Diving Sharm El Sheikh: Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm & the Straits of Tiran
Sharm El Sheikh is where many divers fall in love with the Red Sea. On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, it packs world-famous sites, warm clear water and easy logistics into one compact, well-run base. This guide covers the must-dive sites, what to expect underwater, the best time to go, courses, how to get there, and who Sharm suits best.
The must-dive sites of Sharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed National Park
Egypt’s flagship marine park at the meeting point of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba. Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef offer sheer walls, coral gardens and, in summer, huge aggregations of jackfish, snapper and barracuda. Anemone City and the scattered remains of the Yolanda’s cargo add character.
The SS Thistlegorm
A WWII armed merchant ship sunk in 1941, her holds still filled with motorbikes, trucks, rifles and train carriages. Regularly rated one of the greatest wreck dives in the world, she is reachable as a full-day or overnight trip.
The Straits of Tiran
Four reefs — Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas and Gordon — deliver exhilarating drift diving over walls and coral in the channel between Sinai and Tiran Island, with the chance of sharks and turtles.
More local favourites
Jackfish Alley, Shark Observatory, the wreck of the Dunraven and the Gardens reefs round out a varied menu close to shore.
What to expect underwater
Expect excellent visibility, healthy hard and soft coral, turtles, moray eels, barracuda and, at the right sites and season, sharks and pelagics. Sites range from gentle reefs perfect for newer divers to current-swept walls that reward the experienced.
Best time to dive Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm dives well year-round. Summer (June–August) is warmest and best for fish action at Ras Mohammed; autumn brings calm, clear conditions; winter is quieter and cooler, ideal for wrecks with a slightly thicker wetsuit. See our month-by-month guide for the full picture.
Courses & learning to dive in Sharm
Sharm’s calm, shallow reefs make it a great place to learn or progress — from Discover Scuba and Open Water through to Advanced and specialties. We can fold a course into your package.
Getting there & logistics
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport has plentiful direct flights and short transfers to the dive centres and hotels, which is a big part of the destination’s appeal for shorter trips.
Who Sharm El Sheikh suits
Sharm is ideal for first-time Red Sea divers, mixed-ability groups and anyone who wants iconic sites with easy logistics and plenty to do topside. If you prefer remote, eco-style diving and marine-life bays, compare it with Marsa Alam.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sharm El Sheikh good for beginners?
Yes — it has plenty of gentle, shallow reef sites and excellent dive schools, alongside more advanced sites to grow into.
Can I dive the Thistlegorm from Sharm?
Yes, as a long day trip or an overnight safari — it is one of the highlights of any Sharm trip.
Do I need to be advanced to dive Ras Mohammed or Tiran?
Many sites suit all levels, but the drift and wall sites are best enjoyed with some experience; your guide will match sites to your certification.
When will I see sharks in Sharm?
Summer brings the best pelagic action at Ras Mohammed and the offshore reefs, though reef sharks can appear year-round at Tiran.
Plan your Sharm El Sheikh diving trip
The simplest approach is a stay-and-dive package that bundles a hotel, daily boat dives and transfers, with the Thistlegorm added as a full-day or overnight trip. Browse options on our Sharm El Sheikh diving packages page, or build a custom trip around your dates and level.
