The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites, but choosing the right place to stay can make your diving holiday even more memorable. The best Red Sea diving resorts combine easy access to vibrant coral reefs with comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities, and stunning coastal views.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive retreat, a family-friendly resort, or a cozy beachfront stay, the Red Sea offers options to suit every diver and every budget. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Red Sea diving resorts for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Best Red Sea Diving Resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh, which is located on the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula, offers luxurious diving, spa escapes in addition to local-style diving villages. This 180 km² (112 miles²) city is a popular destination for European tourists, families or group holidays. Most resorts here offer white sandy beaches and easy access to nearby reefs for both scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sharm’s popularity means many resorts are large enough to accommodate high numbers of visitors. Consequently, when you are practicing scuba diving in Sharm, you will spend most of your time at your resort. Expect watersports, spas, and entertainment activities.

The Best Red Sea Diving Resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh according to PADI:  Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village, Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa, and Red Sea Diving College

Hurghada

Hurghada is considered the capital of the Red Sea Governorate, occupying 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) of the coastline of Egypt. The city combines excellent diving with a variety of local excursions.

Most scuba diving in Hurghada is done by boat. For a great scuba diving experience, Desert Rose Resort is regarded as one of the best Red Sea diving resorts in Hurghada, with a PADI 5-star dive center onsite. During your trip, you’ll have the chance to visit the reefs and wrecks there and can spend the sunsets on their private beach. One of the popular dive spots is El Dahar Souk from which you can pick up souvenirs and also relax at a local cafe!

Scuba diving is Hurghada is the best because the city is definitely busier and more action-packed than Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam. It is also a great choice for those who like some adventure besides relaxation.

The Best Red Sea Diving Resorts in Hurghada according to PADI: Desert Rose Resort

Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is considered one of the hot spots in Egypt where you can practice scuba diving with the famous dugongs (which is also known as the “sea cow”); a bucket list sighting for most! This resort is located about 300 km south of Hurghada, and is one of the Red Sea’s least developed destinations. The city offers both boat and shore diving, including the famous Elphinstone Reef.

Resorts here are generally smaller than those in busier destinations like Sharm. Marsa Alam is certainly considered a diving and also a watersports hub, famous among tourists for its peaceful and natural landscape. While you won’t find large dive resorts here, the area offers peaceful all-inclusive hotels, such as Hilton Nubian Resort.

As an extra bonus, there are many diving village-style resorts in this coastal town, which are perfect for solo diving holidays and tighter budgets, such as Marsa Shagra Village! This diving destination is home to one of Egypt’s best-protected reef systems, rich in coral, turtles, and reef sharks and all that with a very budget-friendly price, you can enjoy unlimited house reef diving, which you can easily access from shore.

The Best Red Sea Diving Resorts in Hurghada according to PADI: Marsa Shagra Village, Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort, and Sentido Reef Oasis Suakin

Dahab

Dahab, the golden haven of Egypt, is located down the southeastern coast of the Sinai peninsula. This city is a popular destination for scuba diving, freediving, nightlife, and wellness retreats. Dahab has a relaxed small-town atmosphere and a more local feel than many other Red Sea destinations.

Among the best Red Sea diving resorts, the nightly prices in Dahab are some of the lowest but with high quality. If you are one of the wellness enthusiasts, you will like Coral Coast Hotel, as it offers an onsite spa with yoga classes and massage services. On the other hand, beginners will appreciate the onsite dive center and easy access to Lighthouse Reef at Dahab Divers Hotel & Dive Center.

The Best Red Sea Diving Resorts in Hurghada according to PADI: Desert Divers Dahab Hotel & Camp, Dahab Divers Hotel & Dive Center, and Coral Coast Hotel

Ready to Visit Some of the Best Red Sea Diving Resorts?

There are 20 different dive resorts in the Middle East and the Red Sea, from which you can find exactly what you are looking for. After choosing the best choice and before conducting a diving trip, here are five things to consider before scuba diving in the Red Sea!