If you would have told me only two weeks ago I would be diving, especially scuba diving in Hurghada with my dad, I would have said NO WAY! I am not very comfortable in water and the thought of going diving always scared me.
However as I am spending the final days of my Egypt trip in Hurghada I couldn’t by pass the opportunity. After all, sometimes it is good to set the fears aside and just ‘go for it’!
How did I ended up here? Well, while sitting in the Cairo airport lounge on my way to Luxor, I noticed a flight going to Hurghada. I have never heard of that place so I looked it up. It was on the Red Sea, looked warm and the ocean looked deep blue. So, after all the ancient sites in egypt, a stop for some sun time on the Red Sea seemed like an entirely good idea. In addition, as it was a resort and beach area, I convinced my dad to come and join me for some sun.
Diving in Hurghada
Have you heard of DSD (Discover Scuba Diving)? A ‘Discover Scuba Diving‘ experience is perfect for non certified divers (myself and my dad) who want to get a feeling and introduction for diving. It is with close and direct supervision of a qualified instructor so you are basically never alone.
Once on the boat you get a quick introduction on how to wear the equipment and breathe under water. Fully equipped you are in (and under) the water in no time. Gee, that was quick! Holding hands with the instructor I found the actual diving time was rather quick (too quick?). The instructor had to take a few people out, one at a time, so there was clearly not enough time to stretch it out. It was a shame but we both got the taste for it now! My dad couldn’t wipe the smile of his face.
Even though the time was short I still enjoyed it! Seeing the underwater world up so close for the first time (I have been only snorkeling so far) was one of my best experiences. I am convinced I will do it again! Who would have thought?
Diving in Egypt summary
I can’t comment on whether Hurghada is the best diving destination in the world (I have no comparison) but it is certainly a great spot to get started. The water was clear, the corals beautiful and the colourful fish gorgeous. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of excellent diving tours available. It was my first but certainly not my last diving day in the Red Sea. Or somewhere else in the world?
Unfortunately I don’t have photos from under the water (especially since they wanted to charge a ridiculous amount for them), but take my word for it, it was absolutely breathtaking. For me as a first timer anyway.
Hurghada Town
Hurghada is an interesting place. It is known as Egypt’s oldest and most famous resort. Reading up on it, the city sounds amazing and perfect to relax at (… “the once tiny fishing settlement has mushroomed into a resort city catering directly to tourism…”). However, as nice as the beach and water is, the city itself is still many many years behind in being a ‘modern tourist and resort destination’. Many big (hotel mainly) developments clearly have been started with big ambitions however aren’t completed.
The Hurghada Marina boulevard is certainly the prettiest street I have seen in all of the Egypt towns. Targeted for the tourists as well, but clearly not there in masses, I do hope tourism will grow again.
Egypt is a really nice place and I enjoyed my travels exploring all the different areas (read my full journey here). The people are friendly, I had no trouble with the food and the Red Sea is absolutely amazing to swim in.
Put Egypt on your travel list but do it safely!
