06/08/2025
Here are the key facts about sharks in Hurghada, Egypt – especially useful if you’re planning a trip and want to stay safe and informed:
🦈 SHARK FACTS IN HURGHADA
🗺️ Where is Hurghada?
Hurghada is on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, known for clear water, coral reefs, snorkeling, diving, and marine wildlife – including some species of sharks.
🔍 ARE THERE SHARKS IN HURGHADA?
Yes – the Red Sea is home to sharks, but shark attacks are very rare in Hurghada. Most species stay in deeper waters and avoid human contact.
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⚠️ SHARK INCIDENTS IN HURGHADA
• Incidents are extremely rare – but have happened.
• In June 2023, a fatal shark attack occurred near Dream Beach (south of Hurghada).
• Egyptian authorities closed some beaches temporarily and increased patrols.
• Attacks usually happen due to:
• Feeding sharks (by humans)
• Fishing waste dumped in the sea
• Swimming alone in deep open water
July 3–4, 2022: Two Fatal Attacks Near Hurghada
• Two women—a 68‑year‑old Austrian and a Romanian tourist—were attacked separately near Sahl Hasheesh, just south of Hurghada.
• Both fatalities occurred within 600 m (~2,000 ft) of each other; the same shark may have been involved .
• Authorities closed off that section of coastline for several days and launched investigations .
Broader Red Sea Context & Other Incidents
• December 2024, Marsa Alam (Red Sea resort ~200 km south): An Italian tourist was killed by a mako shark outside the swimming zone. Another tourist who tried to help survived with injuries. A scientific investigation later confirmed the species as mako and cited overfishing and restricted swimming-area use as critical risk factors .
• 2015 & 2018: Two separate fatal shark attacks killed tourists off Red Sea beaches—one German (2015) and one Czech (2018) .
• December 2010, Sharm el‑Sheikh (≈200 km south): Within five days there were five attacks—four injuries and one fatality (German woman) by oceanic whitetip and mako sharks. This triggered beach closures and changes in local regulations .
🧠 WHY DO SHARK ATTACKS HAPPEN?
• Sharks don’t usually hunt humans. Attacks are often a mistaken identity (thinking swimmers are seals or fish).
• Sudden splashing or shiny jewelry can attract curiosity.
• Swimming far from shore in deeper waters increases the risk, although still very low.
✅ SAFETY TIPS FOR SWIMMING & SNORKELING
1. Swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present.
2. Avoid swimming at dawn/dusk (when sharks are more active).
3. Never swim alone – always stay in groups.
4. Don’t wear shiny jewelry – it can resemble fish scales.
5. Stay away from fishing boats or areas with fish waste.
6. Don’t feed fish or sharks.
7. Avoid murky waters where visibility is low.
🐠 IS IT SAFE TO SNORKEL & DIVE IN HURGHADA?
Yes! Hurghada is one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling spots, and millions of tourists safely enjoy the Red Sea every year.
Shark sightings by divers are usually exciting, not dangerous.
📢 WHAT HAPPENS IF A SHARK IS SPOTTED?
• Beaches may be temporarily closed for safety.
• Local authorities and tourism police are usually quick to respond.
• Dive centers and hotels are informed and follow safety rules.
🌍 Why the Rise in Shark Attacks?
Marine biologists and dive experts suggest several contributing factors:
• Increased tourism and more swimmers in open water around reefs.
• Illegal feeding or fish chum by divers and fishermen, which can lure sharks closer to shore.
• Overfishing, leading sharks to hunt nearer to the coast in search of prey.
• Marine heatwaves and ecological imbalances, making shark behavior less predictable .
✅ Are Shark Attacks More Common Now in Hurghada?
Yes—before 2022, no confirmed shark bite incidents were recorded in Hurghada itself. Starting that year, three fatal attacks occurred in rapid succession:
• Two in July 2022,
• One in June 2023,
• Along with another fatality in December 2024 in nearby Marsa Alam.
These marked a significant uptick in previously rare events .
🧭 Safe Swimming Tips Based on Recent Cases
• Stay within designated swimming zones, especially near jetties or reefs.
• Obey beach closures, which may happen suddenly after a spotting or attack.
• Avoid deep or murky water areas, particularly outside monitored zones.
• No swimming during early morning or dusk, when shark activity may increase.
• Refrain from fish-feeding or disposing of leftovers at sea—these practices attract sharks.
📝 Final summary
• Hurghada has recorded more shark attacks than previously noted, with three confirmed fatal incidents since 2022—a clear departure from earlier years when no attacks were documented.
• While shark attacks remain very rare relative to the volume of tourism, the recent rise has led to increased scrutiny and tighter safety monitoring.
1. Hurghada has a Shark-Friendly Ecosystem
• Hurghada Grand Aquarium showcases nurse sharks, providing education on the species native to the Red Sea .
• Sharks in the Red Sea—including reef sharks, hammerheads, and oceanic whitetips—are naturally curious but typically shy and keep their distance unless disturbed .
2. Most Sharks Are Harmless to Humans
• Reef sharks (grey, blacktip, whitetip) are the most frequently seen and are generally passive and non-aggressive .
• Whale sharks, often spotted in warmer months, are harmless filter feeders that glide by ignoring humans entirely .
3. Rich Shark Biodiversity in the Red Sea
• Up to 44 shark species are recorded in the Red Sea. Surrounded by coral reefs and drop-offs, the region supports a genuinely diverse underwater ecosystem .
• Researchers can expand our knowledge through organizations like Red Sea Sharks and the OnlySharks Project, encouraging respectful encounters and citizen science contributions .
🧘 Why Divers and Snorkelers Still Enjoy Hurghada
• Many divers describe shark sightings as magical moments, not perilous ones. For example, a diver recalled seeing a small whitetip reef shark as “magical—not scary at all!” .
• Dive sites around Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, and Elphinstone Reef regularly offer safe, exciting sightings of reef sharks, hammerheads, tiger sharks, and even whale sharks—under professional supervision .
✅ Shark-Safe Guidelines from Experts & Authorities
Egypt’s Official Safety Measures (since May 2025)
• Lifeguards must mark deep water zones (~2 m depth) and hold watchtowers ≥ 5 m high. Fast rescue boats and first aid must be on hand.
• Vacationers are prohibited from swimming in fishing areas, at dawn/dusk, while injured, or wearing reflective jewelry. Guides explain local marine hazards in advance .
Best Practices from Diving & Conservation Groups
• Swim and dive in authorized zones—never alone or at night—under the guidance of a licensed instructor .
• Avoid fish feeding or disposing of leftovers at sea—these behaviors change shark habits and attract them closer .
• If you spot a shark, stay calm, keep eye contact, and move slowly to allow the shark space—and exit gently if needed .
🧭 Quick Summary Table
🌟 In Short
• Most sharks in the Hurghada area are reef species that avoid human interaction and provide incredible diving experiences.
• Informed behavior, diving with certified professionals, and strict safety protocols make swimming and diving in the Red Sea very safe.
• Shark sightings are rare—but thrilling—and modern tourism practices ensure you can admire these majestic creatures while minimizing risk.
