Egypt diving but not Sharm! Any recommendations?

Have dived in the circus that is Sharm and one holiday in Taba. Am looking to try a different area in November and would like some recommendations. Not heard too much positive about Hurghurda, anyone disagree with that? How does the fish/coral life in Marsa Alam compare to Sharm? El gouna?
We are really only interested in a the diving. Don't need nightlife or entertainment or culture for this holiday. Only got a week and limited budget which is why we want to go back to Egypt but really can't decide where to try next and would welcome any recommendations. Thank You!

Dahab, El Gouna or the places further South like Marsa Alam.

With a limited budget, Dahab may be the best choice. Most of the diving there is shorediving, making it cheaper than the other places.

Dahab is definitely one of the best, and cheapest, places to dive in Egypt. As stevenl stated, most dive sites are shore entrances within an easy walk or drive. This does not mean that there is less to choose from, or see. There are many great sights, including the famous Blue Hole/Canyon (depending what qualification you have) and it doesn't have the terrible overcrowding problem that Sharm suffers from. There are loads of dive centres to choose from, however, some do not have such good reputations. Some good ones are:

Dahab itslef has a very laid back vibe, much different from its neighbour Sharm. Everything is cheaper in Dahab as well. Good for a holiday on a budget.

Can also recommend Dahab.

Give these guys a go too, i went to Dahab with them earlier in the year and they were wicked:

http://www.activediving.co.uk/

Emma
x

I love Dahab, but if diving is your main (or only) objective, you should consider one of the dive camps in Marsa Alam. Have a look at Red Sea Diving Safaris, for example their Marsa Shagra Camp. It's not as cheap as Dahab (both for diving and accomodation), but if you have your own equipment and plan to do a lot of dives it's not too bad, really, as the package includes unlimited diving on the house reef (including drop-off or pick-up in the small boat) in addition to the two guided dives per day on other reefs.

El Gouna is great check out www.divetribe.com. But if you want to get away from the masses found in the rest of the Red Sea including Dahab, then go further south to Marsa Alam.

TimorDiver

thank you all for you comments. I think my heart is set on Marsa Alam now, just needed some friendly advice to help me make that decision! Right, weather is awful, lets get the credit card out and book it!