United Divers

United Divers is a long-established diving operation located in Safaga, Egypt. Situated within the Dolphin Hotel, the centre provides easy access to the Red Sea's most significant marine environments, from shallow coral gardens to deep-sea walls and historic wrecks.

The centre is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of diving, ranging from those completing their first Open Water course to technical divers seeking advanced rebreather or trimix training. Whether you are looking for a day trip to nearby reefs or a multi-day safari to the offshore islands, the operation is built around a foundation of professional service and safety.

Managed by Hamada Saad, who has been a captain of liveaboard vessels since 1995, the team has been active in Safaga since 2004. The centre maintains a professional atmosphere, focusing on a high standard of instruction and dive support.

The staff is experienced in handling both recreational and technical diving profiles. For those visiting from international locations, the team provides instruction and guidance in English, French, and Arabic, ensuring clear communication during briefings and training sessions.

United Divers offers a comprehensive curriculum through PADI, SSI, and IANTD affiliations. For those starting their journey, they provide Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, alongside the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox specialty and PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox).

Technical divers can access advanced training including Sidemount courses, Rebreather courses, and Trimix training such as the IANTD Normoxic Trimix Plus Diver. The centre also provides instructor-level training and the SSI Master Diver programme. For those looking to move into professional roles, PADI Divemaster training is available.

The Ramadan 3 is a 39-metre luxury liveaboard vessel, recently renovated to include updated suites and double beds. It can accommodate up to 26 guests, including 10 double cabins and 3 suites, and is powered by two 1200 ch MAN engines. The boat features a 50m² diving platform with double benches and individual storage, alongside multiple teak sun-decks and shaded areas for relaxation.

On board the Ramadan 3, you will find a dining hall, a lounge with a multimedia system, and full board service including lunch and unlimited drinks such as water, tea, coffee, and soda. The vessel is well-equipped for technical diving, featuring three Bauer air compressors and a dedicated Nitrox compressor. For excursions to shallower or closer sites, the centre also operates the Compass, a daily boat with a capacity for 20 divers, equipped with freshwater showers, two toilets, and a zodiac.

Both vessels are equipped with essential safety gear, including life jackets, oxygen, and first aid kits. The Ramadan 3 is specifically configured for long-range safaris, allowing you to reach remote sites like the Brothers Islands, Daedalus, and Elphinstone Reef.

The centre's shore-based facilities include a Nitrox station and Bauer compressors to support both recreational and technical diving requirements. For divers who prefer not to carry their own kit, a full range of equipment is available for hire, including regulators, BCDs (stab jackets), wetsuits, and 15-litre cylinders.

Located at the Dolphin Hotel, the centre provides a convenient base with access to a swimming pool and sea views. Transfers are organised for guests staying in Safaga, as well as those located in Makadi Bay, Sheraton, or Soma Bay.

The marine life in this region is diverse, particularly around the offshore reefs and wrecks. You will frequently encounter large pelagics, including Hammerheads, Oceanic White Tip Sharks, Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), and Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus). During certain times of the year, Thresher Sharks may also be sighted.

The reef structures themselves are adorned with a rich variety of fixed life, such as giant sea fans (Gorgoniidae), soft coral (Alcyonacea), sponges, and various stony corals. You will also see anemones (Actiniaria), gorgonians, and black coral trees decorating the walls and overhangs.

In the water column and around the coral gardens, look for schooling reef fish, including Anthias (Anthias), glassfish, and various snappers. Larger inhabitants like humphead wrasses, Napoleon wrasse, and goatfish are common, alongside sea turtles (Cheloniidae), rays, and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda).

For those interested in smaller details, the reefs host a variety of macro life, including nudibranchs, octopuses, and moray eels. You may also spot garden eels, crabs, and various species of butterflyfish (Chaetodon) navigating the coral labyrinths.

Diving in the area is best conducted from February to December. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions, as several iconic sites—including the Brothers Islands, Daedalus, Elphinstone, Rocky Island, and St-John’s Reef—are known for having strong currents.

While many sites offer sheltered coral gardens, the offshore reefs are often subject to more significant water movement, which is a key factor for those planning drift dives or technical excursions.