The Best Places to Dive in the Middle East

From the Red Sea to the Gulf of Oman, there are a wealth of world-class scuba diving sites across the Middle East. Some of the best spots are in Egypt, Jordan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where divers can explore everything from pristine coral reefs to impressive shipwrecks.

In addition to stopping at ports with premier diving sites like Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt and Aqaba, Jordan, Windstar offers half a dozen cruises in the Middle Eastwith diving tours in Khasab, Oman.Here are some of the best places to dive in the Middle East:

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El-Sheikh is located at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula on the north coast of the Red Sea, offering access to Ras Mohammed National Park, which is popular among divers of all ability levels. The protected waters of Ras Mohammed are home to healthy coral reefs and an abundance of marine wildlife, including eagle rays, black-tipped reef sharks, a wide variety of fish and occasionally turtles and dolphins. The Shark and Yolanda reefs are the most famous sites, plus the cave at Jackfish Alley and the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, a sunken British WWII freighter. The Red Sea is considered a year-round diving destination, and the annual average water temperature on the coast in Ras Mohammed is approximately 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Windstar offers a number of cruises with stops in Sharm El-Sheikh, including Wonders of Arabia, Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days, and Petra, Pharaohs & the Red Sea.

Hurghada, Egypt

Located on the northwestern coast of the Red Sea, Hurghada is another famous Egyptian diving destination. Once a quiet fishing village, the area is now home to numerous high-end resorts and dive centers with liveaboards, making it the perfect place for both beginner and advanced divers. There are numerous reefs surrounding Hurghada, and the adjacent Giftun Islands, just a few miles from the port city, are one of the most popular dive sites. Just a few miles to the north of Hurghada is Aso El Gouna, which is another prime site, and there are even a handful of wrecks in the region, including the remains of the El Mina and Salem Express.

Windstar offers several cruises with stops in Hurghada, including Wonders of Arabia, Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days, and Petra, Pharaohs & the Red SeaCruise Tour.

Aqaba, Jordan

Aqaba is the gateway to some of the best scuba diving in the Red Sea, with nearly two dozen sites located in the Aqaba Marine Reserve, which sits between the port city and Jordan's border with Saudi Arabia. The Aqaba Marine Reserve, which is part of the larger Marine Peace Park of the Red Sea, is a UNESCO site and home to 157 species of reef-building corals, 120 species of soft corals and over 500 species of fish, plus Hawksbill turtles and nudibranchs. The wreck of the Cedar Pride is another iconic spot, as it has been taken over by hard and soft corals since it sunk in 1985. Nearly all dive sites are shallow at the shore, and range from a depth of 1 to 60 meters, making them perfect for divers of all levels. Visibility ranges from 15 to 30 meters, with the average water temperature around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Windstar offers a number of cruises that begin in Aqaba, including Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days, Star Collector: Comprehensive Middle EastandStar Collector: Glory of the Red & Arabian Seas, making it possible for guests to spend several days exploring the region before embarking on their cruise.

Khasab, Oman

Khasab is located on the Musandam Peninsula, which sits between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The Musandam Peninsula is often referred to as the "Norway of Arabia," due to its stunning fjord-like landscapes. The Musandam region's deep cliffs and cool water upwelling create the perfect habitat for an abundance of plankton, making this a feeding ground for whale sharks and manta rays, among other marine wildlife. The Daymaniyat Islands feature all kinds of hard coral formations, while the island of Al Fahal is home to a large shark population.

Windstar offers a number of cruises with the option to dive in Khasab, including Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf, Wonders of Arabia, Arabian Nights & Egyptian Days, and Pearls of the Persian Gulf & Ode to Oman Cruise Tour. Guests will have 90 total minutes of dive time, with a one-hour surface interval between two dives. Guests will be asked to provide their dive certificate level, number of dives and date of their last dive.

Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Located on the east coast of the Musandam Peninsula, just 75 miles from Dubai, Fujairah is considered the top dive site in the UAE. Fujairah's waters are home to coral reefs and a handful of shipwrecks, plus a drift dive option for advanced divers. Dibba Island is an underwater hotspot rich with marine life, and other famous spots include Martini Rock, Hole in the Wall, Snoopy Island and the Zainab Wreck. There are also options for night dives, which is an incredible way to see marine life like lionfish, stingrays, squid and perhaps even octopus.

Windstar offers a few cruises with stops in Fujairah, including Sparkling Sands & Cities of the Persian Gulf, Star Collector: Persian Gulf & Arabian Seas, Emirates, Qatar & the Span of Oman, andStar Collector: Bedouin Beauty and the Arabian Sea.