BlueFlipper Diving

General Information

Hotels have existed in Hurghada since the 1960s but it wasn’t until the 1980s that tourism really started to develop. The resort is split into 3 main areas; the central town (El Dahar) has a north facing coast and a handful of beach hotels. Shopping and nightlife is accessible on foot. El Sakala is around the corner on the east facing coast where generally the lower category hotels are located. To the south of El Sakala lies a 15 mile strip of hotels situated between the coast road and the beach. They are more or less isolated with little infrastructure around them. Scuba diving and watersports are a major attraction and excursions to Luxor and Cairo are available as day trips.

Who it suits

Coral reefs, spectacular fish and relatively warm water in winter make this a specialist scuba-diving destination. Its frequent North-West wind also makes it a major resort for serious windsurfers; the numerous other water-sports activities available are really add-ons. No antiquities for the historically minded and, for those seeking a Mediterranean-type holiday, little to do at night after your day of sun, sea and beach. Possibly a relaxing second week for a 2-centre holiday after visiting Egypt’s antiquities elsewhere.

Getting There & Around

The resort is served by Hurghada International Airport which is only a few minutes away from many of the resorts hotels. The airport has links to many European cities as well as other domestic destinations. A ferry connects the town with Sharm el Sheikh in the Sinai. Hurghada stretches for several miles so in order to get between areas of the town, you need to take a taxi or a cheaper option is one of the mini-buses which drive up and down.

Climate

This year round resort although further south than the Sinai, a year round sea-breeze means it is slightly cooler in the high summer. The average daily temperatures in Celcius:

Jan	 Feb	 Mar	 Apr	 May	 Jun	 Jul	 Aug	 Sep	 Oct	 Nov	 Dec
23	 25	 28	 29	 33	 34	 34	 37	 35	 32	 28	 23

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Diving in Hurghada

The lively resort of Hurghada offers divers a choice of more than 30 dive sites around the many islands located just off shore. The islands provide shelter for the day boats. To the north of Hurghada lies Abu Nuhas which is world renowned as a place for wreck divers whilst the SS Thistlegorm is also within reach of day trips from Hurghada. The diversity of dive sites in Hurghada mean that a full range of regular and technical diving is available of both certified divers and those wanting to learn.

Giftun Island and more

Giftun lies just of the coast of Hurghada and offers numerous dive sites. Sheer drops disappear into the blue and its craggy profile features some interesting caves. Hard and soft corals cover the reef including Gorgonians. Further north, Abu Nahas is a ship graveyard with of number of 100m wrecks found between 5-28m. Due to their location, these wrecks can only be dived if conditions permit. If you don’t mind traveling slightly further, you can also find the most famous wreck in the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm. This 126m British cargo ship was sunk in 1941. Sitting upright at around 30m, her cargo holds are easily accessible revealing motorbikes, trucks, armoured vehicles, Wellington boots and a locomotive on deck. Tidal currents, prevailing wind and the depth means the SS Thistlegorm is only for experienced divers.

Technical Diving in Hurghada

The Black Canyon (Giftun Drift) is arguably one of the best deep dives in the world and is suitable for Nitrox to Advanced Trimix. The wrecks of the Colona and the Mobil Oil Tug Boat can be found at 60m and 105m and the beautiful drop off at Erg Somaya is suitable for Nitrox Semi Closed Circuit Rebreather to Extended Range. Hurghada is just one of the resorts where you can go technical diving in Egypt.