Top 4 Diving Spots in Sharm El Sheikh for Advanced Scuba Divers

The SS Thistlegorm sank during World War II carrying a diverse cargo of war materials—most of which are still preserved onboard. A dive into its holds yields the eerie spectacle of Norton motorcycles and trucks surrounded by marine life, while locomotives are still visible on the sand. The overhead environment makes this a challenging dive.

Often beset by swirling currents, the Straits of Tiran are home to four distinct reefs—Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon—all with pristine coral. Thomas Reef offers schooling fish, a coral wall, and even the occasional shark, while a number of wrecks can be dived when conditions permit.

Closer to Sharm El Sheikh than the Straits of Tiran, Ras Mohammed National Park holds a wealth of dive sites. Shark and Yolanda Reef are a popular combo, both for the vibrant coral and the surreal sight of bathroom fittings from a wreck littering the sand. Other top sites include Jackfish Alley, Anemone City, and Ras Zatar.

Sharm El Sheikh’s signature advanced dive sites, including Ras Umm Sid, require a substantial boat journey from the city proper. Ras Umm Sid delivers a gorgeous landscape of gorgonian sea fans, pretty coral, and fluttering reef fish, plus the chance of big pelagics—all within shouting distance of the lighthouse.