Best Scuba Diving in the Red Sea with Photography Workshop

The best scuba diving in the Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab, as well as desert adventures, arguably the most complete scuba diving trip on the Sinai peninsula in Egypt!

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Group Size

Min 2-Max 12

Min Age

18+

Start/End

Sharm El Sheikh Airport

Mesmerizing Seascapes and Desert Escapes in the Red Sea!

We are extremely excited to announce our one-of-a-kind dive trip featuring the best scuba diving in the Red Sea around Sharm El Sheik and Dahab, including an underwater photography workshop!

This is arguably the most complete scuba diving trip on the Sinai peninsula in Egypt.

All Sinai adventures start in Sharm El Sheikh, the gateway to the Northern Red Sea. While the Red Sea has different corners to explore, the waters off Sharm El Sheikh are known for being home to the healthiest and most vibrant reefs in Egypt, as well as numerous iconic shipwrecks (including the mind-blowing SS Thistlegorm). In fact, we personally tested the best scuba diving in the Red Sea accessible via Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab. We were so blown away that we couldn’t help but put together this awesome one-week itinerary taking in all the highlights in the Northern Red Sea.

This trip offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and capture images of untouched coral reefs, tiny creatures, majestic pelagic, shipwrecks and unique desert landscapes. Take our word as spoiled divers/snorkelers who were stuck in Indonesia for 16 months.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea!

Best Scuba Diving in the Red Sea Highlights

  • Explore the fascinating reefs of Ras Mohamed National Park (including the famous Shark & Yolanda Reef), a protected area since 1983 teeming with colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
  • Search for pelagic and schooling fish in the Straits of Tiran.
  • Ras Mohammed National Park sunset/night diving by shore.
  • Overnight in a Bedouin camp with delicious meals – original style.
  • Diving the Canyon in Dahab (better than the Blue Hole!) and a second dive in Dahab.
  • Up to 13 dives over 5 days of diving.
  • Photo workshops, coaching and image reviews (if booked).
  • SS Thistlegorm, THE highlight of the whole trip, the underwater museum that every diver needs to visit at least twice in their lifetime!

 

Divers and photographers of all skill levels can enjoy the experience. When we say so, we mean it. We are not here to put you off, but encourage and assist you in becoming the better version of yourself.  Should you have any doubts or concerns, please feel free to get in touch with us. If you’re not one of the lucky ones who were born with a regulator in their mouth, we can definitely feel you.

As we want to be as inclusive as possible, of course, we welcome non-divers/non-photographers as well. Please get in touch for non-diver rates.

We hope to see you in the Red Sea, Egypt!

Please note: This trip is available from Mid-March to November and can be booked for your dates without a photography workshop.

 

THE RED SEA UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

We welcome individuals of all skill levels and camera types to our underwater photography workshop, which strives to create a relaxed, adaptable, inclusive, non-competitive, and welcoming environment focused on individual growth. Our goal is to help you capture amazing shots!

There will be a series of informative sessions spread over five days, and the workshops will align with the diving schedule to cover a range of topics from shooting macro to wreck, from setting the right exposure to using strobes in order to make the most of the photographic opportunities in the Red Sea.

Our photography instructor will also be available for spontaneous guidance and instruction during the day, between the dives, during the dives so you can try the ideas straight away. Each evening, there will be a group photo review and editing session (one image per person) to further improve our images and make plans for shots to try on the next day.

Participants are required to bring their own photo equipment (all camera types are welcome) and an appropriate device for editing purposes (e.g. laptop). The workshop fee covers access to all lectures and ongoing support and advice from the workshop leader during your stay.

The photo workshop will take place if a minimum of 5 divers opt in for the workshop, and the group size is limited to 10 divers in total, plus the dive guides and instructors.

Workshop/Tour Leader
Our Photo Pro Bernd (Bernhard Schwarz) experienced in running underwater photography trips internationally will be leading the workshop. He has been to Egypt countless times and the gallery images you see are just a fraction of the photos he took in Ras Mohamed National Park alone.

Reserve your spot now and get excited to achieve similar results and experience the best of Red Sea!

 

OPTIONAL SCUBA COURSES

  • Buoyancy Control/Scuba Refresher
    We at MAHO on Earth encourage marine conservation and it’s crucial to have good buoyancy skills. If you don’t feel confident enough or haven’t been diving for a while, please arrive a day earlier, so we can hone your skills to perfection. Our experienced partner instructors will help you get more comfortable underwater, so that you can get more steady shots and focus on evolving your actual photography skills in a way that our reefs and the marine life remain safe and sound.

A surcharge as per booking form applies, which includes 2 additional dives/1 day, rental equipment for the extension day, and an extra night of accommodation.

Note: Manual & certification fees are not included. Price PADI 75 €; Price SSI 85 € (not mandatory).

  • Advanced Open Water Diver 
    On this trip, you will have the opportunity of completing your Advanced Open Water certification. We recommend arriving a day earlier to complete the Navigation (and buoyancy) skills so that you can simply enjoy the dives on the following days with the rest of the group. It’s perfectly possible to finish the course during the course of your stay though. A surcharge for your advanced training course as per booking form applies.

Note: Manual & certification fees are not included. Price SSI 85 €, PADI 99 €. Optional extra night is not included.

  • Enriched Air Nitrox Diver
    If you are not a Nitrox diver yet, we recommend Nitrox certification in order to fully maximize your adventure to have the extended bottom time, shorten your surface intervals, minimize diver fatigue and much more. This course is a dry course, and a half day is sufficient for the EANx analyze exercise with your instructor. A surcharge as per booking form applies.

Note: Manual & certification fees are not included. Price PADI 75 €; Price SSI 85.

 

You can also pick from a range of specialty courses if interested, however the above three are the most essential ones in our opinion. If you consider getting your Open Water Diver certification, it’s also possible. Simply get in touch with us.

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • 5 nights accommodation in 3* beach hotel
  • 1 night stay in a Bedouin desert eco-camp
  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 1 Dinner
  • Cold and hot drinks with buffet meals on diving days
  • Marine park fees, permits
  • 5 days diving with tank & weights (up to 13 dives)
  • Return transfers to/from the SSH airport
  • Photo workshops and guidance (if booked)
  • Free Wi-Fi at the hotel reception, dive center, and boat
  • All transfers as per itinerary (boat, van)
  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Equipment hire
  • Nitrox and special tanks and mixed gases
  • Crew tips
  • Alcohol
  • Meals and drinks other than specified
  • Medications, vaccinations, personal expenses
  • Travel/health insurance (recommended)
  • Anything else not specified as included in the itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Arrive in Sharm El Sheikh and transfer to our lovely 3*hotel, where your Sinai adventure begins.

Time-permitting, you may want to visit the Old Market, which is only a few minutes walking distance from the hotel, or simply relax with a drink by the hotel pool or at the private beach before we meet for a briefing in the evening and a group dinner.

  • Included meals: None
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Airport pick-up

Important Note: Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) has direct flights from many European cities and Cairo. If you are arriving late in the evening or past midnight on the first day, we will need to book the previous day for you (e.g. if arriving in the night from Friday to Saturday, the Friday night needs to be booked). Please be sure to arrive no later than 5pm on Saturday, and inform us if you will arrive on a late night flight on Friday night.

 

Day 02 Diving in Ras Mohamed National Park

Today after breakfast, we will have a short ride to the port. After the boarding formalities, we will have a boat ride of about 45 minutes to the Ras Mohamed National Park.

Up to three dives are possible on this day in one of the most amazing dive spots. Our passionate team aboard will ensure you have an amazing time.

We will be back around 5pm at our hotel. There will be some time to relax before we meet for dinner and photo review session.

In the evenings, we will have the option of dining at the hotel or try different restaurants in the area. For instance, Farsha Café stands out as the one must-do place to eat and drink in Sharm.

Please note: Non-divers/snorkelers may choose to relax by the beach or poolside. We will be happy to arrange any activities you wish (own expense).

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch buffet on boat, snacks between dives, hot/cold drinks on the boat
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Up to 3 dives by boat in Ras Mohamed National Park
  • Optional activities: Photo workshop and coaching throughout the day, evening photo reviews
Day 03 Diving in the Straits of Tiran

Another day of diving, which will be similar to the previous day with the exception of the dive sites. We will be heading to the Straits of Tiran towards Saudi Arabia. The Tiran Islands have an interesting history and home to a number of wrecks, healthy corals and myriads of marine critters, from nudibranchs to pelagic fish.

Sea conditions permitting, we will dive the Million Hope wreck, plus two of the most beautiful dive sites in this part of the Red Sea.

Please note: This day on boat is suitable for snorkelers to join (included in non-diver rate).

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch buffet on boat, snacks between dives, hot/cold drinks on the boat
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: Up to 3 dives by boat in the Straits of Tiran
  • Optional activities: Photo workshop and coaching throughout the day, evening photo reviews
Day 04 SS Thistlegorm Wreck Diving

Today is an exciting day, then you will be diving the most special underwater museum in the world!

The wreck of SS Thistlegorm which sank during WWII is simply mind-blowing. You'll visit its cargo full of motorcycles, bombs, cars and a lot more. The dive feels like rushing through a huge museum, say Louvre. It's certainly worth the 4:30-5am-ish wake up call and about 3-hour boat ride to get there. But trust us, it's SO worth it, and once is not enough!

The first dive will be from outside, the second dive inside the wreck. Currents may be moderate to strong at this dive site (though nothing crazy like in Indonesia). If you are unsure about your skills, please get in touch with us to discuss the best course of action for you.

If not too tired, there will be the option of a third dive on the way back before we return to our hotel around 5pm.

Please note:  Non-divers/snorkelers may choose to relax by the beach or try any of the (desert) activities on offer. We will be happy to help you arrange the activities you wish (own expense).

  • Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch buffet on boat, snacks between dives, hot/cold drinks on the boat
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: 2 dives of SS Thistlegorm, 1 dive in Ras Mohamed NP
  • Optional activities: Photo workshop and coaching throughout the day, evening photo reviews
Day 05 Ras Mohamed Desert & Sea Adventure

This morning we can lie in slightly longer to compensate the early wake-up call of the previous day, and have a little longer time to discuss the tons of pictures we took (there will be tons, promise!).

Around lunchtime we will head to the Ras Mohamed National Park, this time by land. We will settle into our desert eco-camp, have lunch, enjoy the serenity of the desert and the beauty of the sea. After being pampered by our Bedouin friends, we will have an afternoon dive and a sunset/night dive at our hands to pamper ourselves with some of the most beautiful dive sites in the Marsa Bareika Bay.

A buffet-dinner will be served directly on the beach. Then it's time to lounge around the campfire, enjoy the beautiful night sky and fall asleep in one of the cozy tents provided for this experience.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, hot/cold drinks
  • Accommodation: Bedouin Tents
  • Included activities: 2 shore dives in Ras Mohamed NP
  • Optional activities: Photo workshop and coaching throughout the day, evening photo reviews

Please note: This day is perfectly suitable for non-divers/snorkelers (included in the non-diver rate). 

 

Day 06 Diving in Dahab

We will start our beautiful day with a traditional and delicious Bedouin breakfast in the company of the sea and the morning sun. One last cup of tea, and then we will pack our bags and head to Dahab to hit the most unique dive sites in that area.

Dahab is about 85 km away from Sharm El Sheikh. Although the roads are extremely well maintained, the drive can take a bit longer than expected due to checkpoints. Tourist vehicles are escorted by police and we are only allowed to drive in convoy. The waiting time at the checkpoint can be anything from 10 minutes to 30 minutes or even longer, which is not something we can control. Nevertheless, we will use the waiting time for selfies in the stunning mountain ranges of the Sinai (or for any photography topic that needs discussion).

Once we arrive at our dive site The Canyon, we will quickly don our equipment and enter the water through a sandy lagoon.

The Dahab Canyon is a must-visit for enthusiasts of caves and cavern diving. This unique canyon, reaching up to 10 meters in height and almost completely covered at the top, winds its way up from the depths to open up into a large coral dome teeming with glassfish. Expect stunning coral gardens where butterfly fishes, unicorn fishes, octopus, pufferfish, and Red Sea Anthias reside. Navigating through the Canyon is straightforward, and the mesmerizing light effects created by the sun rays make the experience truly unforgettable.

During surface interval, we will grab some snacks for lunch (Dahab is famous for its sweets).

We will pick the second dive site depending on the conditions. Blue Hole is famous, however, we think Dahab offers more interesting dive sites like the Islands dive spot, which is like a labyrinth of corals, created by an earthquake a decade ago.

After a successful last day of diving, our pre-ordered special 'drunch' (late lunch/early dinner) cooked for long hours in the sand will be ready for us to much on, again Bedouin style :)

After the tasty meal, we will have time for an evening stroll in the bohemian town center of Dahab lined up with souvenir shops and restaurants.

We will be back in Sharm El Sheikh by 10 pm roughly.

Please note: This day is perfectly suitable for non-divers/snorkelers (included in the non-diver rate). 

  • Included meals: Breakfast, light snacks, Bedouin Lunch, soft drinks
  • Accommodation: Hotel (ensuite)
  • Included activities: 2 dives in Dahab by shore
  • Optional activities: Photo workshop and coaching throughout the day
Day 07 Departure or extension

Today is officially the decompression day and time to say goodbyes.

What a wonderful week it has been!

Depending on your flight time, simply relax by the beach/pool or join in some desert adventures (like ATV) on your final day.  You will presumably be out of the water by 5pm on the previous day, and please ensure to allow at least 18 hours (best 24 hours) for decompression while booking your flight.

If you have a few days to spare, Dahab is a multi-activity center where you can easily spend several days full of activities. Or perhaps you would like to visit the Giza Pyramids? Simply get in touch with us for an optional extension anywhere in Egypt.

  • Included meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: None
  • Included activities: Airport transfer (recommended departure not before 5pm to allow for decompression)

Please note: The itinerary is provided for a general idea, and subject to changes due to local/weather conditions beyond our control. Whatever happens, our passionate team will do their best to hit all the highlights of the Northern Red Sea. 

Tour Essentials

Accommodation

The accommodation on this tour is a 3* hotel with private beach (across a small street), pool and restaurant (5 nights), walking distance to the Old Market area of Sharm El Sheikh. You'll have the option of a double bed or two single beds. Rooms vary slightly by layout and view and will be assigned based on booking order. One night will be spent in a Bedouin eco-camp with proper beds (twin or double).

All rooms on this trip are shared with two people in each room with ensuite bathroom facilities, except the Bedouin camping night, where a shared long drop style WC tent and beach showers with fresh water will be available.

Solo travelers will be paired up with another participant. If you explicitly wish to have your own room/tent, or if we cannot find another participant to share that room/tent, there will be an extra surcharge as noted on the booking form.

Please note that Wi-Fi in Egypt is generally not reliable. While unlimited Wi-Fi is included in your hotel rate, the signal is strong in the reception area only. In the camp, one should not expect Wi-Fi at all. In our experience, a local SIM card is the most reliable option (Vodafone or Orange for best coverage), and data packages are inexpensive. Our guides can help you organize the SIM card if needed.

Meals

On this trip, breakfast everyday, buffet lunch on boat diving days (3x), buffet lunch and dinner on camping day (1x), and a drunch (late lunch/early dinner) in Dahab is included.

Vegetarians can be catered for if you inform us upon booking. For other dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please contact us to discuss the best course of action for you. Our guides will be happy to recommend good restaurants on the days when lunch or/and dinner are not included.

Transport

Transport will be by van and by boat. The boat of our Green Fins certified partner dive center has a capacity of maximum 20 divers and 3 crew members. It comes with a dive deck, a sun deck, and a dry saloon, as well as 2 marine bathrooms. Please note that the boat is not privately chartered for our group, but we will have a ratio of maximum 6 divers per guide for our guests.

Passports and Visas

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive and have at least two blank pages.

Holders of ordinary passports issued by most nations, including EU nationalities, the US, the UK, Turkey, need a visa to enter Egypt. On arrival you will have the choice to get a full visa or a Sinai-only stamp. The Sinai-only stamp is valid for 15 days and is free of charge. If you are only planning on staying in the Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, St. Catherine) and only diving in Sharm until Ras Mohammed or Dahab then the Sinai-only visa will suffice. If you are planning on diving the SS Thistlegorm, going on a liveaboard or visiting Cairo, Luxor or Aswan a full visa is needed and can be bought at the airport.

It's possible to obtain a tourist visa on arrival for a single entry at the main ports of entry to Egypt. The visa fee is 25 USD, payable in USD as the preferred currency, although you will be able to pay in EUR or GBP too. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days.

You must ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

Health/Vaccinations

Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional advice. We, at MAHO on Earth, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate, or error-free. 

As of the publishing date, there are no mandatory vaccinations to enter Egypt. If you are entering the country from a yellow-fewer region, you may need to present proof of yellow-fewer vaccination. Please consult with your local authorities.

There is no risk of malaria or yellow-fewer in Egypt. Nevertheless, we do highly recommend that you obtain professional travel health advice at your doctor or an institute of tropical medicine with respect to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition, and your intended itinerary. 

Physical Level

To join this trip, you'll need to have a reasonable level of fitness and at least Advanced Open Water certification (alternatively Open Water Diver certified and willingness to do the advanced diver course). SS Thistlegorm Wreck is a stunning yet sometimes challenging dive, not recommended for novice divers to protect the fragile environment. When in doubt, please get in touch with us. All divers will be required to fill out a medical declaration form prior to diving. Diver Medical Declaration forms will be sent to confirmed individuals, and detailed information about will be provided.

Special requests

This trip may not be suitable for people with special needs such as reduced mobility due to local conditions and activities. If in doubt, please contact us. 

Please do not send sensitive information (such as health, accident or other highly personal information) through our contact form. You may want to get in touch with us directly via phone instead.

Insurance

We do strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as soon as you make your deposit to ensure the most coverage. Your travel insurance policy should at least cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, activities you intend to do, and repatriation in the event of an accident or illness. We will reach out and collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details shortly before the departure date. Your trip price with us does not include any travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are generally speaking more economical when taken out locally in your country of origin.

Cash & Co

While your trip with us cover most of the expenses, things such as alcoholic beverages, meals other than specified, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, visa fee, and tips for local guides are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your trip. Any optional activity is mentioned clearly so that you don't have to worry about hidden costs.

Egypt accepts the GBP, USD or EUR for tourism. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are also available.

Further details and recommendations on what to pack will be provided prior to departure.

Travel Companions

We care about getting to know our fellow travellers, hence we keep our groups small and intimate. Our tours usually run with 12 or fewer participants. This trip is a guaranteed departure with two bookings. It will be an international group and the main language will be English. We also speak German and Turkish.

People from all walks of life and nationalities, singles, couples, friends, and families with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and an open heart can join our tours. We consider each trip as an opportunity to cultivate our travel persona with humility, curiosity, and respect, what we call a "Mindful Adventure". 

The Adventure with us

Maho and Tom, founders and owners of MAHO on Earth, curated this itinerary to make the best use of your hard-earned bucks and vacation days with lots of wonderful handpicked activities and locations included! 

We want you to have the most rewarding experience possible. We take care of all the hassle of planning, and you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, not least because we support social projects and NGOs, and partner with the best local enterprises.

Join us on this Mindful Adventure, Highlands to Oceans! 

How to book your spot

To reserve your spot, please use our booking form.

Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 18.

Should you need any support with your pre or post-tour travel arrangements, we are here to help.

Have a question?

Have we missed anything?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your Red Sea dream a reality.

Can’t make this one? Then, simply sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens on future trips.

Tour price
1.390,00
Booking Form
Enquiry Form
185,00 /per person
95,00 /per person
100,00 /per person
52,00 /per person
Deposit Option 40% Per item
Total:
185,00 /per person
95,00 /per person
100,00 /per person
52,00 /per person