Ultimate Red Sea Diving Guide: Exploring Sharm El Sheikh's Underwater World

The Red Sea isn't just another pretty diving destination—it's an underwater archaeological record of our planet's history. With over 1,200 species of fish (20% found nowhere else on Earth), 250+ types of coral, and visibility often exceeding 30 meters, these waters tell stories that rival any ancient papyrus.

My love affair with Sharm began during my graduate studies when I was researching ancient Egyptian maritime trade routes. What was supposed to be a two-day research stop turned into a week-long diving adventure that I've repeated annually ever since.

The biodiversity here is mind-boggling: from the smallest pygmy seahorses to massive whale sharks, from delicate sea fans to sprawling hard coral gardens that have been growing since the time of the pharaohs. Unlike many tropical diving destinations that suffer from seasonal limitations, Sharm offers exceptional diving year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 21°C in winter to a balmy 29°C in summer.

Perhaps most compelling for history buffs like myself is how the Red Sea connects to ancient civilizations. These waters were highways for Pharaonic Egypt, trading vessels from Punt, and later Roman and Greek merchants. Diving here isn't just about pretty fish—it's about immersing yourself in the same waters that shaped human history for millennia.

After logging over 50 dives in Sharm's waters, I've developed strong opinions about which sites truly deserve your precious vacation time. While Sharm offers dozens of dive sites, these are the ones that consistently leave me speechless:

Ras Mohammed National Park (Shark & Yolanda Reef) - This legendary site combines two reefs into one mind-blowing dive. The current-swept point attracts schools of barracuda and batfish so dense they temporarily block the sun. The notorious 'Yolanda Wreck' section still contains cargo from a 1980s Cypriot freighter—including its bizarre cargo of toilets scattered across the reef. (Yes, underwater toilets make for surprisingly interesting photos!)

Thistlegorm Wreck - This WWII British merchant navy ship sunk in 1941 isn't just a wreck—it's a perfectly preserved time capsule. Diving through cargo holds still filled with motorcycles, trucks, rifles, and Wellington boots creates an eerie connection to the past that resonates deeply with my anthropologist soul. This is a deep dive (30m) requiring Advanced certification, but absolutely worth the extra training.

Straits of Tiran (Thomas Reef) - The four reefs in the Straits of Tiran all offer spectacular diving, but Thomas Reef's sheer walls and stronger currents attract the most diverse marine life. During my last visit, we encountered a curious oceanic whitetip shark—a rare privilege that had our entire boat buzzing for days.

Ras Um Sid - When I need a relaxed dive with guaranteed turtle sightings, this is my go-to spot. The gorgonian forest at 25m depth hosts some of the most photogenic pygmy seahorses in the Red Sea. This site proves you don't need extreme conditions for extraordinary experiences.

For capturing these underwater wonders, I've tested numerous cameras and settled on the underwater camera for its exceptional macro capabilities and depth rating without needing a bulky housing. Paired with a dive torch to bring out the true colors at depth, I've captured images that my museum colleagues can scarcely believe weren't professionally shot.

Sharm El Sheikh offers everything from ultra-luxury resorts to basic hostels, but my sweet spot after years of trial and error is the mid-range options with diving-specific amenities. Location matters enormously here—staying in Na'ama Bay puts you within walking distance of dive centers but in the heart of tourist chaos, while Shark's Bay offers a quieter experience but requires taxis for evening outings.

Camel Dive Club & Hotel has been my home base for three visits. This diver-focused hotel sits directly above their excellent dive center, meaning you can literally roll out of bed and onto the boat. Their rooms aren't luxurious but are clean and comfortable, with the real value being the inclusive diving packages and the camaraderie of fellow divers at their rooftop bar each evening. The dive instructors often join for dinner, sharing stories and tips for the next day's adventures.

For budget travelers, Oasis Hotel Diving Club offers dormitory options that slash accommodation costs while maintaining access to quality diving operations. I stayed here during my first visit as a cash-strapped graduate student and was pleasantly surprised by the clean facilities and friendly atmosphere.

If you're traveling as a couple and want more privacy without splurging on a resort, consider renting an apartment through vacation rental site. During my last visit, I found a lovely one-bedroom with a kitchen in Hadaba area for roughly $40/night—less than half the cost of comparable hotel rooms. The money saved went straight into extra diving days!

Regardless of where you stay, I strongly recommend bringing your own reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent. Both items are exorbitantly priced in Sharm's tourist shops, and the local alternatives often contain chemicals harmful to the very reefs you're there to enjoy.

While Sharm's underwater world justifiably takes center stage, the region offers fascinating cultural experiences that many dive-focused tourists miss entirely. As an anthropologist, I can't help but seek these connections between past and present.

The Bedouin culture of the Sinai Peninsula has survived for millennia, adapting to one of Earth's harshest environments. Between dive days, I highly recommend taking an evening desert tour to a Bedouin camp. Unlike the touristy versions advertised everywhere, seek smaller operators like Sinai Blues who work directly with Bedouin families. The star-gazing opportunities in the pollution-free desert skies are unmatched, and the traditional meals cooked in sand pits connect you to cooking techniques unchanged for centuries.

Old Sharm (Sharm El Maya) offers a glimpse into local life beyond the resort bubble. The small but vibrant fish market operates each morning when boats return with their catch. Arrive around 7am to see the fascinating negotiation ritual between fishermen and local restaurant buyers. Even if you don't speak Arabic, the universal language of commerce transcends barriers.

For a deeper historical perspective, the St. Catherine's Monastery day trip provides context for the region's religious significance. This 6th-century monastery houses one of the world's oldest continuously operating libraries, with manuscripts second only to the Vatican's collection. The juxtaposition of this Christian monument in a predominantly Muslim region speaks to the complex cultural tapestry of the Sinai.

For these desert excursions, I always pack my lightweight hiking shoes rather than flip-flops—the terrain is rougher than you might expect. A compact binoculars also enhances both wildlife spotting and stargazing experiences tremendously.

With its remote location and sometimes challenging diving conditions, Sharm requires preparation beyond what you might need for casual vacation diving in places like the Caribbean.

Choosing a Dive Operator: After trying several operations over the years, I've found that smaller dive centers often provide better experiences than the massive operations attached to major resorts. Camel Dive Club, Emperor Divers, and Sinai Divers consistently maintain high safety standards while offering personalized service. Always check that your operator is PADI or SSI affiliated and maintains their equipment properly—I once politely walked away from a shop when I noticed their rental regulators showing signs of salt corrosion.

Health Considerations: Sharm's combination of desert heat and physical exertion demands serious attention to hydration. I track my water intake with a marked water bottle and aim for at least 3 liters daily on dive days. The sun is mercilessly intense—even on boats, where reflection from water amplifies UV exposure. A rash guard provides crucial protection during surface intervals without the need to constantly reapply sunscreen.

Diving Etiquette: The Red Sea ecosystem is increasingly fragile due to climate change and tourism pressure. Beyond the obvious 'don't touch' rules, be mindful of your buoyancy near coral formations. Many dive sites have established mooring lines to prevent anchor damage—support operators who use these systems rather than dropping anchors on reefs.

Documentation: Egypt's bureaucracy can be unpredictable. Keep digital and physical copies of your dive certification cards, passport, and dive insurance. DAN (Divers Alert Network) insurance is non-negotiable here, as emergency evacuations from the Sinai Peninsula are extraordinarily expensive. The nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Sharm city, but serious diving accidents might require transport to Cairo or beyond.