Diving Sha'ab El Erg is a scuba day trip to a Red Sea reef system reached by boat from Hurghada Marina on Sheraton Road, on Egypt's Red Sea coast. The name refers to a shallow, sandy-topped reef whose horseshoe-shaped coral formations are widely associated in the Hurghada area with dolphin encounters and with turtles, rays and large schools of reef fish. Most centres run it as a half-day or full-day outing with two dives, and the trip is often sold alongside other nearby reefs. Divers need a recognised certification such as PADI Open Water or equivalent and should bring their card and logbook; junior certification generally starts at ten years of age, and a medical statement is requested. Egypt Divers Hurghada and other Hurghada dive centres supply tanks, weights and rental regulators, buoyancy devices and wetsuits, while visitors bring swimwear, a towel and sun protection. Reputable operators belong to PADI or SSI networks and employ guides with professional-level certification. A briefing before each dive explains the reef layout, maximum depth, turn-around pressure, hand signals and the surfacing procedure. Boats carry oxygen and first-aid equipment, and in a serious incident the standard evacuation is by boat to Hurghada for treatment, with a hyperbaric chamber available in the city. Currents and surface chop can build in windy weather, which may lead to a change of site or a cancelled sailing, and divers are asked to follow the guide closely and carry a surface marker buoy. The most comfortable season runs from April to November, when water is warm and visibility is typically good, although year-round diving is possible with a thicker wetsuit from December to March, when water is around 22 degrees Celsius. Prices of about EGP 3,000 to 5,000 per person for a two-dive day usually include the boat, guide, tanks and weights, with lunch often provided and equipment hire billed separately. Because wildlife behaviour cannot be guaranteed, visitors should treat any animal sighting as a bonus rather than a promise, and should never chase or touch marine animals.
| Price | EGP 3,000-5,000 (~$60-100) per two-dive day boat |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half to full day |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | April-November |
| Address | Departs from Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road, Hurghada |
Activity facts
- Where
- Offshore Hurghada
Equipment
Certification card; rental gear from the centres
Location
Departs from Hurghada Marina, Sheraton Road, Hurghada
27.2297, 33.8328 View on map
Highlights
- Horseshoe-shaped reef formations with shallow coral tops
- Turtles, rays and schools of reef fish across sandy and coral areas
- Two-dive day boat departing from Hurghada Marina
- Guided dives with briefing and oxygen on board
Tips for visiting
- Never chase or touch dolphins, turtles or rays, as harassment is prohibited
- Check the certification card and logbook are packed before leaving the hotel
- Book a day ahead and confirm the pickup time with the dive centre
- Wear a rash vest or 3 mm suit in summer and a 5 mm suit in winter
- Bring a hat and a dry towel for the surface interval on deck
When to visit
April to November offers warm water and good visibility. Early morning departures usually have calmer seas.
Accessibility
Boat boarding and equipment handling require good mobility. Visitors with limited mobility should ask Hurghada dive centres whether assisted entries are possible.
Frequently asked questions
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed at Sha'ab El Erg?
No, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Divers should treat any encounter as a bonus and keep a respectful distance.
What certification is required?
A recognised entry-level certificate such as PADI Open Water is required, along with a certification card.
Is the price inclusive of equipment?
Boat, guide, tanks and weights are usually included, while regulators, buoyancy devices and wetsuits may be charged as rental.
How long is the trip?
Trips last half a day to a full day depending on the number of dives and the sailing distance from Hurghada Marina.