Hurghada is one of the Red Sea’s best-known dive destinations, and it often divides opinion. For some, it’s a convenient gateway to the underwater world, offering calm seas, colourful reefs, and affordable diving. For others, it’s a victim of its own popularity. To find out what it’s really like beneath the surface, we looked at what divers are saying about Hurghada right now.
Warm waters and coral surprises
Many divers still find Hurghada’s reefs far from “dead.” On Reddit’s scuba community, one user wrote, “Ya’ll said all dive sites in Hurghada are dead and dirty and horrible, but did my first daily boat here today and was pleasantly surprised. Lots and lots of healthy coral.”
That sentiment is echoed across other forums, where experienced divers report good visibility, warm water, and a surprisingly rich mix of hard and soft corals. According to ScubaBoard, “If you are looking for very nice reefs, you won’t be disappointed. You’re likely to find a nice combination of hard and soft corals in pretty good shape, usually better the further south you travel.”
The Red Sea’s crystal-clear water, especially around the outer sites, continues to attract photographers, beginners, and professionals alike. As EgyptRa describes it, “Imagine plunging into the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, where vibrant coral reefs stretch as far as the eye can see.”
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Unsplash
Choosing the right dive operator
Hurghada is home to hundreds of dive centres, from long-established schools to budget operations. Selecting the right one can make or break your experience.
TripAdvisor contributor Parlem2 recommended James & Mac Diving Center, noting, “In the Hurghada area, I’d recommend James & Mac: well-run, professional, safety-conscious. They cater to novice divers, too.”
Another diver on ScubaBoard mentioned that some operators venture farther south to reach sites like Panorama Reef and Abu Kafan, adding, “J&M is a good choice. They have an extended range of options for day trips… The XXL-Trip goes down to Panorama Reef/Abu Kafan and I guess they’re the only one going so far south from Hurghada.”
For first-time visitors, choosing a reputable operator with small groups, modern boats, and attentive dive guides remains key. The difference in reef quality, crowding, and safety standards can be substantial.
Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Unsplash
Suitable for beginners and confident divers alike
With calm conditions and gentle currents, Hurghada is often described as one of the best places in the world to learn to dive. Divezone.net notes that “These dive sites are shallow and easy with good visibility and an interesting reef life. This is the perfect spot to learn scuba diving.”
For certified divers, there’s a mix of drift dives, coral gardens, and wrecks accessible on day trips. The famous Thistlegorm and Rosalie Moller wrecks, while technically outside Hurghada, can be reached by local liveaboards or extended excursions.
Travel blogger Carly Heyward summed up her experience after diving with Dive Hurghada, saying, “I’ve been diving for over 14 years and this was one of my favourite dives. The coral reefs were huge as well. Blue Spotted Rays and Giant Moray Eels!” That enthusiasm is echoed by many divers who find the marine life diverse and the experience highly rewarding.
Balancing expectations
While Hurghada’s popularity brings convenience, it can also mean crowds and reef wear closer to shore. Some divers report busy boats and less pristine reefs in the most accessible spots. Those seeking solitude and untouched coral often recommend travelling further offshore or south toward Safaga and El Quseir, where sites are less pressured.
Still, the consensus from current divers is that Hurghada continues to offer strong value, solid infrastructure, and some beautiful underwater scenery for the price. With careful planning and operator choice, most visitors leave impressed.
The verdict
Hurghada isn’t just an entry point to the Red Sea, it’s a dive destination in its own right. From shallow training reefs to adventurous day trips, there’s a reason so many divers return. As one forum member put it, “You won’t be disappointed.”
And that might just be the most honest review of all.
Start Planning Your Trip to Hurghada
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, The Scuba News may earn a small commission, but this does not affect the price you pay. Any prices included are correct at time of publication.
