For many divers looking to move beyond recreational limits, South Sinai is where the journey begins. Whether you're moving gradually to decompression procedures or learning sidemount, this stretch of the Northern Red Sea offers training-friendly topography and legendary sites.
To better understand why South Sinai in Egypt, particularly Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh, continues to shape so many tech diving journeys, we spoke with Sameh Sokhar, a technical and CCR instructor with over two decades of tech diving experience in Egypt. Sameh trains divers across all levels, from recreational to advanced CCR and full trimix, and brings a practical perspective on what makes this region such a fertile ground for building confidence and skills.
"This is where most of us took our first big steps into tech," Sameh told us. "The conditions here are ideal: You can learn, repeat, and progress all in one place."
Photo of Sameh by scubaseekers.com
Why South Sinai?
What makes South Sinai a standout for technical divers isn't just the dive sites; it's the combination of ideal learning conditions, experienced instructors, and affordable access. Dahab sits on the edge of deep walls and expansive canyon systems, offering vertical terrain perfect for controlled depth progression. At the same time, Sharm el-Sheikh acts as the gateway to legendary shipwrecks.
Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh have nurtured tech divers since the late 1990s. South Sinai's long history with the technical diving community also means instructors, guides, and support staff are deeply familiar with what tech divers need.
You can grow in tech diving there: start with a twinset on a 40 m (130 ft.) wall dive in Dahab, then end the week inside a shipwreck engine room. South Sinai offers a clear progression ladder, from extended range to CCR. As Sameh puts it, "Repetition is key in tech diving. In Dahab, you can practice skills in the morning and be back in the same spot in the afternoon. That level of access makes a big difference."
Photo by Byron Conroy
Dive Sites as Tech Diving Training Grounds
One of the key advantages of South Sinai is the quality and variety of dive sites available at your doorstep, especially in Dahab. Whether you're interested in deep walls, wrecks, or canyon systems, the region offers easy access to dives that build skill and experience.
The Canyon & Abu Talha (Dahab)
What truly sets Dahab apart is how its dive sites double as underwater classrooms. Sites like The Canyon and Abu Talha are ideal for extended range and decompression training, thanks to their gradual drop-off and calm conditions. At the Canyon, you enter at 12 m deep, descend gradually past 30 to 50 m deep (100-165 ft.), and then, depending on your training, you can even reach Neptune Cave at 75 m (246 ft.) and Wagner's Cave at 130 m deep (427 ft.).
"Training here feels natural," Sameh says. "You don't have to go far to find depth, and you're not dealing with complicated logistics every time you want to do a tech dive."
Often overlooked, Abu Talha is a solid choice for decompression dives without crowds. It's home to a deeper wall and cavern-like swim-throughs that challenge buoyancy control and multi-stage handling. Hence, it is excellent for sidemount configuration practice and navigation exercises within a controlled overhead environment.
The Blue Hole Arch (Dahab)
For those with the right qualifications and mindset, the Blue Hole Arch is a milestone regarding deep diving. Descending through the Blue Hole and exiting into the open ocean through the Arch at 56 m deep (184 ft.) is both a thrill and a test of discipline.
"The Arch is beautiful but demands proper training," Sameh warns. "You have to be ready, both physically and mentally. This isn't a dive for showing off."
Photo by Byron Conroy
The SS Thistlegorm & Giannis D Shipwrecks (Sharm el-Sheikh)
Arguably the most iconic shipwreck in the Red Sea, the SS Thistlegorm was a British armed freighter that sank during WWII. Today, she lies at 32 m (105 ft.) and is a tech diver's dream regarding its penetration routes: intact train carriages, trucks, motorbikes, and even rifles preserved in its cargo holds. As instructor Sameh Sokhar notes, the Thistlegorm is the most amazing practice ground once you complete your tech diving course. Despite its relatively shallow depth, exploring it rightfully requires longer run times and hence getting into decompression.
A bit further away in the direction of Hurghada, the Giannis D lies on its port side at 27 m (89 ft.) after running into Sha'ab Abu Nuhas Reef and sinking in 1983. According to Sameh, "Giannis D has the best engine room the Red Sea can offer". The engine room is large enough to challenge team coordination and line work, but safe enough to practice.
Photo by Byron Conroy
Challenges to Keep in Mind
While South Sinai offers some of the best training grounds for tech divers, it's not without its challenges. The warm water and easy access can give a false sense of security, especially for divers new to deep or overhead environments.
Sameh emphasizes this: "You see people rushing into deep dives without taking time to master the basics. Tech diving is a progression, not a shortcut to dive the Arch or the Thistlegorm. You need the right foundation."
The top 3 considerations to keep in mind while diving in the northern Red Sea:
It's Easy to Go Deep in Clear Blue Waters
Sites like the Blue Hole lure divers to exceed their limits. The Arch is infamous not because it's dangerous but because it tempts unqualified divers to attempt it without sufficient training.
Currents and Visibility Vary
Areas around Sharm-el-Sheikh and the Straits of Tiran can experience stronger currents. These are useful challenges, especially for those practicing stage bottle management, but they require awareness.
Environmental Respect is Non-Negotiable
The South Sinai is home to the marine national park of Ras Muhammad, with a staggering number of coral species recorded (220 hard coral, 120 soft corals, some endemic). Low-impact diving means good trim, which is essential in tech diving as it is vital to preserving this ecosystem.
Photo by Byron Conroy
Logistics
Tech diving in South Sinai is remarkably efficient. Most major training agencies (TDI, GUE, IANTD, SSI XR, PADI TecRe) are represented by some of the most experienced instructors who dive here year-round.
Tech Diving Infrastructure
Tech-supportive dive centers and liveaboards are abundant, offering gas blending (nitrox, trimix, oxygen), stage tank rentals and CCR-friendly facilities. In Dahab, you'll also find a sense of community, where divers share tips and find mentors.
Access & Cost
Travel-wise, South Sinai is well-connected with direct flights from Europe into Sharm el-Sheikh Airport. Accommodations range from affordable guesthouses in Dahab to luxury resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh. Compared to other tech destinations, Egypt remains one of the most budget-friendly. You can stay for weeks without blowing your budget.
Best Time To Go
Diving is possible year-round, but the most stable conditions occur between April and October. Summer brings warmer waters, 28-30°C (82-86°F), while winter temperatures drop to 22–24°C (72-75°F), sometimes requiring a drysuit for deep dives and/or longer bottom times.
Photo by Byron Conroy
Learn More:
Ras Muhammad National Park is on the IUCN Green List
