Safaga

Safaga appeals to travelers who want to combine a stay on the Red Sea with diving or water sports. The city offers various dive sites, sandy beaches, and conditions for several activities on the water.

Coast, bay, and landscape

The beaches of Safaga are about 60 kilometers long. The marine area is protected. The bay is usually calm and shallow; even in winds of force 5 to 6 on the Beaufort scale, there are no high or breaking waves. This general description of the bay is not a forecast for any particular day.

The landscape also includes black sand dunes, which are attributed with special healing properties. This is an attributed property, not a claim of medical efficacy. The long coastline, protected shallow-water areas, and dive sites give Safaga distinct features to consider when planning a trip.

Diving: sites, courses, and restrictions

Safaga has shallow, easily accessible dive sites. Diving centers offer courses from beginner to professional level. There are also introductory programs in which participants complete a full dive in the sea under the direct supervision of a professional diving instructor. Children aged eight and older can take part in special diving activities for children. These are different options; they do not mean that every dive site or program is equally suitable for everyone.

Experienced divers can explore the reef wall at Abu Kifan Reef. Manta rays are observed at Shaab Siman Reef, and night diving is possible at Shaab Shir Reef. The sites therefore differ in what they are known for: a reef wall, possible encounters with manta rays, or a dive at night.

The Salem Express wreck site lies at Hindeeman Reef near Safaga. Divers may view the wreck, but they may not enter the ferry’s hull. Check this restriction locally before diving. Diving centers in Safaga follow environmentally friendly practices; nevertheless, check the individual provider before booking.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

The wide sandy beaches have sheltered shallow areas for kitesurfing beginners. Conditions can change from day to day. Safaga offers suitable conditions for windsurfing; along the sandy beaches there are also wind-sheltered areas for beginners. These options differ: for kitesurfing, the sheltered shallow areas are a feature for getting started, while windsurfers may find the designated wind-sheltered beginner areas relevant.

The general conditions in the bay and the local water sports areas provide guidance, but do not replace a decision for a particular day. If you want to plan your trip around a specific activity, take its conditions into account.

Harbor and trip planning

Safaga has a small harbor that accommodates passenger ferries and container ships. If you plan to travel by passenger ferry, check the schedule in advance. Some safari yacht trips departing from Hurghada include routes to dive sites in Safaga. This may be relevant to trip planning, without making any claim about a current schedule or a specific offer.

Then compare the specific hotel offers for your trip. The activities described characterize the destination; they say nothing about the facilities or services of any individual hotel.

Discover more destinations: Abu Ghusun, Marsa Alam, Za‘farānah, Hurghada, Quseir, El Gouna, Ad Dahhār

Return to the main travel overview: Red Sea Governorate.