Egypt's Red Sea Coast: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are Egypt's two main Red Sea resort towns, both built specifically around some of the most accessible world-class diving and snorkeling on the planet — coral reefs a short boat ride from shore, warm water nearly year-round, and every hotel category from budget dive-focused guesthouses to five-star all-inclusives. Sharm's reefs (especially Ras Mohammed National Park) are generally rated more dramatic; Hurghada is generally cheaper and has a wider spread of accessible dive and wreck sites.
It surprises a lot of first-time Egypt travelers that the same country with the Pyramids also has some of the best diving in the world — clear, warm, reef-packed water, with resort towns built entirely around getting you into it easily and comfortably.
Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?
| Hurghada | Sharm El Sheikh | |
|---|---|---|
| Reefs | Wide spread of dive/wreck sites, including the famous Thistlegorm wreck (day trip) | More dramatic, better-protected reefs, especially Ras Mohammed National Park |
| Cost | Generally cheaper across hotels and dive packages | Slightly higher average prices, more upscale resort feel |
| Getting there | Own international airport, roughly 4.5–5h flight from Europe | Own international airport, roughly 5h flight from Europe, historically a very popular European charter destination |
| Vibe | Bigger, more spread-out town, wider range of independent dive shops | More concentrated resort strip (Naama Bay), polished and walkable |
Diving and snorkeling
This coast is why serious divers put Egypt on their list independent of the ancient history. Visibility regularly exceeds 20–30 meters, water stays warm (roughly 22–29°C / 72–84°F depending on season), and reefs sit close to shore rather than requiring long boat transfers. The SS Thistlegorm, a WWII cargo wreck near Sharm, is one of the most famous wreck dives in the world and reachable as a day or overnight trip from either town.
Not a certified diver? Both towns run 'discover scuba' introductory dives for complete beginners with an instructor, and the snorkeling straight off many house reefs or on a day boat is genuinely spectacular on its own — you don't need certification to see why this coast has a reputation.
Best beaches and areas
- Naama Bay (Sharm El Sheikh) — the main resort strip, walkable, dive shops and restaurants along the promenade.
- Ras Mohammed National Park (near Sharm) — a protected marine park with some of the best reef diving/snorkeling on the whole coast, day-trip access.
- El Gouna (near Hurghada) — a quieter, more upscale lagoon-town alternative to central Hurghada, popular with a slightly younger, design-conscious crowd.
- Giftun Island (off Hurghada) — a popular day-trip boat destination for snorkeling in clear, shallow water.
When to go
This coast is genuinely a year-round destination — air temperatures stay pleasant to hot nearly every month, and water temperature rarely drops below diving-comfortable. December–February is coolest (and busiest, since it's also peak season for European winter-sun travelers); June–August is hottest on land (well into the high 30s°C/upper 90s°F) but the water stays excellent for diving and swimming.
What it costs
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Mid-range beachfront hotel, per night | $50–120 |
| All-inclusive resort, per night | $100–250+ |
| Single boat dive with gear | $40–70 |
| PADI Open Water certification course | $300–450 |
| Day-trip snorkeling boat tour | $25–45 |
Where to stay in Egypt's Red Sea Coast: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh — hotels
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