Beach Try Dive and Coral Reef Experience Sahl Hasheesh

Sahl Hasheesh and its house reef

Sahl Hasheesh sits on the Red Sea coast about eighteen kilometres south of Hurghada, in a bay where fringing coral reef begins close to the beach. That is why a beach dive works so well here: you walk into the water from the sand and reach the coral after a short swim, with no boat ride or sea sickness to worry about.

The Red Sea is known for warm water, good visibility and healthy reefs, which makes it one of the best places in the world to try diving for the first time. If you are asking whether a try dive in Sahl Hasheesh is worth it, the answer is yes for anyone who wants to see the reef without taking a long course.

What an introductory dive involves

A try dive, also called a discovery dive, is designed for people who have never breathed underwater. The instructor first explains the equipment, the hand signals and how to equalise the pressure in your ears. You practise breathing from the regulator in shallow water, and only when you feel comfortable do you go deeper.

The instructor stays beside you throughout and controls the depth, which stays shallow. You do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water and answer the health questions honestly. The whole session, including briefing, equipment and exit, takes about three hours, and the dive itself is a part of it.

The coral reef and marine life

The reef near Sahl Hasheesh is a living wall of hard and soft corals, with brain coral, table coral and branching staghorn in shades of pink, green and purple. Schools of small orange anthias move above the coral, and you can expect to see butterflyfish, parrotfish, sergeant majors, angelfish and sometimes a moray eel resting in a crack.

Because the dive is shallow, the light is bright and the colours are strong. The instructor points out the animals that are easy to miss, such as camouflaged scorpionfish or clownfish near their anemones. Please do not touch the coral or the animals: the reef is fragile and the instructor will explain how to stay clear of it.

The dive centre and equipment

The dive centre sits on the beach, so the preparation is relaxed and close to the water. Your price includes a wetsuit, mask, fins, tank and regulator, which are fitted and checked by the instructor before you enter. Soft drinks are included, and the exact meeting location is sent with your booking confirmation.

Hotel transfers are not included in this option, so plan how to reach the beach from your hotel in Sahl Hasheesh. The small group of up to ten means the instructor can look after every diver, and the team speaks several languages, including Arabic and English, so you can ask questions in your own language.

Planning your day

Start times run through the day, from the morning until the late afternoon, and our team confirms the slot you choose. The morning usually has the calmest water, while the afternoon is a good choice if you prefer a slower start or want to dive after a lazy morning at the pool.

Do not dive if you will fly within a day, as the usual safety rule is to wait before flying after diving. Allow time for a relaxed lunch before or after, and bring a towel and sunscreen. If you would like to combine this with a boat day, ask our team to suggest another day for the best experience.