Diving Abu Ramada Island is a day-boat scuba trip to one of the best-known offshore dive areas south of Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea coast. Boats leave from Hurghada Marina on Sheraton Road and take roughly 60 to 90 minutes to reach the island, so most centres schedule two dives with lunch on board and a total outing of eight to nine hours. The area is known for sheer reef walls, coral gardens, schools of anthias and fusiliers, and regular sightings of turtles, moray eels and, with luck, reef sharks. Divers need a recognised certification such as PADI Open Water or equivalent and a logbook; centres usually ask for a recent dive or a checkout dive if the last one was more than six months earlier. The minimum age for junior certifications is typically 10 to 12 years, and a medical declaration is required. Tanks, weights and rental equipment are supplied by the dive centre, while visitors normally bring their own mask, swimwear and a towel. Egypt Divers Hurghada and several other Hurghada dive centres run the route, and reputable operators hold PADI or SSI centre status and employ instructors who carry current professional certification. Before each dive the guide delivers a briefing covering the site layout, depth limits, maximum bottom time, hand signals and the plan for surfacing. Boats carry oxygen and first-aid kits, and in a diving emergency the standard response is to administer oxygen and transfer the patient to a hyperbaric chamber, with Hurghada having decompression facilities within reach of the marina. Currents can be strong on exposed walls, so divers are expected to follow the guide and use a surface marker buoy. The best season runs from April to November, when water temperatures are warm and visibility is generally good, though the Red Sea is divable year-round. Windy days with rough seas can lead centres to switch sites or cancel, and winter water can drop to around 22 degrees Celsius, calling for a thicker wetsuit. Prices of about EGP 3,500 to 5,500 per two-dive day typically cover boat, guide, tanks and weights, with lunch often included and rental gear charged separately.
| Price | EGP 3,500-5,500 (~$70-110) per two-dive day boat |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day, about 8-9 hours with transfers |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | April-November |
| Address | Departs from Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road, Hurghada |
Activity facts
- Where
- Abu Ramada, offshore south of Hurghada
Equipment
Certification card and logbook; centres supply tanks, weights and rental gear
Location
Departs from Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road, Hurghada
27.2297, 33.8328 View on map
Highlights
- Sheer reef walls and coral gardens at an offshore Red Sea dive area
- Frequent sightings of turtles, moray eels and schools of anthias and fusiliers
- Two-dive day boat from Hurghada Marina with lunch on board
- Guided dives with a pre-dive briefing and oxygen carried on the boat
Tips for visiting
- Bring the certification card and logbook, as centres refuse divers without proof of training
- Book at least a day ahead in high season so a boat and guide can be reserved
- Take seasickness tablets before departure, as the crossing can be bumpy on windy days
- Wear a thin wetsuit or rash vest in summer and a 5 mm suit from December to March
- Allow 18 to 24 hours between the last dive and any flight to reduce decompression risk
When to visit
April to November offers the warmest water and the most reliable conditions. Morning departures usually have calmer seas than afternoons.
Accessibility
The trip involves boarding a moving boat and carrying or wearing heavy equipment, so it suits visitors with reasonable mobility. Wheelchair users should ask dive centres about adapted diving, as facilities on the boats are limited.
Frequently asked questions
What certification is needed to dive Abu Ramada?
Divers normally need at least a PADI Open Water or equivalent certificate and a logbook. Centres may require a checkout dive if the last dive was more than six months ago.
How long is the boat ride from Hurghada?
The boat ride from Hurghada Marina usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes each way. The full outing lasts around eight to nine hours with two dives.
Is equipment included in the price?
Tanks and weights are normally included, while regulators, BCDs and wetsuits are often charged as rental. Visitors can bring their own mask and fins.
When is the best time to dive here?
April to November offers warm water and good visibility. Winter diving is possible but calls for thicker exposure protection.