Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Ismailia, Al Ismā‘īlīyah, Egypt
1. Abu Kefan Reef
A vibrant coral reef offering diverse marine life with opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Rich Marine Life: Abundance of colorful fish, sea turtles, and sometimes dolphins
- Shore Dive Accessibility: Easy access from the shore, perfect for beginners.
- Clear Waters: Transparent waters allow for excellent visibility underwater.
2. The Wreck of the Rosalie Moller
A historic shipwreck teeming with marine life, suitable for advanced scuba divers.
- Historical Significance: Built in 1884 as a steamship, the Rosalie Moller now serves as an artificial reef.
- Advanced Diving Level: Requires technical diving skills due to depth and currents.
- Marine Life: Home to various fish species, eels, moray eels, and occasionally sharks.
3. Karawan Island
An idyllic island offering shallow waters for snorkeling and a variety of fish species.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginner snorkelers and those wishing to explore close to shore.
- Coral Gardens: Beautiful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.
- Island Ambiance: Relax on the white-sand beach or enjoy a picnic among palm trees.
4. Safaga Bay
A popular diving spot with crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral formations.
- Diverse Marine Life: Variety of fish, sea turtles, and even dugongs (manatees) may be encountered.
- Coral Formations: Amazing hard and soft coral formations in a range of colors and shapes.
- Clear Waters: Excellent visibility allows for close-up views of marine life.
5. Saladin's Castle
An underwater archaeological site showcasing artifacts from the Crusader period.
- Historical Artifacts: Discover pottery, coins, and other historical items.
- Advanced Diving Level: Requires technical diving skills due to depth and currents.
- Marine Life: Home to various fish species, eels, and octopuses.
6. Ras Gharib
A coastal town offering various dive sites with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
- Diverse Marine Life: Variety of fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins may be encountered.
- Clear Waters: Excellent visibility allows for close-up views of marine life.
- Coral Formations: Stunning hard and soft coral formations in a range of colors and shapes.
7. Umm Qeswain Marine Park
A protected marine area with diverse coral reefs and abundant marine life.
- Coral Reef Diversity: Variety of hard and soft coral species, creating a colorful underwater landscape.
- Marine Life: Opportunities to encounter sea turtles, dolphins, and even dugongs (manatees).
- Conservation Efforts: Helps protect marine life and ecosystems within the park.
8. Hamad Shallaf Reef
A shallow reef perfect for snorkeling with a variety of fish species and coral formations.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginner snorkelers and those wishing to explore close to shore.
- Coral Formations: Beautiful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.
- Accessibility: Easy access from the shore, perfect for those who prefer not to dive.
9. Kani Kuntilli Island
A picturesque island featuring clear waters and a rich coral reef for snorkeling and diving.
- Clear Waters: Excellent visibility allows for close-up views of marine life.
- Coral Reef: Vibrant coral reef teeming with a variety of fish species.
- Island Ambiance: Relax on the white-sand beach or enjoy a picnic among palm trees.
10. Abu Ramad Reef
A deep dive site featuring large schools of fish and various coral species.
- Deep Diving Level: Requires advanced diving skills due to depth and currents.
- Large Schools of Fish: Encounter huge schools of fish, creating a breathtaking sight underwater.
- Coral Formations: Stunning hard and soft coral formations in a range of colors and shapes.
11. El Quseir
An ancient city with dive sites offering crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral formations.
- Diverse Marine Life: Variety of fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins may be encountered.
- Clear Waters: Excellent visibility allows for close-up views of marine life.
- Historical Sites: Opportunities to explore ancient ruins and shipwrecks.
12. Nabq Protected Area
A protected area offering crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral formations.
- Diverse Marine Life: Variety of fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins may be encountered.
- Clear Waters: Excellent visibility allows for close-up views of marine life.
- Conservation Efforts: Helps protect marine life and ecosystems within the area.
13. Ras Umm Sid
A shallow reef perfect for snorkeling with a variety of fish species and coral formations.
- Shallow Waters: Ideal for beginner snorkelers and those wishing to explore close to shore.
- Coral Formations: Beautiful coral gardens teeming with tropical fish.
- Accessibility: Easy access from the shore, perfect for those who prefer not to dive.
14. Tiran Island
A group of four islands offering a variety of diving sites with diverse marine life and stunning coral formations.
- Diverse Marine Life: Opportunities to encounter various fish species, sea turtles, and sharks.
- Coral Formations: Stunning hard and soft coral formations in a range of colors and shapes.
- Wrecks: Dive sites featuring the famous Thistlegorm wreck and other shipwrecks.
15. Shark & Yolanda Reefs
Two interconnected reefs featuring a variety of fish species, sea turtles, and the occasional shark.
- Diverse Marine Life: Opportunities to encounter various fish species, sea turtles, and sharks.
- Coral Formations: Stunning hard and soft coral formations in a range of colors and shapes.
- Interconnected Reefs: Allows for multiple diving experiences in one location.