17 Jul 2025
Sharm El Sheikh is widely regarded as one of the premier dive destinations in the world. With crystal‑clear Red Sea waters, vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and expert dive centers, it’s the ideal spot for both beginners and seasoned divers. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn:
Why Sharm El Sheikh is a diver’s paradise
Top dive sites: Ras Mohamed, Tiran Island, Naama Bay, and more
Choosing a dive operator: from Camel Dive Club to Emperor Divers
PADI courses & certifications available locally
Boat dives vs. shore dives: pros, cons, and what to expect
Snorkeling experiences for non‑divers
Insider tips for the best underwater photography
How to book your dive trip with Remal Sinai
Essential travel info: transportation, equipment, safety, and more
Let’s plunge beneath the surface and discover why diving in Sharm El Sheikh should be on every underwater enthusiast’s bucket list.
Sharm El Sheikh’s unique combination of geography, climate, and marine biodiversity makes it a standout destination:
Exceptional Visibility: Average underwater visibility of 20–30 meters year‑round
Stable Climate: Warm air and water temperatures (22–28 °C) even in winter
Protected Marine Parks: Ras Mohamed and Tiran Island reserves safeguard coral reefs
Diverse Marine Life: From tiny nudibranchs to rays, sharks, turtles, and schools of fusiliers
Range of Dive Sites: Over 30 shore and boat dive sites, catering to all skill levels
Professional Dive Centers: Internationally certified PADI, SSI, BSAC, and CMAS schools
Whether you dream of drifting over shark‑infested drop‑offs or mastering your first buoyancy control, Sharm has it all.
Established in 1989, Ras Mohamed is a marine protected area at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Highlights include:
Yolanda Reef: Named after the MV Yolanda shipwreck, now a vibrant coral garden
Shark Observatory: A viewpoint for spotting Grey Reef and Oceanic Blacktip sharks
The Aquarium: Calm lagoons teeming with angelfish, parrotfish, and bannerfish
Magic Lake: A warm, mineral‑rich lagoon famed for its therapeutic properties
Accessible only by boat, Tiran offers:
Jackson Reef & Woodhouse Reef: Spectacular coral walls and swim‑throughs
Thomas Reef: Home to large schools of trevally and snappers
Big Brother: A sea mount known for pelagic encounters
Shore‑accessible dives include:
Naama Gardens: A house reef with easy entry and shallow coral gardens
Shark & Yolanda Reefs: Famous for drift dives through arches, canyons, and coral pinnacles
Blue Hole: Near Dahab, a world‑famous deep dive with challenging overhangs
Strait of Tiran: Strong currents, upwellings, and spectacular visibility
The Lighthouse Reef: Ideal for macro‑photography and spotting elusive critters
| Aspect | Shore Dives | Boat Dives |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Walk-in, ideal for quick check‑outs | Departs from marina; more sites reachable |
| Cost | Generally lower per dive | Includes boat fees; may cover two dives |
| Variety | Limited to house reefs | Wide range: Ras Mohamed, Tiran, wrecks |
| Time | Flexible start times | Scheduled departures |
| Convenience | No boat rides for sensitive travelers | More comfortable for deeper, remote sites |
Tip: If you’re short on time or new to diving, start with shore dives. For full‑day adventures and prime sites, book a boat trip.
With dozens of centers, it can be daunting to pick the right one. Here’s what to look for:
Certifications & Safety: Ensure they follow PADI, SSI, or CMAS standards, have up‑to‑date equipment, and maintain proper diver‑to‑guide ratios.
Reputation & Reviews: Check TripAdvisor, Google, and social media for consistent 4‑ or 5‑star ratings.
Equipment Quality: New BCDs, regulators, and tanks with regular servicing.
Instructor Experience: Multilingual guides (English, Russian, Arabic) and rescue‑certified staff.
Diverse Offerings: From beginner try‑dives and Open Water courses to Tec diving and liveaboards.
Depth & Specialty Trips: Night dives, wreck dives, drift dives, and photography workshops.
Top Operators in Sharm El Sheikh:
Camel Dive Club & Hotel — Shore and daily boat trips, certified guides
Emperor Divers — Ras Mohamed, Tiran boat dives, PADI courses
Reef Oasis Dive Club — Year‑round service, dive‑resort packages
Pyramids Diving Center — Liveaboards, technical diving, full PADI center
SSI Dive Center — SSI training, beginner to pro levels
Whether you’re aiming for your first Open Water certification or advanced specialties, Sharm’s dive schools offer:
Discover Scuba Diving: A one‑day introduction for complete beginners
Open Water Diver: 4‑day course including theory, pool sessions, and open water dives
Advanced Open Water: Improve buoyancy, night diving, deep diving, and navigation
Rescue Diver & First Responder: Essential safety training for divers
Specialty Courses: Wreck, drift, nitrox, deep, photography, and more
Professional Levels: Divemaster, Instructor Development Courses (IDC)
Insider Tip: Book courses in advance during peak season (October–May) to secure spots.
If scuba gear isn’t your thing, snorkeling in Sharm is equally spectacular:
White Island Excursions: Flat, sandy island ideal for families and non‑divers
Half‑day Ras Mohamed Snorkel: Three stops – Yolanda, Sharks Bay, and Magic Lake
Sunset Snorkel: Experience the reef in the golden light with fewer crowds
VIP Snorkel Safaris: Glass‑bottom boat, underwater photography, marine biology commentary
Discover all snorkeling options and book via our Services page.
Capture your dive memories with professional tips:
Camera Choice: Compact underwater housings or action cams for ease of use
Lighting: Use strobes or video lights to restore true colors lost underwater
Composition: Shoot close to your subject, use negative space for impact
Safety: Never chase marine life; always maintain buoyancy control
Workshops: Many centers offer photography clinics—ask your operator
For photo gear rentals and guides, see our Blog articles on underwater imaging.
Airport Transfers: Book VIP transfers at Remal Sinai Transportation for stress‑free arrivals.
Local Transport: Taxis, minibuses, and hotel shuttles connect to Naama Bay, Hadaba, and Naama Bay dive centers.
Dive Resorts: Camel Dive Club & Hotel, Reef Oasis Beach Resort—dive‑in/dive‑out convenience
Budget to Luxury: From beachfront hostels to five‑star resorts in Naama Bay and Sharm Old Town
Peak Season: October to May (calm seas, excellent visibility)
Off‑Peak: June to September (warmer water, fewer crowds; watch for occasional heat waves)
Dive Medical Questionnaire: Mandatory for all divers
Insurance: Dive‑specific coverage recommended
Vaccinations: Routine immunizations; Hepatitis A/B recommended
Coral Conservation: Avoid touching or standing on corals
Marine Life Respect: Keep distance from turtles, rays, and sharks
Waste Management: Dispose of plastics responsibly; many operators support reef cleanups
Planning is key. Follow these steps:
Choose Your Sites & Course: Decide between Ras Mohamed, Tiran, shore dives, or courses.
Select an Operator: Research based on certifications, reviews, and offerings.
Reserve Early: Especially during December–February when occupancy peaks.
Prepare Documentation: Passport, dive certification card, medical form.
Pack Smart: Bathing suit, dive log, sunscreen, dive computer (if owned).
Payment & Confirmation: Most centers accept cards or cash; confirm schedules via email or WhatsApp.
Book direct with confidence through Remal Sinai or contact us anytime via our Contact page.
Extend your Sharm adventure with:
Desert Safaris: Quad biking, camel trekking, Bedouin dinner under the stars
Cultural Tours: Day trips to Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery, and Cairo excursions
Spa & Wellness: Thalasso therapy, beachfront yoga, luxury resorts
Nightlife & Dining: Soho Square entertainment, local seafood restaurants
Explore our full range of VIP services and travel ideas in the Blog.
Diving in Sharm El Sheikh is an unparalleled underwater adventure—whether you’re gazing at colorful coral reefs, drifting alongside graceful rays, or earning your PADI certification under expert guidance. With world‑class dive centers, protected marine parks, and year‑round favorable conditions, Sharm stands out on every diver’s map.
Ready to dive in? Book your next scuba or snorkeling trip with Remal Sinai today and experience the magic of the Red Sea! For seamless travel arrangements, don’t forget to arrange your VIP airport transfer, explore our full service offerings, and connect with us via our contact page.
Embark on your underwater journey — the vibrant world beneath Sharm’s waves awaits!
