Egypt’s Red Sea is famous for its diverse coral reefs, drop-off walls, pinnacles, shipwrecks, and spectacular underwater terrain.
But this diving destination boasts even more astonishing marine wildlife, including exhilarating sharks in the red sea.
Most dangerous sharks in the red sea
1.Reef sharks
Egypt’s Red Sea is home to three common reef shark species; grey reef sharks and blacktip/whitetip reef sharks can frequently be seen swimming among them.
Grey reef sharks are shy reef dwellers with stocky builds. Reaching an average maximum length of two metres, these sharks can easily be identified by the dark grey band running along the outside edge of their tail and small white tip or margin on their dorsal fin – features easily recognized by beginner divers who cruise easy currents in pursuit of grey reef sharks.
- Reef sharks are common in Egypt’s popular dive sites, ideal for first shark encounters, inhabiting waters year-round.
- Nearly threatened, they observe dive groups from afar.
Reef sharks
2. Hammerhead shark
hammerhead sharks are an amazing species to encounter during early morning dives in the Red Sea.
You might spot one schooling out in the blue or swimming central dive sites; seasonal schools occur at Daedalus and Elphinstone dive sites, while chance encounters might happen at Jackson Reef in Tiran Straits or Jackson Reef itself.
Unfortunately, this critically endangered shark species can easily be scared away by loud noises that occur nearby.
Hammerhead shark
3. Oceanic whitetip sharks
The Oceanic Whitetip Shark, an amazing species found only in the Red Sea, is an increasingly popular dive destination.
Famous for their long fins and incredible size, they are typically seen between October and January – please follow dive guide instructions closely in order to avoid rapid or flailing movements as these species are considered critically endangered.
Oceanic whitetip sharks
4. Tiger sharks
Tiger sharks are a rare and elusive species found only in the Red Sea, often roaming freely throughout its depths.
Growing to five meters long and weighing in excess of one ton, their distinctive stripes can often be found at popular dive sites like Rocky Island, Safaga or Elphinstone; unfortunately, they do not have an exact season nor threat status.
Tiger sharks
5. Whale sharks
Egypt’s northern and southern Red Sea are home to whale sharks for several months each year, feeding on planktonic blooms.
Diving sites Jackson and Woodhouse in Tiran Straits offer excellent whale shark encounters between March and July – ideal dive locations are Jackson and Woodhouse.
Whale sharks
6. Leopard sharks
Leopard sharks, known as Zebra Sharks, are nocturnal marine organisms commonly found on reefs or beaches at night, preferring molluscs and crustaceans over fish for sustenance.
Most often found around Tiran and Ras Mohammed, seasonal encounters typically happen from May to October, and year-round sightings occur.
Leopard sharks
7. Thresher sharks
Thresher sharks, an uncommon and elusive species found only in the Red Sea, can sometimes be seen during early morning dives near cleaning stations.
Due to their sensitive skins and light receptors, it’s best to remain silent when diving near these stations, while flash photography should also be avoided.
Threshers can usually be found around Brothers Islands between September and February, with most sightings occurring between these months; their conservation status has recently been classified as Vulnerable by IUCN.
Thresher sharks
Sharks in Hurghada 2024
- Whitetip Reef Sharks are small, calm creatures.
- Blacktip Reef Sharks are wary.
- Hammerhead Sharks are rare, thrilling, and rarely encountered.
- Oceanic Whitetip Sharks are rare.
Sharks in red sea Sharm El sheikh
| Shark Species | Frequency | Typical Locations & Behavior |
| Whitetip Reef Shark | Common | Sandy bottoms, caves at local dive sites |
| Grey Reef Shark | Fairly Common | Reef walls, cleaning stations |
| Scalloped Hammerhead | Seasonal | Schooling at Tiran, Jackson Reef (Jun–Nov) |
| Oceanic Whitetip Shark | Seasonal | Offshore dives, surface intervals (May–Nov) |
| Tiger Shark | Rare | Tiran, Ras Mohammed (May–Oct, turtle season) |
| Shortfin Mako Shark | Very Rare | Open water near Tiran (May–Sep) |
| Zebra Shark | Resident | Sandy reef areas, nocturnal activity |
Shark attack Egypt 2025
1.December 22, 2024: Marsa Alam, Red Sea
- Victim: Gianluca Di Gioia, 48, an EU officer.
- attacked by a tiger shark while snorkeling outside of a protected swimming zone.
- His 69-year-old buddy Giuseppe (Peppino) Fappani was injured while trying to save him.
- Following the attack, authorities blocked the area momentarily.
2.No new assaults confirmed 2025
So far, no shark attacks have been reported in Egypt in 2025.
3.May 2025 – New safety rules in the Red Sea
The Egyptian Ministry of Environment issued this statement.
Important rules include:
- Marking the start of deep water.
- Installing watchtowers and lifeguards.
- Swimming alone and at dawn or dusk is prohibited.
- Swimming is not permitted in designated fishing locations.
- Shiny accessories are banned.
- Ensure that rescue boats are ready.
- Proper sewage disposal from boats.
FAQs About sharks in the red sea
Are there dangerous sharks in the red sea?
Yes, Red Sea waters may contain dangerous shark species like oceanic whitetip, tiger, and hammerhead sharks; however, attacks are improbable, and following safety guidelines keeps risk at a minimum.
Are there great white sharks in the red sea?
No, great white sharks do not reside in the Red Sea as its warm and enclosed waters do not support them.
Instead, species such as oceanic whitetip, tiger, hammerhead, grey reef and whitetip reef sharks may occasionally be observed there.
Are there bull sharks in the red sea?
No, bull sharks are not native to the Red Sea – these sharks prefer river mouths and coastal waters with fluctuating salinities – not something the Red Sea provides.
Common shark species found here include oceanic whitetip, hammerhead, tiger reef, and whitetip reef sharks.
Are there tiger sharks in the red sea?
Tiger sharks live in the Red Sea, particularly in Sharm El Sheikh, Tiran, and Ras Mohammed, and are potentially lethal predators, however sightings are rare.
How many shark attacks in egypt?
| Scope | Total Attacks | Fatal Attacks |
| All of Egypt | ~40–44 | ~4–13 |
| Red Sea region (subset) | 9–24 | 4–7 |
How many sharks in the red sea?
The Red Sea is home to more than 40 species of sharks.
- Some of the most notable include:
- Oceanic whitetip shark
- Grey reef shark
- Whitetip reef shark
- Hammerhead sharks (scalloped, great, and smooth)
- Tiger shark
- Thresher shark
- Silky shark
- Zebra shark
- Shortfin mako shark
Is Red Sea safe to swim?
Yes, the Red Sea is normally safe to swim in, and millions of people visit it each year. Resorts like as Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam have dedicated swimming areas with lifeguards and safety precautions.
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