Umbi Sharks Bay, Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada and Dahab

The northern Red Sea represents the entire spectrum of Red Sea diving experiences – from eerie wrecks and vibrant coral gardens, to adrenaline-pumping drifts and big fish – all set against a stunning backdrop of mountainous desert and inviting blue waters. The Red Sea’s isolation and diversity of marine habitats created the ideal conditions for the evolution of new species - in fact, it is thought that 10% of fish species in the Red Sea are found nowhere else. Combined with the area’s fascinating history and an abundance of fabulous resorts, it’s easy to see why the northern Red Sea is one of the most popular dive destinations in the world.

As well as being a popular gateway for liveaboards, Sharm El-Sheikh is home to plenty of fantastic local diving and offers day-trip access to the Straits of Tiran, Dahab and the Thistlegorm and Dunraven wrecks. Located just 12km away, and including Tiran, Sanafir, and the Shark and Yolanda Reefs, the renowned Ras Mohammed National Park boasts a variety of shallow scenic plateaus, exhilarating drift dives, underwater caves, and big drop-offs descending into the blue. Not far away on the east coast of Sinai, Dahab also offers clear waters and gentle currents, dazzling schools of fusiliers and orange anthias - as well as the famous Blue Hole, a perfectly-circular sink hole in the reef that descends into the depths.

Over on the Egyptian mainland, Hurghada provides ideal conditions for learning to dive, and is another popular departure point for liveaboards heading south. Visitors to Hurghada can encounter plenty of incredible marine life including humphead wrasse, sea moths, bluespotted rays, and stargazers. And if that’s not enough, the northern Red Sea is also home to some world-class wreck dives including the SS Thistlegorm, Dunraven, Giannis D, Carnatic, and The Rosalie Moller.