Safaga
Safaga is a relaxed Red Sea resort town prized for its pristine coral reefs and world-class wreck diving, most notably the solemn Salem Express. Situated south of the busier Hurghada, it offers a more tranquil atmosphere with access to a spectacular range of underwater topography, from dramatic wall dives and offshore pinnacles to gentle, sloping coral gardens. With over 10 distinct dive sites, Safaga caters to all experience levels, providing challenging drifts for advanced divers at sites like Panorama Reef and calm, shallow reefs perfect for beginners and photographers.
The diving conditions in Safaga are exceptional year-round, with warm, clear waters and visibility often exceeding 30 meters. This destination is a must-visit for its sheer diversity, combining the poignant history of a major wreck with the vibrant life of the Red Sea's healthiest reefs. Divers can expect encounters with everything from tiny nudibranchs to large pelagics like tuna and turtles. Whether staying at a shore-based resort or using it as a departure point for a southern Red Sea liveaboard, Safaga delivers an unforgettable Egyptian diving experience.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Safaga, Egypt?
The most famous and popular dive site in Safaga, Egypt is the Salem Express wreck. This large passenger ferry sank in 1991, and it now lies on its side at a maximum depth of 30 meters. It's a poignant and powerful dive, popular for its immense size and historical significance. Due to it being a gravesite, penetration is restricted and divers are asked to be respectful. It's an unforgettable experience for advanced divers.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Safaga, Egypt?
Well-known sites include Panorama Reef and Abu Kafan, both famed for their dramatic walls, strong currents, and potential for pelagic sightings. The Salem Express wreck is also a must-do. For something less crowded but equally stunning, visit Tobia Arbaa, known as the 'Seven Pillars,' which is a photographer's dream. Ras Abu Soma offers a beautiful and easy drift dive along a vibrant hard coral reef, perfect for a more relaxed day.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Safaga, Egypt?
Water temperatures in Safaga, Egypt, are suitable for year-round diving. In the winter months (December to February), temperatures drop to around 22-24°C (72-75°F). They warm up through spring to a peak of 28-30°C (82-86°F) in the summer (June to September). Autumn sees a comfortable range of 25-27°C (77-81°F), offering a great balance for most divers.
When is the best time to visit Safaga, Egypt?
While diving is excellent year-round in Safaga, Egypt, the best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these periods, you'll enjoy a perfect balance of warm water temperatures and pleasant, not-too-hot surface conditions. Summer can be very hot, while winter brings cooler water, but visibility remains superb throughout the year.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Safaga, Egypt?
Visibility in Safaga, Egypt is generally excellent, consistently ranging from 20 to 40 meters (65-130 feet) or more. The clear Red Sea waters provide fantastic conditions for underwater photography and appreciating the vibrant reefs. While occasional plankton blooms, especially in spring, can slightly reduce visibility, they also attract more marine life, including larger pelagic species.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Safaga, Egypt?
While Safaga, Egypt isn't a primary aggregation site, occasional sightings of whale sharks and manta rays are possible, particularly in late spring and early summer when plankton is more abundant. However, these are rare treats. The main event is the consistently rich and diverse reef life available year-round. Offshore sites like Panorama Reef offer the best chance to spot larger pelagics like sharks and tuna.
What marine life can I expect to see in Safaga, Egypt?
The marine life in Safaga, Egypt is abundant and diverse. You can expect to see large Napoleon wrasse, giant moray eels, turtles, and blue-spotted rays on almost every dive. The reefs are teeming with colourful anthias, butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish in their anemones. Barracuda, tuna, and jackfish are common, while grey reef sharks and whitetip reef sharks can be spotted at offshore sites like Panorama Reef.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Safaga, Egypt?
For summer dives (June-September) in Safaga, Egypt, a 3mm shorty or full suit is sufficient. In the cooler winter months (December-February), a 5mm or 7mm full suit is recommended to stay comfortable, perhaps with a hood. For the spring and autumn shoulder seasons, a 5mm full suit is a versatile and popular choice that works well for the moderate water temperatures.
How do I get to Safaga, Egypt?
To get to Safaga, Egypt, you should fly into Hurghada International Airport (HRG). Safaga is located approximately 50-60 kilometers (about a one-hour drive) south of the airport. Most dive resorts, hotels, and liveaboards can arrange an airport transfer for you in advance. Alternatively, you can easily find official airport taxis or book a private car service upon arrival.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Safaga, Egypt?
The choice depends on your goals. Staying shore-based in Safaga, Egypt is excellent for a relaxed trip, with daily boat dives to fantastic local sites like the Salem Express and Panorama Reef. It allows for more flexibility and non-diving activities. A liveaboard departing from Safaga is ideal if you want to explore more remote and challenging offshore sites like the Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone, which are known for world-class pelagic encounters.