
Pickalbatros Citadel Resort Sahl Hasheesh
★★★★★
★ 9.5/10 (7,266 reviews)
14 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Hurghada · Egypt
5.0440 Google reviewsExplore the Red Sea's legendary wrecks and vibrant reefs with a team providing small groups of maximum five divers per guide.
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
Located in Hurghada, Diving Around has been a fixture of the Red Sea diving scene since 2002. The centre is positioned to provide access to some of Egypt's most significant underwater landmarks, from shallow coral gardens to historic deep-water wrecks.
Operating with multiple international affiliations including PADI, SSI, SDI, and CMAS, the centre caters to a wide range of experience levels. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are a professional diver pursuing a Dive Master qualification, the setup is designed for structured, safety-conscious diving.
The centre is defined by a multilingual team capable of conducting training and guiding in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, and Arabic. This allows for clear communication on the boat and during technical briefings, which is essential for maintaining safety standards.
Instruction is delivered with a strict ratio of no more than five divers per guide. This ensures that even in more challenging environments, such as the currents found near Umm Gamar Island, you receive personalised attention. For younger divers, the Bubblemaker programme provides an introduction to the underwater world for children aged 8 and above.
The training catalogue is extensive, covering all major international agencies including PADI, SSI, SDI, and CMAS. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) or progress through Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver courses.
For those looking to specialise, the centre offers a variety of modules such as Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, Drift Diver, and Sidemount Diver. Professional divers can work towards their Dive Master certification, and technical options including Semiclosed Rebreather Diver are also available.
The centre operates modern, comfortable dive boats designed for full-day excursions. These vessels feature large diving platforms to make entries and exits easier, along with shaded areas to protect you from the sun between dives.
Onboard, you will find facilities including toilets and areas for dining, where fresh lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are provided. The boats are equipped with essential safety gear, including VHF radio, GPS, and an oxygen unit. Nitrox is available for use on these trips.
For those who prefer not to carry their own kit, a full range of equipment is available for hire. This includes masks, snorkels, fins, 3mm and 5mm wetsuits, BCDs, regulators, dive computers, and 12L aluminium cylinders.
Safety is a priority on shore, with an oxygen unit maintained on-site for emergency use. The centre also maintains a strong commitment to marine conservation through its involvement with Project AWARE.
Shaab El Erg, also known as Dolphin House, is a reef site suitable for all levels. It is famous for its vibrant coral gardens and frequent sightings of dolphins.
Abu Nuhas is a premier wreck diving location for advanced divers. This site is home to several famous shipwrecks resting among soft corals.
The SS Thistlegorm is an iconic wreck for advanced divers, sitting at depths of up to 30 metres. This Second World War merchant ship contains a fascinating array of cargo, including locomotives, trucks, and rifles.
Umm Gamar Island offers spectacular walls and drop-offs. The site is known for attracting large fish, though divers should be prepared for potentially strong currents.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The reefs around Hurghada are teeming with life, ranging from tropical fish to larger pelagics. You can regularly observe sea turtles, reef sharks, octopus, and spiny lobster patrolling the reef structures.
Macro life enthusiasts will find plenty to explore among the corals, including various species of octopus. The diverse habitats provide excellent opportunities for close-up encounters with smaller marine organisms.
In the open water and along the walls, you may encounter larger species such as groupers and various tropical fish species. The presence of healthy coral gardens supports a high density of marine biodiversity throughout the year.
Diving in this region is possible year-round, though the peak heat of July and August is often noted by divers as a period to approach with caution. While many dive sites are sheltered, certain locations like Umm Gamar Island can experience strong currents.
Visibility is generally excellent, frequently reaching up to 30 metres. During night dives, the presence of bioluminescent plankton can add a unique dimension to the underwater experience.
Hello, I'm Marina, DivingDeal.com's AI assistant. I answer in detail about hotels, dive centres and liveaboards.

Thinking about the whole trip and the flights? Talk it over with Edith →
Marina is an AI. Some links are affiliate links: DivingDeal may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Bookings are made with the partner.

★★★★★
★ 9.5/10 (7,266 reviews)
14 km away as the crow flies

★★★★★
★ 9.4/10 (1,212 reviews)
10 km away as the crow flies

★★★★★
★ 9.3/10 (2,454 reviews)
26 km away as the crow flies

★★★★★
★ 9.3/10 (2,074 reviews)
10 km away as the crow flies