The Ultimate Guide to Diving with Sharks in the Red Sea
For many divers, sharks are the ultimate Red Sea encounter — and Egypt offers some of the most reliable shark diving in the world. From reef sharks on the walls of Sharm El Sheikh to schooling hammerheads at offshore reefs, this guide explains which sharks you can see, where and when, so you can plan a trip with the best chance of an encounter.
The sharks of the Egyptian Red Sea
- Grey reef shark — the most commonly seen, patrolling walls and plateaus across the offshore reefs.
- Whitetip reef shark — often found resting on sandy ledges and in caves; approachable and photogenic.
- Oceanic whitetip shark — a bold, open-water species famous at Elphinstone and the offshore reefs, especially in autumn.
- Scalloped hammerhead — schools gather at offshore reefs like Daedalus and the Brothers in summer.
- Thresher shark — with its enormous tail, seen in deeper water at the Brothers and other offshore sites.
- Silky and tiger sharks — less common, but possible at the remote southern reefs.
Where to see sharks
Shark encounters improve the further offshore you go. The most reliable areas are:
- Elphinstone Reef (Marsa Alam) — famous for oceanic whitetips, reachable by day boat.
- The Brothers, Daedalus & Rocky Island — offshore liveaboard reefs for hammerheads, threshers and oceanic whitetips.
- Ras Mohammed & Tiran (Sharm) — grey reef and whitetip sharks, with summer hammerhead chances.
- Fury Shoals & St John’s (Deep South) — grey reef and whitetip sharks around the pinnacles.
When to see sharks: a seasonal guide
| Shark | Best season | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Oceanic whitetip | Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Elphinstone, offshore reefs |
| Scalloped hammerhead | Summer (Jun–Aug) | Daedalus, Brothers |
| Thresher | Spring–summer | The Brothers |
| Grey reef & whitetip | Year round | Most offshore reefs |
Diving safely with sharks
Red Sea sharks are wild animals and encounters are overwhelmingly safe when you follow your guide’s briefing: maintain good buoyancy, stay calm, do not chase or corner sharks, and keep the reef or the group at your back in blue water. Most shark diving here is done as drift or blue-water diving, so comfort with current and an Advanced certification greatly improve both safety and enjoyment at the top sites.
Plan your shark diving trip
The right destination depends on which sharks you’re after. For oceanic whitetips, base yourself in Marsa Alam near Elphinstone Reef. For hammerhead schools, take a liveaboard to Daedalus and the Brothers. Check the best time to dive the Red Sea to line your trip up with the season.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best shark diving in Egypt?
Elphinstone Reef (for oceanic whitetips) and the offshore liveaboard reefs of Daedalus and the Brothers (for hammerheads and threshers) offer the most reliable shark diving in the Egyptian Red Sea.
When can you see hammerhead sharks in the Red Sea?
Schooling scalloped hammerheads are most reliably seen in summer, roughly June to August, at offshore reefs such as Daedalus and the Brothers.
Is shark diving in the Red Sea safe?
Yes. Encounters are very safe when divers follow their guide’s briefing, maintain good buoyancy and stay calm. Most shark sites involve current, so an Advanced certification is recommended.
Can beginners see sharks in Egypt?
Yes — grey reef and whitetip sharks are seen at many accessible sites. The premier offshore shark reefs, however, are advanced liveaboard destinations.
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