Sharm El Sheikh Egypt February Diving
Sharm El Sheikh offers exceptional scuba diving conditions throughout February, making it a premier winter escape for underwater enthusiasts. The Red Sea maintains remarkably stable water temperatures, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters, providing crystal-clear windows onto vibrant coral gardens and prolific marine life. This guide details everything from selecting the right dive sites to managing seasonal logistics for your underwater adventure.
Essential Red Sea Diving Information
Sharm El Sheikh sits at the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, bordering the Straits of Tiran and the Red Sea. This unique geography funnels nutrient-rich waters, supporting one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. The area’s protection as part of the Ras Mohammed National Park since 1983 has safeguarded its spectacular reefs.
February falls within the region’s mild winter, characterized by pleasantly warm days and cooler evenings. The marine environment remains incredibly active during this period, with many species visible that seek the relatively warmer Red Sea waters. You’ll encounter different wildlife patterns compared to summer months, adding a unique seasonal twist to your dives.
Diving here requires adherence to local conservation laws designed to protect the fragile coral. Touching or standing on reefs is strictly prohibited, and buoyancy control is paramount. Most dive centers enforce these rules rigorously to ensure the long-term health of the underwater world all visitors come to see.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Preparation is key for a smooth Red Sea scuba experience in winter. Focus on these three areas.
- Certification and Documentation: Bring your original certification card (PADI, SSI, etc.) and logbook. Many operators will check for an “Open Water” level or higher to access the best reef sites and require proof of a recent dive, typically within the last year.
- Medical Considerations: A medical questionnaire is standard. Pre-existing conditions like asthma or heart issues may require a doctor’s clearance. Travel insurance with specific scuba diving coverage up to 30 meters is non-negotiable for safety and peace of mind.
- Marine Park Fees: Daily or weekly permits for the Ras Mohammed National Park or Tiran Island are mandatory for most boat trips. These fees (approximately $7-10 USD per day) are usually collected by your dive operator and go directly towards conservation efforts.
- Budget Diver: $600-$900. Includes hostel or budget hotel, 6-8 boat dives with a larger operator, and self-catering. You’ll rent basic gear and focus on shore dives from places like Sharks Bay to save on boat costs. Perfect for the independent, experienced diver.
- Mid-Range Explorer: $1,200-$1,800. Covers a comfortable 4-star hotel with breakfast, 10-12 guided boat dives with a reputable mid-size center, and rented premium gear. This tier offers the best balance of comfort, quality diving, and value, often including Ras Mohammed park trips.
- Luxury Liveaboard: $2,000-$3,500+. A premium liveaboard safari for 7 nights, featuring 20+ dives at remote sites like the Straits of Tiran and Ras Mohammed, all meals, nitrox, and guide service. This is the ultimate way to maximize time underwater and access the region’s most pristine reefs.
- Egypt Tourism Authority
- PADI Dive Center Locator for Sharm El Sheikh
Understanding February’s Unique Conditions
The primary appeal of a February dive trip is the superb visibility and active pelagic life. Reduced plankton levels compared to summer months mean sunlight penetrates deeper, illuminating reefs with stunning clarity. You can expect visibility between 25 and 40 meters on most days, perfect for wide-angle photography.
Water temperatures range from 22°C to 24°C (72°F to 75°F). This calls for a 5mm to 7mm wetsuit, or even a semi-dry suit for those who feel the cold easily. Surface conditions can be breezy, especially during boat transfers, so packing a windproof jacket or sweatshirt is advisable for the ride to and from the dive sites.
The Diving Infrastructure
Sharm El Sheikh boasts a mature and professional diving industry with dozens of internationally recognized centers. You’ll find operators specializing in everything from beginner discovery dives to technical deep wrecks. Most are concentrated in Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, and the marina areas.
Boats range from simple day-rigs to large, comfortable liveaboards that journey to remote reefs. Safety standards are generally high, with operators using modern equipment and employing multilingual guides. It’s wise to research and book with a center that aligns with your experience level and interests well before arrival.
Alt: “sharm-el-sheikh-red-sea-coral-reef-fish-diver”
Sharm El Sheikh Egypt February Diving – Planning Your Trip
Organizing a winter scuba holiday here requires attention to seasonal specifics. While the underwater world is stunning, February brings its own rhythm to the Sinai. Advance bookings for dive packages and hotels are strongly recommended, as this period can be popular with European travelers seeking winter sun.
Your budget should account for both diving costs and comfortable accommodation. The quality of your dive operator is more important than the price of your hotel room. Allocate funds accordingly, prioritizing safety, guide experience, and small group sizes on the boat for the best overall experience.
Logistically, flying into Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is straightforward. Many European cities offer direct flights. Upon arrival, you’ll need an Egyptian tourist visa, which can be obtained on arrival for many nationalities for $25 USD. Have crisp, untorn dollar bills or euros ready for this transaction.
Best Time to Visit for Diving
The absolute peak season for underwater clarity and comfortable air temperatures runs from March through May and again from September to November. February sits as a valuable shoulder month, offering excellent conditions with slightly cooler water. Air temperatures average 22-25°C (72-77°F) during the day, dropping to 15-18°C (59-64°F) at night.
Visiting in early or late February can help you avoid the slight surge in visitors during mid-month school breaks in some countries. The sea is calm more often than not, though occasional northerly winds can affect trips to exposed sites like Tiran. This is when having a flexible dive schedule pays off.
Budget Planning and Costs
Costs vary widely based on your chosen style of diving and accommodation. Here’s a typical breakdown for a one-week trip.
Essential Preparation Checklist
Packing correctly is crucial for comfort and safety. Essential gear includes a 5-7mm wetsuit, hood, gloves, and your own mask, snorkel, and computer for familiarity. Even if renting a BCD and regulator, personal items ensure a better fit. Bring a waterproof bag for boat trips and reef-safe sunscreen.
Documentation must include your passport, dive certification, insurance documents, and any required medical forms. Book your initial dives online in advance to secure spots, especially if you want specific guides or smaller boats. Finally, arrange a local SIM card or international roaming for communication with your dive center.
Top Dive Sites and Marine Encounters
The reefs of Sharm El Sheikh are world-famous for their vertical walls, coral-covered plateaus, and thrilling drift dives. Sites are generally accessed via daily boats from the main marinas, with trips ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour. Each area offers a distinct personality and set of marine residents.
Ras Mohammed National Park, at the peninsula’s tip, features sheer drop-offs and stunning coral formations. The Straits of Tiran are known for strong currents that attract large pelagics and offer exhilarating drift dives along named reefs like Gordon, Thomas, and Jackson. Local reefs in Naama Bay provide excellent, accessible shore diving for check-outs or easy afternoon dives.
Must-See Highlights
Jackson Reef in Tiran is famous for its stunning soft coral gardens and the possibility of seeing reef sharks and large napoleon wrasse. The wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a World War II transport ship in the Strait of Gubal, is a bucket-list dive but requires a dedicated liveaboard trip; it’s packed with history, trucks, motorcycles, and blankets of glassfish.
Shark and Yolanda Reef in Ras Mohammed presents an unforgettable two-reef system. You descend along a wall teeming with life to a sandy plateau, home to the infamous “Yolanda” shipwreck and its scattered cargo of toilets. The site is a masterclass in reef geography and marine biology all in one dive.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Turtle Bay, accessible from the shore near the Delta Resort, is a sheltered cove perfect for novice divers or night dives. It’s a reliable spot to find green turtles grazing on seagrass. The Temple, a site near Ras Um Sid, features a beautiful coral pinnacle that attracts schooling fusiliers and often has a resident moray eel.
For experienced divers, the nearby wreck of the Dunraven offers a fascinating penetration dive. This 19th-century steamship lies upside down at about 30 meters, its hull now covered in soft corals and home to large lionfish. It’s less crowded than the Thistlegorm but equally atmospheric.
Marine Life Spotting in February
February is an excellent time for seeing larger fish species. Oceanic white tip sharks are more frequently sighted in the open waters around Ras Mohammed, though encounters are never guaranteed. Hammerhead sharks are also a rare but possible sighting in the blue, especially on deeper wall dives.
Coral spawning does not typically occur in February, so the reefs are in a stable, growing phase. You’ll see an abundance of anthias, butterflyfish, and angelfish. Macro enthusiasts can find excellent subjects like nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and crocodilefish hiding in the sandy patches and coral rubble.
Practical Travel and Diving Logistics
Navigating Sharm El Sheikh is relatively simple. The main tourist areas—Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, and Hadaba—are connected by a frequent and inexpensive taxi service. Agree on a fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used. For divers, most logistics are handled by the dive center, including pick-ups, gear, and boat transfers.
Accommodation choices directly impact your daily routine. Staying in Sharks Bay places you within walking distance of several dive centers and shore entry points. Naama Bay offers more nightlife and dining but requires taxi rides to the marinas each morning. Choose based on whether you prioritize convenience or evening entertainment.
| Accommodation Area | Best For | Avg. Nightly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Sharks Bay | Dive-centric travelers, shore access, relaxed vibe | $60 – $120 |
| Naama Bay | Nightlife, dining variety, central location | $80 – $150 |
| Hadaba (Hill) | Stunning sea views, quieter resorts, families | $100 – $200+ |
| Nabq Bay | All-inclusive resorts, long beaches, golf | $90 – $180 |
