SUBEX The Art of Diving

Since 1965, SUBEX has been a significant name in Egyptian diving, playing a foundational role in the development of the local industry. They were instrumental in the co-founding of HEPCA and the installation of the first mooring buoys to protect the fragile reef systems. This long history is reflected in their approach, which prioritises the health of the marine environment alongside diver safety.

Located in Sharm El Sheikh, the centre operates with a philosophy that rejects mass production in favour of personalised experiences. You will find a team that values the individual diver, ensuring that training and exploration are conducted at a pace that suits your specific skill level and comfort.

The centre is built on a foundation of professional instruction across multiple certifying bodies, including PADI, SSI, CMAS, VDST, and GDL. This allows for a highly flexible training programme tailored to your preferred certification path.

Safety and attention to detail are managed through a strict guide-to-diver ratio, with a maximum of 4 divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are navigating a reef flat or exploring a wreck, you have sufficient support and supervision.

Environmental responsibility is woven into their daily operations. From providing free drinking water to reduce plastic waste to their active involvement in reef conservation, the team operates with a deep respect for the ecosystem they inhabit.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering every stage from initial 'Try-Dive' sessions and 'Revelation Dive' experiences to professional instructor training. They offer full certification paths such as the SUBEX Diver and the SUBEX ART Diver, which aligns with Advanced Open Water standards.

Speciality courses are a core part of their offering, allowing you to refine specific skills. You can enrol in courses for Wreck diving, Drift diving, Night diving, Deep diving, and Compass orientation. They also provide technical training in buoyancy perfection, diving skills, and safety and rescue.

For younger divers, a complete range of Junior certifications is available from Junior 1* through to Junior 3*. The centre also provides specialised modules in marine biology, oceanology, and equipment technology for those looking to deepen their theoretical knowledge.

For those not travelling with their own kit, the centre offers high-quality Scubapro rental equipment. You can hire full sets or select specific items such as masks, snorkels, and fins.

Nitrox is available for use, including a specialised 'Air28' blend designed to enhance safety by providing a higher oxygen content without depth restrictions. The centre is also equipped to support night diving with the necessary lighting and safety protocols in place.

The reefs are a vibrant tapestry of hard and soft corals, including Porites coral heads, fan corals, and various gorgonians. You will find a diverse array of reef fish such as Anthias, Butterflyfish, and various species of Wrasse (Labridae), alongside schools of Fusilier and Snapper. Large groupers (Epinephelus) and Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) are frequently seen patrolling the structures.

Pelagic life adds excitement to the dives, with sightings of Tuna (Thunnus), Jack (Carangidae), and various species of sharks including Grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus). You may also encounter Eagle ray (Aetobatus) and various species of rays.

Macro enthusiasts can look for a wealth of smaller life, including Nudibranchs, Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda). The sandy areas and crevices host Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), various species of shrimp, and Garden eel (Gorgasia), providing endless opportunities for close-up observation.

Sea turtles are a regular presence in these waters, along with various species of pufferfish and interesting crustaceans. The presence of species like the Peacock mantis shrimp and various species of anemone fish makes every dive a detailed exploration of the Red Sea's biodiversity.

Diving in this region is characterised by warm water, with temperatures typically around 29°C. The centre offers night diving as a standard part of their programme, allowing you to witness the transition of the reef's inhabitants as the light fades.