Diving Star

Established in 2007, Diving Star has spent over two decades navigating the diverse marine environments of the Red Sea. Located in Hurghada, the centre serves as a professional hub for both recreational divers looking for daily reef excursions and those pursuing advanced technical certifications.

The operation is built around a commitment to professional standards, managing a wide range of dive profiles from shallow coral gardens to deep wreck penetrations. Whether you are looking for a relaxed day on the reef or a challenging drift dive, the centre organises itineraries based on the specific conditions of the day.

The team at Diving Star is composed of qualified instructors capable of guiding divers through a wide variety of environments. To ensure personalised attention and safety, the centre maintains a strict ratio of no more than 8 divers per guide, which is well below the standard industry limit.

Communication is seamless for international visitors, as the staff is multilingual. You can expect to be directed and briefed in English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, or Romanian, ensuring that technical details and safety protocols are fully understood before you enter the water.

Diving Star offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses designed to take you from your first breath underwater to professional levels. The curriculum includes the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, as well as the Rescue Diver and Divemaster programmes.

For divers looking to specialise, the centre provides the PADI Wreck Diver Specialty, which is ideal for the many historic wrecks located in the region. The training is structured to build confidence and technical proficiency across all levels of experience.

The centre maintains a high standard of kit, with regulators and BCDs undergoing regular servicing and equipment being renewed annually. For those who prefer not to travel with their own heavy gear, a full range of rental equipment is available on-site.

Safety is prioritised with emergency oxygen available on every boat. For those looking to extend their bottom time on deeper sites, Nitrox is available for use.

The reefs around Hurghada are teeming with life, from large pelagics to vibrant reef fish. You will frequently encounter Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various species of turtles, and large groups of Anthias (Anthias). Schools of Jack (Carangidae), Tuna (Thunnus), and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) are common in the deeper blue, alongside Reef shark (Carcharhinus) and even Hammerhead sharks during certain periods.

The shallower coral gardens are home to a colourful array of Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), Parrotfish (Calotomus), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). You can also spot blue-spotted stingrays (Hypanus americanus) cruising the sandy patches and various species of Grouper (Epinephelus) stationed near the reef structures.

For those with an eye for detail, the macro life is exceptional. Keep a lookout for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and various Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) tucked into the crevices. Moray eel (Muraenidae) and different species of shrimp and small reef fish add to the complexity of the ecosystem.

Conditions in the Red Sea vary depending on the season and the specific site. The most favourable periods for diving are generally spring and autumn, when visibility is often at its peak. During the summer, plankton blooms can occasionally affect water clarity.

Sea conditions can be influenced by northern winds, which may create surface swell and affect access to more exposed sites. Currents can range from negligible on sheltered reefs like Fanous West to moderate or even strong on more open sites like the SS Thistlegorm or the northern island routes.