Not sure where to dive in Egypt? Compare Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam—reef styles, signature sites, and who each destination is best for.

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best Red Sea diving destination, Sharm El Sheikh dive sites, Marsa Alam dive sites, Ras Mohammed Shark Yolanda, Elphinstone Reef, Abu Dabbab

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Egypt’s Red Sea has three headline destinations that dominate most diving and sea-activity plans: Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam—and BlueDive operates across all three. Blue Dive
But which one fits your style?

Here’s a practical way to choose, based on what you want to feel and see underwater.

1) Sharm El Sheikh: dramatic reefs + bucket-list dives

Sharm is often the “poster child” of Red Sea diving, especially for:

  • Steep reef walls
  • Drift dives
  • Famous marine parks

A classic example is Ras Mohammed National Park, home to sites like Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef, rated among top dives and known for dramatic topography rising from deep water—often done as a drift dive. padi.com

Best for you if:

  • You love dramatic underwater landscapes
  • You’re comfortable with drift diving (or want to learn it)
  • You want “iconic names” on your dive log

2) Hurghada: easy access + great boat days

Hurghada tends to be convenient for travelers and great for:

  • Regular boat trips
  • A wide range of day activities (diving/snorkeling/water sports)
  • Mixing sea time with a lively city atmosphere

If your trip is more “holiday-first” and “hardcore-dive-second,” Hurghada usually fits well—especially if you want to blend different activities in one itinerary. (And it aligns with BlueDive’s broader sea-adventure offering.) Blue Dive

Best for you if:

  • You want flexibility and variety
  • You’re traveling with mixed-experience friends/family
  • You want comfortable boat logistics and easy planning

3) Marsa Alam: nature-forward reefs + signature encounters

Marsa Alam is often the pick for divers who want a more nature-first feel.

Two names come up again and again:

Elphinstone Reef
Often described as an exciting site with rich coral and the possibility of pelagic encounters like sharks and dolphins. MarsaAlam.com+1

Abu Dabbab
Frequently highlighted as a shallow bay with seagrass beds, known for encounters such as sea turtles and the potential to see a dugong (sea cow). sambodivers.com

Best for you if:

  • You want reefs that feel less crowded
  • You’re chasing “wildlife moments” (turtles/dugong potential)
  • You like a calmer, more natural travel vibe