Protected islands, wreck legends, and easy Red Sea day-boat range
Updated Mar 25, 2026 • 30 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Hurghada (Giftun and Abu Nuhas).
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Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
Upright Abu Nuhas freighter with tile cargo and open swim-throughs
Boat-accessed Hurghada reef with a wall, plateau, and rich fish life.
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Last updated: March 25, 2026 • 30 sources
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Overview
Hurghada is one of the Northern Red Sea's easiest bases for mixing reef diving, wreck diving, snorkeling, and beach time in one trip. South and east of town, the Giftun Islands deliver protected reef walls, sandy lagoons, and reliable day-boat access. Northbound runs target Abu Nuhas, the famous wreck reef where the Giannis D, Carnatic, Chrisoula K, and Kimon M turned a navigation hazard into one of the Red Sea's signature dive days.
What makes Hurghada work is range. Beginners can stay on shallow coral gardens around Sabina or Abu Ramada, while more experienced divers step up to Giftun drifts, deeper walls, and Abu Nuhas steel. Non-divers are not stranded either: beach concessions on Big Giftun, the marina, desert safaris, and the Hurghada Museum all fit easily around boat schedules. Go with a licensed, environmentally briefed operator and Hurghada becomes a highly flexible Red Sea launchpad.
Hurghada pairs reef-rich Giftun days with the steel-heavy Abu Nuhas wreck system, so one hotel stay can cover very different dive styles.
Snorkelers and non-divers are not sidelined. Big Giftun, the marina, desert safaris, and the Hurghada Museum all fit naturally around dive departures.
Giftun sits inside a protected marine area where entrance is fee-controlled and reef behavior matters. The best operators follow CDWS briefings and use HEPCA-supported moorings.
Hurghada works in every season, but April to June and September to November give the best overall balance of water temperature, air comfort, and route flexibility.
Trip Planning
External Booking PartnerThis destination works either as a land-based plan or as a longer liveaboard itinerary. Use the guide for local planning, or compare boats if the remote circuit is the priority.
Land-based guide
Base areas, day boats, local operators, and shore logistics
Liveaboard planning
Boats, departures, and longer expedition-style routes
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31 linked spots
Best time to go
Apr - Jun and Sep - Nov
Warm water, good light, and many mornings with more manageable surface conditions. Water often sits around 24°C to 28°C.
Main caution: Winter can mean cooler water and windier sea states, while midsummer pushes air temperatures toward 33°C to 34°C.
