.

What to bring? Traveler Reviews

Interested in diving in Egypt? Reviews show that you do not need to take special equipment with you. Everything you need can be rented directly at the resort, looking into a specialized store. What do you need to explore the underwater world?

1. Mask. When choosing, you should first of all look at convenience. It should not rub or crush. You need to make sure you have a good overview. According to reviews, you need to purchase the mask that fits snugly to the face. If you have poor eyesight, you should consider buying a double-glazed mask.
2. Pipe. Must be purchased as part of a snorkel kit. Responsibly it is worth approaching the choice of a mouthpiece. Do not buy a rubber accessory. The silicone model is best suited for diving. To prevent water ingress, it is worth purchasing a tube equipped with a wave baffle.
3. If you are planning a serious dive, you should definitely buy fins. According to professional reviews, it is worth buying those that are one size larger. In this case, the fins will not rub, but they will also be fixed securely.
4. Wetsuit is the second skin of a diver. You can purchase a separate or monosuit. Either option requires a helmet.
5. You should think about safety and buy a compensator with a scuba regulator. You should also take care of buying oxygen cylinders, weights, watches, gloves and a depth gauge.

Dive Sites

Where is the best diving in Egypt? The underwater world in the resorts of the country is very rich. You can find fish of various shapes and colors, there are sea turtles with hedgehogs, amazing algae grow. You can admire the corals of extraordinary beauty. Landscapes are so different that they almost never repeat. And thanks to the light penetrating through the many meters of water, they take on a delightful look.

Places where you can dive are called dive sites among professionals. You can find an area with a safe bottom, where the current is quite weak. And you can dive in the area of underwater caves. For professional divers there are moredangerous areas near coral reefs. Diving sites in Egypt are very diverse.

In Hurghada, travelers will be offered a safari. Not only daytime dives are very popular, but also night dives and pre-dawn dives. It is worth taking a closer look at the best diving sites in Egypt.

Small Giftun

We are talking about the National Park, which is located near Hurghada. Looking for the best diving in Egypt? It is worth visiting the island of Small Giftun. Here lovers of the underwater world expect excellent conditions. Diving will appeal to both beginners and more experienced divers. Everyone can admire the giant moray eels, huge stingrays, bright fish. At the very bottom there is ancient Roman pottery. It should be borne in mind that the current around the island is quite strong. Therefore, it is best for beginners to stay close to the walls.

Big and Little Brother

The islands are surrounded by barrier reefs. They are located 70 km from the coast. They are ideal for safari lovers. It is undesirable for beginners to go here, because. diving here is more suitable for professionals. There are a lot of sharks near the islands and the current is quite strong.

Carless Reef

Quite an interesting shoal with coral towers. The diameter is 30 meters. Reefs should be understood as small islands that are connected to each other by plateaus. Carless is located quite far from the coast. It is best to dive when the weather is calm, there is no wind and waves. Here divers can enjoy coral colonies, moray eels and colorful fish. There are also sharks, so a solo dive is not welcome. It is not recommended for beginners to dive in this place.

Tistelgorm

It's about a sunken ship. Its wreckage can be found near the Shab Ali reef. The ship is located at a depth of 30 meters. If beginner divers are attracted by its appearance, then professionals dive to explore the ship, find some valuable cargo.

There you can see motorcycles, aircraft engines, tanks and locomotives. Even despite the long stay at a depth, many details are perfectly preserved. Even silt and sand will not interfere with enjoying the view.

St. John's Reef

This dive site is located on the border with Sudan. It is difficult to notice it even at the maximum approximation, because. the reef is underwater. At the bottom you can see a coral forest, turtles, rays, tuna. And the luckiest divers will be able to watch the movements of hammerhead fish and other fairly rare underwater inhabitants. There are all conditions for photography. The best way to get to this place is by boat.

Blue Hole Reef

Located in Dahab. It is one of the best and most beautiful diving sites in Egypt. The photo below is proof of this. It has an unusual shape. It is a funnel of coral. The diameter is 50 meters. The depth exceeds 100 meters.

Inside the reef you can enjoy the view of the vaulted tunnel that leads out to the sea. This place can be visited by both professionaldivers and novice explorers of the underwater world. However, less experienced travelers should still consider the help of instructors. This place is not only beautiful. It can become dangerous if you get carried away exploring the underwater world.

Conclusion

In addition to the above diving sites in Egypt, there are other sites that can give a lot of impressions and vivid emotions. For example, you can visit ancient Alexandria, where there are flooded palaces and monuments. There are uninhabited islets near Sharm El Sheikh and Taba. And Marsa Alam is a real paradise for all those who love to explore the depths of the sea.