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Hotels in Egypt with the best coral reefs

Hotels with Coral Reefs in Egypt: where to stay for the best diving

Egypt is more than majestic pyramids and endless deserts. This warm southern country draws divers from around the world with its picturesque coral reefs and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. In hotels with on-site dive centers you’ll discover fantastic underwater landscapes, bursting with vibrant colors and exotic marine life. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, Egypt is ideal for diving and discovery. Where should underwater-adventure fans stay, and how do you pick a hotel with coral reefs in Egypt?

Map: diving areas & spots

Top Egyptian resorts for diving

Different parts of the Red Sea mean different adventures for divers! In Sharm el Sheikh reefs start right off the shore; in Hurghada the reefs are scenic but usually reached by boat. Marsa Alam impresses with untouched reefs and rare species, while Dahab charms with underwater canyons and a laid-back vibe. We’ve selected hotels with good house reefs and dive centers so every dive is safe and memorable.

Sharm el Sheikh: hotels with coral reefs

Sharm el Sheikh is a true Red Sea gem: water is warm year-round (22–28 °C), visibility up to ~30 m, and coral reefs lie very close to shore — underwater fun from the first minutes. Sharm is also famed for handy infrastructure: hotel pontoons for easy water entry and plenty of dive centers ready to guide you through a world of fish, sea turtles, and dramatic seascapes.

Where are the best reefs in Sharm? For beginners, Naama Bay is a perfect fit, while Temple Gardens lure with coral “gardens” and turtles. The Tiran Strait is celebrated for drift-diving, and Sharks Bay is great for snorkeling. Ras Mohammed National Park is a must for anyone who wants to see incredible biodiversity and the “Yolanda” wreck.

Most of Egypt’s best “dive hotels” are in Sharm el Sheikh thanks to reefs starting from the shore and the local infrastructure. Below we review hotels by reef quality and water entry, plus beach and service. Note: beach stays are often on an All Inclusive basis, while snorkeling/diving are paid extras. Lessons and equipment rental are charged separately — but the memories are worth it!

Grand Oasis Resort 4*, Sharm El Sheikh

Exotic Moorish-style beach-front hotel in Sharks Bay with views of the Red Sea and Tiran Island; private sand-and-coral beach and wind-sheltered bay — ideal for snorkeling and diving year-round. Renovated 2018. Two outdoor pools plus kids’ pool. For kids: mini-club, playground, special menu. For adults: aerobics, fitness, tennis, spa (massage, sauna). On-site dive center (rental/lessons extra). All Inclusive dining with restaurants and bars. ~8 km from the airport, ~5 minutes’ walk to Soho Square.

Grand Oasis Resort 4* — Sharks Bay, pontoon and reef

Hilton Sharks Bay 4*, Sharm El Sheikh

Eco-style, beach-front at Sharks Bay (White Knight Beach). Sheltered bay, private beach and a superb coral reef — model conditions for diving. Full on-site services for training and rentals.

Rooms with private balconies; for kids — playground, kids’ club, children’s menu. Eight restaurants and bars with varied cuisine, including vegetarian options and snacks.

Active vibes: outdoor and kids’ pools, water slides, tennis, fitness; evenings with live music and entertainment.

Hilton Sharks Bay 4* — sheltered bay and accessible reef

Grand Rotana 5*, Sharm El Sheikh

Luxury beach-front in Sharks Bay: manicured grounds, tropical gardens with cascades, a vast lagoon-style pool and private beach.

Stay in main buildings or two-storey villas with private pool and terrace (great for families/friends — 2–5 bedrooms). Ultra All Inclusive (BB/HB/AI also available). Restaurants: Mezzaluna (Italian) and Silk Road (East + West).

For active guests: gym, tennis, diving, water sports. Three piers, coral shelf and mini-lagoons for easy access; Sharks Bay is wind-sheltered in winter. ~8 km to airport; ~5 km to Soho; ~13 km to Naama Bay; ~20 km to Old Town.

Grand Rotana 5* — tropical gardens, piers, mini-lagoons

Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa 5*, Sharm El Sheikh

Classic beach-front in wind-sheltered Naama Bay. Superb coral reef; modern dive center for both beginners and experienced divers. HB/AI dining with diet/vegetarian options. Three restaurants: La Terrazza (romantic dinners), Corallo Rosso (Mediterranean), La Scogliera (Italian). Rooms feature large windows and private balconies, often sea-view. Family-friendly: playground, kids’ pool, club, babysitting.

Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa 5* — Naama Bay, dive center

Baron Resort Sharm El Sheikh 5*, Sharm El Sheikh

Elegant property blending traditional African and classic design: natural wood and stone, stained glass and mosaics, fountains and tropical greenery — a cozy, luxurious vibe.

Beach-front in sheltered Sharks Bay: ~600 m private white-sand beach and a picturesque reef — excellent for diving. Full-service dive center.

All Inclusive (HB also available). Nine restaurants including the beach-side Indian Taj Mahal. For kids — playground, club, pool. For active guests — fitness, tennis, beach volleyball and water activities.

Baron Resort 5* — 600 m private white beach, scenic reef

Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa 5*, Sharm El Sheikh

Hotel with its own reef in scenic El Pasha Bay, ~5 km from the airport and ~2 km from Naama Bay. Private sandy beach and easy reef access. Vast grounds: aquapark, 5 pools, 7 restaurants, 6 bars (All Inclusive). Themed restaurants, snack & drinks bars. For kids — club, playgrounds, mini-disco.

Nearby: Ras Mohammed National Park and El Fanar lighthouse — great for snorkeling and vistas.

Reef Oasis Blue Bay 5* — El Pasha Bay, aquapark, easy reef

Diving at hotels in Hurghada

Hurghada attracts with wide sandy beaches and gentle entries; for “wow” reefs you usually head out by boat (turtles, morays, colorful reef life). Giftun Island and El Fanadir are top for photographers and big-fauna fans. Many centers offer professional courses.

Serenity Alpha Beach 5*, Hurghada

Set in picturesque Makadi Bay with direct pontoon access to the house reef. Ideal for snorkeling and diving — suitable for both beginners and experienced guests.

Refined Moroccan style with a harmony-with-nature feel. Comfortable rooms with sea/garden views. All Inclusive dining with local & international dishes and a wide selection of drinks. On site: aquapark, diving, live music, animation, mini-golf; sea-water pool and towel service. Rejuvenation — beauty salon, sauna and spa.

Serenity Alpha Beach 5* — Makadi Bay, pontoon to reef

Diving in Dahab

The region attracts tech divers and deep-dive lovers. The famous Blue Hole is a challenge even for the experienced. Dahab means calm, nature, and unique underwater life.

Diving at hotels in Marsa Alam

A paradise for those seeking seclusion. The main “attraction” is the sea: rare fish and coral species await under the surface.

How to buy a Red Sea reef-diving tour

A reef-hotel holiday in Egypt can be safe and hassle-free when you let Admiral Travel pick the best hotels with dive centers. We shortlist the value-for-money options and plan convenient routes from Moldova and Romania to top reef properties with maximum comfort.

Having visited Egypt’s diving regions and best house-reef hotels, we’ve prepared ready-made tour packages. Our offers aim for optimal room rates and the shortest flight times from Moldovan or Romanian airports.

How to book and pay for your Egypt tour? The easiest way is to book online on our website, then wait for a manager’s call to confirm next steps. You can also call us or visit our offices — our specialists will help you choose the location and handle payment.

Choose and book with ease

Diving on the Red Sea’s coral reefs is more than a vacation — it’s a daily underwater adventure. Pick a hotel with a great reef and open a new world every day. Travelers from Moldova and Romania can fly from Bucharest or Sibiu — Egypt is closer than it seems.

Book an unforgettable reef-diving holiday in Egypt today! Take advantage of great offers on tours from Moldova and Romania — your ideal break awaits.

FAQ — Diving & Reefs in Egypt

Which resort suits beginners best?
Naama Bay (Sharm) — sheltered bay, easy entry, good visibility; many centers offering starter courses.
When is the water clearest for diving?
Generally during the drier season (about Oct–May in Sinai). Visibility also depends on local wind/currents.
Can I rent gear at the hotel?
Yes, many listed hotels have on-site or partner dive centers. Rentals and boat trips are paid separately.
Does Hurghada have reefs right off the beach?
The most beautiful reefs are typically reached by boat (e.g., Giftun, El Fanadir). Some hotels have pontoons to the coral.
Is there a minimum age for diving?
“Try dive” programs often accept kids from ~10–12 years (varies by center). Snorkeling is possible earlier with supervision.
What should I know about reefs?
Don’t touch coral, don’t feed fish, use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t step on the reef; follow your guide’s briefing.
Where can I see turtles/rays?
In Sinai: Ras Mohammed, Tiran Strait; in Hurghada: Giftun, El Fanadir; further south (Marsa Alam): higher chances for rarer species.
Can I combine All Inclusive with diving?
Yes. All Inclusive covers meals/drinks; diving (boats, guiding, equipment) is paid separately per your chosen plan.
Is Dahab right for me?
Dahab is known for technical/deep diving (e.g., Blue Hole). For beginners — only after assessment and with a licensed local guide.

Author

Ion Admiral

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Head Manager & Lead Travel Blogger
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