The Kings of the Red Sea: Should You Be Worried?
The word "Shark" often triggers two very different reactions: fear or excitement. For divers, seeing a shark is the highlight of the trip, a sign of a healthy and thriving coral reef ecosystem. But for many tourists, the question remains: "Is it safe to swim in Hurghada?"
The short answer is: Yes. Shark incidents are statistically incredibly rare. In fact, you are more likely to be injured by a falling coconut than a shark! Here is your guide to the fascinating sharks you might actually meet in Hurghada and how to interact with them safely.
Common Species in Hurghada (The Friendly Locals)
While the big, pelagic sharks live far offshore, the reefs near Hurghada are home to smaller, shier species:
Whitetip Reef Shark: The most common resident. You will often find them sleeping in caves or under table corals during the day. They are generally harmless and very shy.
Leopard Shark (Zebra Shark): A beautiful, docile shark with a long tail and spots. They love resting on sandy bottoms and are a photographer's dream.
The Gentle Giant: Whale Shark: Every summer, we get lucky sightings of the massive Whale Shark. Despite their size (up to 12 meters), they eat only plankton and are completely harmless to humans.
Where are the "Big Guys"?
If you want to see the bigger, more adrenaline-pumping sharks like the Oceanic Whitetip (Longimanus) or Hammerheads, you won't usually find them on daily dives. You need to join a Diving Safari to remote offshore islands like The Brothers or Elphinstone.
Shark Safety: Respect, Don't Fear
Sharks are not mindless man-eaters; they are intelligent predators. Accidents usually happen due to human error (like illegal fishing or feeding). Follow these rules to stay safe:
Never Feed Sharks: Feeding changes their behavior and conditions them to associate humans with food.
Keep Your Distance: Do not chase or try to touch them. If a shark approaches, stay calm, maintain eye contact, and enjoy the moment.
Avoid Murky Water: Sharks use their senses to hunt; in low visibility, mistakes can happen.
Conclusion
Seeing a shark in the wild is a privilege, not a nightmare. If you are lucky enough to spot one on your next dive, take a deep breath and watch the master of the ocean in action.
