Diving at Marsa Shagra - The diving vacation in Egypt with Red Sea Diving Safari
Why choose a diving vacation in Egypt?
Let’s be honest: sometimes you’ve just had enough of gray skies, cold weather, and endless Zoom meetings. It’s time to dust off your fins and go diving somewhere where the weather is actually nice. This spring, our diving club from Utrecht chose a classic destination: Egypt. It’s affordable, not too far to fly, and the Red Sea never disappoints. This time, we settled in at Marsa Shagra, an eco-dive camp run by Red Sea Diving Safari where everything revolves around… that’s right: diving.
Arrival in Marsa Alam: warm welcome to the desert
We flew from Düsseldorf to Marsa Alam, where the airport is about the size of an average community center – manageable, let’s say. As soon as the plane door opened, we got a warm desert wind in our faces. Not unpleasant, more like a natural hairdryer.
Arrange visa? Can be done locally at a bank counter, but smarter to do it online in advance – saves a line and some sweat. Outside, Ramadan was already waiting for us, employed by Red Sea Diving Safari for over 20 years. And no, that’s not a nickname – it really is his name. Apparently almost everyone has been working here for decades, and that’s saying something. No job-hoppers, but enthusiastic employees and guides with dedication who understand the tricks of their trade.
Marsa Shagra: eco-camp for real divers
After about a 30-minute drive, we were at the entrance to Marsa Shagra. Check-in went smoothly, suitcases were taken to the rooms (luxury!) and within 15 minutes we had our slippers on, beer in hand and sea views from the Bedouin tent. The shisha was even already lit. The camp looks spacious, but soon feels cozy. Only other divers who – like us – came mainly for peace and beautiful dives. And yes, that is quite pleasant.
Marsa Shagra's house reef: it never gets boring
The next morning, we started with the official part: at 8:00 a.m., we went to the equipment room to get weights and a combination lock, and at 9:00 a.m., we had the detailed briefing. After that, we were finally allowed to get in the water. The house reef turned out to be surprisingly versatile: you can enter the water from the shore or be dropped off by a zodiac on the north or south side. Swimming, drifting, night dives—everything is possible.
What stood out to us? Every dive here is different. We encountered schools of fish, coral gardens, the occasional turtle, and even a stray octopus that was probably on vacation too.
Dive, eat, sleep, repeat (and repeat again)
The days had a clear rhythm: dive, eat, recover a bit, and dive again. And believe us: you get used to it very quickly. Everything in the camp is set up for convenience. Sinks, lockers, hangers – you don’t have to think about anything. Only about how quickly you can get back into the water.
We were also positively surprised about the food. Every day a different buffet, everything well seasoned and also fine for the sensitive stomachs in our group. And the desserts? So good that some people are considering coming back just for them. Gluten-free wishes? No problem. One of our members even received a special dessert. That’s what we call service.
Day trips to Elphinstone and Dolphin House
Of course, we also went on a few day trips. Elphinstone was—as always—exciting, with currents, beautiful drop-offs, and a few shark silhouettes in the distance. Dolphin House was quieter, but just as impressive. It’s like a natural playground with clear water and beautiful corals.
The guides knew exactly what they were doing, were in good spirits (even when explaining for the fourth time how to put on your fins), and created a relaxed atmosphere.
A trip to the other eco-camps
On our last day—when some people were already getting into the mood for flying—I decided to take one more trip to Red Sea Diving Safari’s other two eco-camps: Wadi Lahami and Marsa Nakari.
Wadi Lahami is a bit farther away, but it’s ideal for anyone who really wants to get off the grid. Think: peace, space, and the occasional kitesurfer. Marsa Nakari is closer and a bit more compact than Shagra, but it has lovely tents right on the beach and an ultra-intimate atmosphere. A nice bonus for those who prefer a smaller, cozier setting.
Red Sea Diving Safari: simply well organized
What struck us about all three locations? Everything is just well organized. No fuss, no mass tourism, no excessive luxury, but exactly what you need as a diver: a reliable organization, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. It feels like coming home – but with sun, fish and tanks on your back.
Conclusion: Marsa Shagra is highly recommended
For us as a diving club, this week was exactly what we were looking for. Great diving, delicious food, wonderful people, and zero stress. Marsa Shagra is a great place to visit with a group, where you don’t have to wait in line for the sink and where every dive offers something new.
Would you like to go back there again? Absolutely. And this time, we’ll bring more dessert containers.
Also perhaps interesting
Where can you see manta rays in Indonesia?
Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for seeing manta rays. Komodo, Raja Ampat, and Nusa Penida each offer a unique manta ray experience.
Diving in the Komodo Islands in Indonesia
Komodo is a spectacular diving destination for those looking for manta rays, abundant marine life, and challenging currents. Discover the best time to visit, diving options, accommodations, and itineraries with EWDR.
Tips from Underwater Photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck
Discover the best tips for underwater photography from photographer Thomas Van Puymbroeck and learn more about our annual photography trips.
Philippines trip report • Looking back on a diving trip in the Visayas
A special travelogue by Sebastiaan and Robbert, who went on an unforgettable diving trip together sixteen years ago. Old photos and memories bring those special underwater encounters back to life.
Diving in Sumatra: a complete guide
Diving in Sumatra combines colorful coral reefs with impressive natural scenery above water. Discover Pulau Weh, the Mentawai Islands, and the most beautiful spots for a complete diving trip.
10 Unique encounters every diver wants to experience at least once
The underwater world is full of extraordinary encounters. Discover which underwater encounters you shouldn’t miss and where you’re most likely to experience them for yourself.
Diving destinations where you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the world
At some diving destinations, you’ll practically have the reef all to yourself. Discover six remote destinations where peace and quiet are still the norm.
Diving in Morotai & Metita: a complete guide
Wondering what makes Morotai and Metita so special? In this blog, you’ll discover everything about this unspoiled diving destination in North Maluku.
Diving in Papua New Guinea: a complete guide
Diving in Papua New Guinea is a unique experience in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Discover colorful reefs, extraordinary marine life, historic shipwrecks, and pristine dive sites.
Diving with hammerhead sharks: What are the best destinations?
Discover the best destinations in the world for diving with hammerhead sharks. Find out where you’re most likely to encounter them, when the best time to travel is, and what diving certification is required.
Diving Trip to Raja Ampat: Resort or Liveaboard?
Are you trying to decide between a liveaboard and a dive resort in Raja Ampat? In this blog, we’ll explain the differences and help you determine which type of trip best suits your needs.
Diving in Mauritius: A Complete Guide
Mauritius offers colorful coral reefs, impressive shipwrecks, and a surprisingly diverse array of marine life. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know for a diving vacation in Mauritius.
Diving in Iceland: a complete guide
Diving in Iceland is all about the unique combination of the Silfra Gorge and rugged sea diving along volcanic shores. On a round-trip tour, you will not only discover the underwater world, but also one...
Read more
Whales, sharks, and manta rays: Key insights from the BCSS Impact Report 2025
The BCSS Impact Report 2025 highlights the rich marine life around the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique. From humpback whales and manta rays to endangered sharks, the study confirms why this area is one of Africa’s...
Read more
Diving vacation with a non-diving partner? These destinations are perfect for both of you
Not every diving vacation has to revolve entirely around diving. These destinations offer plenty of above-water activities so divers and non-divers alike can have a great trip.
Diving with wild dolphins: where do you have the best chance?
Encounters with wild dolphins are among the most beautiful experiences you can have as a diver. Find out where worldwide you have the greatest chance of encountering these intelligent marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Diving with (tiger) sharks: how to prepare?
Diving with tiger sharks is less scary than many people think, provided you enter the water well prepared. With the right experience, calm demeanor and respect for the animals, these encounters often become unforgettable dives.
Our favorite diving destinations in the Caribbean
Not every Caribbean destination is known as a true diving hotspot. In this blog you’ll discover which islands are best suited for diving, where exactly you should be for big animals, wrecks or macro, and...
Read more
Diving destinations in the Caribbean
The Caribbean offers much more variety than just tropical reefs and clear water. In this blog you will discover which destination best suits your needs: from pelagic life and unique dives to adventure above water...
Read more
Why some dive destinations fill up years in advance
Some dive destinations and liveaboards fill up quickly due to limited capacity, short peak seasons and high international demand. Especially popular itineraries and high-end liveaboards in destinations such as Raja Ampat, Galápagos, Socorro and Egypt...
Read more
Discounted admission to Socorro: this is what you need to know about the new park fees
As of Jan. 1, 2025, park fees for Socorro doubled, but thanks to new exceptions and discounts, many travelers can save big. And that’s good news, because Socorro, with its manta rays, sharks and spectacular...
Read more
Metric vs imperial system in diving: what are the differences?
In Europe we usually dive with the metric system (BAR, meters and liters), while many American and Caribbean dive destinations work with the imperial system (PSI, feet and cubic feet). Especially in Florida, Mexico and...
Read more
Diving with hammerhead sharks in Mikomoto, Japan
Mikomoto Island in Japan is known for spectacular encounters with large schools of hammerhead sharks. In this blog you will read what to expect underwater, when you have the best chance and why this dive...
Read more
Diving in Japan: the different regions
Japan is a surprisingly diverse diving destination with huge differences between its regions. From hammerhead sharks and manta rays to ice diving and unique underwater landscapes, each region has its own character.