The waters around Sharm el-Sheikh are among the most celebrated diving destinations in the world, and a full day on a dive boat is the best way to sample them. This trip takes certified divers to two dives in the marine park waters near Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran, with a guide, tanks and weights, a briefing at each site and lunch on board. The reefs here are known for walls, coral gardens, shoals of fish and, on a good day, larger visitors such as turtles and reef sharks. Dive sites and conditions vary with the weather and the boat, so the schedule is a plan rather than a promise. It is a good choice for divers who want a day of focused diving without the commitment of a live-aboard.
What the day looks like
You are collected from your hotel in the morning and taken to the marina, where you check in, fill in paperwork and meet your guide. The boat heads to the first site, where the briefing covers the route, depth and signals. After the first dive there is a surface interval with lunch and a drink, then a second dive at a different site.
The boat returns in the afternoon, and you are driven back to your hotel. Certification and logged dives are normally checked at the start, so carry your card and logbook.
Who it suits
The trip is for certified divers, and experience requirements vary, so ask the operator about minimum certification, number of logged dives and any currents at the planned sites. Currents can be strong in the Straits of Tiran and near Ras Mohammed, so a drift-diving or advanced certification can be helpful. Divers should be in good health and within the recommended time since their last dive, and flying after diving needs a gap of at least the time recommended by your agency. Non-divers can sometimes join as snorkelers, but ask in advance.
Practical points
Equipment hire may be included or optional, and you should check sizes in advance if you are renting. Bring your certification card, logbook, a wetsuit if you prefer your own, sun protection, a towel and a dry bag. Eat lightly before the first dive and drink plenty of water, since the sun and salt dehydrate quickly. The boat may be busy in high season, so book early, particularly for weekends and holidays. Treat the reef with care by keeping your buoyancy under control and never touching marine life, which is protected.
Making the most of it
Ask for the dive plan the day before, including the sites, the maximum depths and any current conditions, so that you can prepare your gear and your nerves. Bring a spare mask strap, a small dive light if you are visiting caves or overhangs and an underwater camera if you wish. Keep a light snack and water in your bag for the surface interval.
If you are diving for several days in a row, space the days with a rest day to reduce fatigue, and log each dive while the details are fresh. Divers who have not been in the water for a while should consider a short refresher or a check dive first, and anyone who feels unwell on the morning should skip the dive rather than push on.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day dive boat trip for certified divers with two guided dives, lunch on board, equipment options and hotel pickup.
Best time
Spring and autumn for comfortable water and good visibility; summer is hot but the water is at its warmest.
How long
A full day of seven to nine hours.
Tips
Carry your certification card and logbook, check currents and equipment rental with the operator and drink plenty of water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Certified divers who want classic Sharm reef sites without a live-aboard commitment.
- Families
- For teenagers with a diving qualification; younger family members can join other trips.
- Couples
- A shared adventure for two certified divers, with lunch on the water between dives.
- Pair with
- A quiet pool day afterwards, or a hammam, to let the body settle after diving.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Do I need to be certified?+
Yes, this trip is for certified divers. Bring your card and logbook.
Is equipment included?+
Tanks and weights are usually included, and other equipment may be rented. Check the inclusions.
Can I fly after diving?+
Leave the gap recommended by your diving agency before flying, usually at least eighteen hours.
Are there strong currents?+
Some sites can have currents, so ask the guide about the plan and choose the right experience level.
Can non-divers join?+
Sometimes as snorkelers, but ask the operator in advance.
