Beyond Dahab: Discover the Hidden Gems of Egypt Freediving

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Dahab and its legendary Blue Hole are widely regarded as the heart of freediving in Egypt, attracting elite athletes and curious beginners alike. With its reliable depth, stunning underwater arch, and strong community, it is no wonder Dahab has become synonymous with the sport. However, Egypt freediving offers far more than just the Blue Hole. From untouched marine parks to encounters with dugongs and dolphins, Egypt offers diverse environments and world-class experiences that extend far beyond Dahab. Here are some of the top freediving spots and experiences in Egypt that deserve your attention.

Why Egypt Freediving Is More Than Just Dahab

When it comes to Egypt freediving, Dahab's Blue Hole is iconic - but it is just the beginning. From coral gardens to shipwrecks and dolphin encounters, Egypt's Red Sea coast is packed with freediving opportunities that rival any global destination. Whether you are seeking stillness, depth, or adventure, these seven alternative spots offer something unforgettable.

1.     The Beautiful Reef of Ras Abu Galum

Tucked away along the coastline north of Dahab, Ras Abu Galum is part of a protected area accessible only by camel, boat, or a long hike, but it is worth the journey for some of the best reefs that Egypt freediving has to offer. Ras Abu Galum's isolation adds to its untouched charm, and freedivers will find pristine corals and abundant marine life, all within a tranquil and crowd-free beach setting. 

The reef here offers gradual depth changes ideal for divers of all levels wanting to enjoy recreational dives. Calm waters and good visibility make it a welcoming site for freedivers looking to challenge themselves beyond Dahab's hotspots like the Blue Hole. While formal SSI training centers are not stationed directly at Ras Abu Galum, many Dahab-based instructors and centers lead day trips or overnight expeditions.

2.     Dugongs and Seagrass Beds at Marsa Alam

In southern Egypt, Marsa Alam offers a completely different Egypt freediving experience from that of Dahab. Known for its expansive seagrass meadows, this region is one of the few places in the world where you can freedive with wild dugongs. Freedivers can also expect to encounter green turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant coral gardens. 

The shallow, protected bays such as Abu Dabbab are perfect for long, slow exploration dives. While depth training is limited in some areas, the experience of gliding weightlessly alongside gentle seagrass grazers is unmatched. Marsa Alam is home to several SSI-affiliated training centers, making it a convenient base for both adventure and progression in your training.

Ready to level up your freediving?Explore the top advanced freediver training destinations and courses.

3.     Soma Bay's Calm Conditions

Soma Bay, located just south of Hurghada, is rapidly gaining popularity for its reliable, glassy sea conditions and accessible deep water drop-offs. The bay is shielded from prevailing winds, offering exceptional visibility and calm surfaces nearly year-round. These conditions are ideal for both beginner and advanced freedivers who want to focus on technique, depth, or static breath-hold sessions without battling surface chop. 

Soma Bay is also well connected, with nearby luxury resorts and established dive training facilities. The ease of access and consistent water conditions make it an ideal spot for dedicated freediving retreats and structured dive progression. Soma Bay is a winner when planning your next Egypt freediving retreat or training getaway.

4.     The Iconic Thistlegorm Shipwreck

For experienced freedivers looking to combine history with challenge, the SSI Thistlegorm is a bucket-list Egypt freediving site. Located off the coast of Sharm El Sheikh, this WWII-era cargo ship lies at depths ranging from 16 to 33 meters (53 to 108 feet). For confident freedivers with solid depth experience and good breath-hold capacity, exploring the Thistlegorm provides a haunting yet serene deep freediving experience.

The wreck is covered in marine life and frozen in time with motorbikes, boots, and artillery still visible in its holds. Due to the depth and potential currents, this dive should only be approached with guidance from an experienced freediving instructor or guide.

5.     Liveaboard Freediving Trips 

Freediving liveaboards are one of the best ways to experience the full range of Egypt freediving, from deep drop-offs to breathwork workshops. Sharm El Sheikh, located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, offers more than just excellent shore diving. One of its standout experiences is joining a freediving-specific liveaboard. These trips typically span several days and explore remote reefs and deep coral walls in the northern Red Sea.

Freediving liveaboards allow you to combine exploration with structured depth training in ideal open-water conditions. Between dives, guests often enjoy breathwork sessions, equalization workshops, and one-on-one coaching.

While itineraries vary, many boats visit sites like Tiran Island, Ras Mohammed National Park, and remote drop-offs that are difficult to reach from shore. Several dive centers in Egypt run these liveaboards, making it easy to continue your training while enjoying a deeper connection with the sea.

6.     Play with Dolphins in Samadai and Sataya Reefs

Few experiences compare to freediving with wild dolphins, and Egypt is one of the best places in the world to do so. The Samadai and Sataya reefs, located near Marsa Alam, are known for regular encounters with spinner dolphins. These protected reef lagoons offer calm, shallow water where dolphins often come to rest and play. 

Freedivers can respectfully observe and sometimes even interact with these intelligent, curious animals. The emphasis in these areas is on sustainable interaction; no chasing, touching, or crowding. The experience offers not just excitement, but also a lesson in mindfulness and conservation. 

These playful encounters are among the most magical moments in Egypt freediving, blending nature, freedom, and respect. Dive centers in Marsa Alam often include dolphin excursions as part of their recreational freediving programs, blending education with unforgettable encounters. 

Need some inspiration from top athletes? Check out: Who to Watch in 2025: The 23 Best Freedivers in the World

7.     Train for Competition in Sharm El Sheikh

Beyond its appeal as a travel destination, Sharm El Sheikh is emerging as a fast-growing favorite for competitive Egypt freediving. The area offers reliable access to depth with minimal current and exceptional visibility - key factors for effective training. 

Freedivers come here to focus on achieving new personal bests in disciplines like Free Immersion (FIM) and Constant Weight (CWT). Numerous facilities in the area offer buoys, dive lines, safety protocols, and expert coaching. While Dahab often steals the spotlight for depth training, Sharm is a quieter but equally powerful training location with more varied access to open water and offshore sites. 

Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a recreational freediver looking to push your limits, Sharm has the infrastructure to support your goals. For those training toward personal bests or competition goals, Sharm is a rising star of the Egyptian freediving scene.

While Dahab and the Blue Hole will always hold a special place in the freediving world (some even call it the sport's Mecca), Egypt freediving has so much more to offer for those willing to look beyond the familiar. From the untouched serenity of Ras Abu Galum to the haunting intrigue of the Thistlegorm wreck, and from playful dolphin encounters to world-class training hubs in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt is truly a freediver's paradise.

Ready to Go Freediving in Egypt?

Whether you are chasing depth, wildlife encounters, or peaceful reef dives, Egypt has a spot for you. Start your journey with a freediving course or find trusted dive centers along Egypt's Red Sea coast.