Even on the windiest coast, there are days when the breeze takes a break – and in Hurghada, a calm day is the perfect excuse to explore what lies beneath the surface. The Red Sea is one of the world’s great dive destinations, and shore diving in Hurghada lets you discover it without a long boat trip. Here is what to expect and how to fit diving into your kitesurfing holiday.
Why dive in the Red Sea?
The Red Sea is famous for clear, warm water, healthy coral reefs and an extraordinary variety of marine life. Visibility is often excellent, and the water stays pleasant for much of the year. Whether you are an experienced diver or trying it for the first time, it is an unforgettable place to dive.
What you might see
- Hard and soft corals, including brain coral, table coral and colourful soft corals.
- Reef fish such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, anthias and the Red Sea’s endemic species.
- Larger visitors – lionfish, moray eels, turtles and, if you are lucky, dolphins.
- Macro life – nudibranchs, shrimps and crabs hidden among the coral.
Shore diving in Hurghada or boat diving?
Shore diving means entering the water straight from the beach or a jetty, usually on a house reef. It is relaxed, flexible and good value, and ideal for a rest day. Boat dives reach more remote reefs and wrecks further offshore. Many visitors combine the two.
However you choose to go shore diving in Hurghada, a few simple rules keep every dive safe.
How to dive safely
- Dive with a reputable dive centre. Check that it is properly licensed and that its instructors and guides are certified.
- Not certified? Try an introductory dive with an instructor, or simply go snorkelling.
- Respect the reef. Do not touch, stand on or take anything from the coral, and use reef-friendly sun cream.
- Mind the gap between diving and flying – follow the recommended surface interval before your flight home.
- Stay hydrated and avoid diving straight after an exhausting kite session.
Snorkelling: the easy option
You do not need a dive certificate to enjoy the reefs. A mask, snorkel and fins are enough to see colourful fish and coral in shallow water. Snorkelling is also included on our Red Sea kite safari, so you can explore the reefs between riding sessions.
Combining diving and kitesurfing
Use our live Hurghada wind forecast to plan your week: kite on the windy days and dive or snorkel when the wind drops. Remember that our kite lagoon itself has a sandy bottom with no coral – which is exactly what makes it so safe for kitesurfing – so for reefs you will need to head to a dive site or join a boat trip.
Plan your Red Sea holiday
A kitesurfing holiday in Hurghada is about much more than the wind. For ideas on combining lessons, rental and rest days, read our guide to planning a kitesurfing holiday in Egypt, or contact us for local tips.
New to diving? PADI explains the different courses and how to find a certified dive centre.
