Scuba diving holidays in Hurghada

Situated on the Western coast of the Red Sea, approximately a one hour flight from Cairo and Sharm, and 5 hours from the UK, lies the bustling resort of Hurghada, 30 minutes from the airport.

Once only a small fishing village, Hurghada was the first commercial diving destination in the Red Sea, and 30 years later, is now one of the foremost scuba holiday destinations available.

With a range of quality hotels that are close enough to, but far enough away from, the town to choose from, Hurghada provides a perfect base for those seeking top quality diving combined with all the facilities a modern resort has to offer.

It is almost a tale of two cities – plus another! Busy street markets, bazaars and an unending choice of tourist shops line the main street through the resort, but step into the older world of the side streets and you will find more traditional offerings in quieter surrounds. Quality restaurants that provide good food for a very reasonable price are abundant.

Finally, make sure you take the time to enjoy the Marina – a brand new, colourful and very cosmopolitan harbour that provides berths for some of the largest mega-yachts you will see. Floating palaces that are the size of a hotel themselves line the moorings, and a stroll along the harbour side after a fine meal in one of the many restaurants that front the harbour is not to be missed. A wide selection of bars and cafes, shops and a nightclub, together with the live music and funfair attractions complete the experience. A great evening out that will not break the bank.

For the visitor, there is again everything that you would need. Chemists and pharmacies, international banks and a fully equipped hospital, complete with one of the resorts two decompression chambers, just in case.

A natural home to the fleet of live-aboard safari boats servicing both the Northern and Southern Red Sea itineraries, Hurghada also offers tremendous diving for the hotel based individual, and its proximity to Abu Nuhas and Gubal provide the opportunity to dive some of the big wrecks that the Red Sea is famous for on a day boat excursion.

However, there is also the local wreck of the El Minya – and Egyptian Navy minesweeper sunk in 1970 by Israeli fighters – just 10 minutes from the Hurghada harbour. Lying between 17 and 32 metres deep, she is a fascinating piece of history, and the sometimes strong currents make this a great dive.

Giftun Island lies just offshore, providing excellent reefs and walls, and a perfect home for dolphins in the lagoons, and some of those sought after pelagic creatures in the blue.