Brayka Divers is a well-equipped PADI dive centre (also offering SSI and CMAS training) located at Brayka Bay in the southern Red Sea, serving guests of Brayka Bay Resort and Royal Brayka Resort. Managed by Kris Williams with an international team of around 35 staff, the centre prioritises quality, safety and fun. Facilities include a training pool next to air-conditioned classrooms, a central rinse pool, dry rooms, a cosy meeting area, shaded access to the house reef and speedboats, and a diver pergola about 80 m from the centre on the beach. Rental gear comes from reputable brands (Mares, Aqualung, Suunto and others), with regular maintenance by certified technicians. Emergency oxygen, first-aid equipment and drills are standard; a 24/7 decompression chamber is within about 10 minutes. Nitrox is available, and the team supports a local deco-chamber donation programme.
The short distances to the house reef and speedboat mooring make it ideal for both divers and snorkellers of all levels. Divers with fewer than 25 logged dives must be guided (CDWS-licensed); more experienced divers can explore the house reef unguided. Languages supported include English, German, Dutch, French, Italian and others.
The house reef sits in a naturally sheltered bay, protected from wind and high waves, allowing safe year-round diving and snorkelling. It offers six diverse spots suitable for beginners through to experienced divers. Entry is easy and safe via a sandy bottom from the middle of the beach—excellent for courses and shallow-water skills. The north side is particularly well-protected. Healthy coral covers walls with overhangs, coral gardens and pinnacles, supporting a rich variety of fish of all sizes and colours, plus the chance of turtles, moray eels, lionfish, clownfish and more. Early-morning or night dives are available (surcharge applies).
A free Zodiac runs daily for exploring the south side of the reef: start outside by boat and drift or swim back along the reef to the beach. Speedboat dives use convenient jetty steps for easier boarding. The calm, clear water just 50–80 m from the centre is perfect for training and relaxed daily diving.
The centre teaches to PADI standards (with SSI and CMAS options available; some instructors can certify across agencies) using digital materials and native-language instruction for better understanding and safety. Courses run from beginner to instructor level, with theory in air-conditioned classrooms and practical sessions in the pool and nearby house reef.
Beginner / introductory programmes
- Kids Programme (min. 8 years)
- Discover Scuba Diving I & II (min. 10 years)
- PADI Scuba Diver (min. 10/15 years; 2 days, max 12 m)
- PADI Open Water Diver (min. 10/15 years; 3–4 days, max 18 m; rental equipment included)
Continuing education
- Advanced Open Water Diver (min. 12 years; includes Deep and Navigation)
- Rescue Diver
- Specialties such as Boat Diver, Deep Diver, Drift Diver, Night Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigator, Underwater Photographer, Enriched Air Nitrox, Sidemount, Self-Reliant Diver and more
- Emergency First Response / O2 Provider
- Scuba Refresher
- Higher-level and technical options (Extended Range etc.) available
Packages for multiple dives (e.g. 6, 10, 20 or 30 dives) and family options are offered. Certification and online materials are additional.
Daily house-reef diving is complemented by a wide range of half-day and full-day trips by speedboat (two modern boats based in the bay for short hops to ~15 nearby sites), minibus, or larger day boats from Marsa Alam harbour (~20 minutes south by bus) and Port Ghalib (~35 minutes north). This gives access to the full spectrum of Marsa Alam sites. Full-day boat trips typically include lunch and soft drinks. Shore/minibus trips reach beautiful beach dives in the area. Approximately 25 dive sites feature healthy, colourful coral and abundant marine life.
Popular sites and how they are reached
- Elphinstone Reef – World-famous wall and drift dive (~20–30 min by speedboat). Steep soft-coral walls, gorgonians, sponges; oceanic whitetip sharks (Longimanus), occasional hammerheads (especially June–July), barracuda, tuna, turtles and Napoleon wrasse. Requires Advanced certification and ideally 50+ logged dives with current/shark experience.
- Abu Dabab (Turtle Bay) – ~15 min by minibus north. Sheltered bay with seagrass; reliable giant green turtles. Easy beach entry, ideal for beginners, snorkellers and families. Nearby Gota Abu Dabab sites by speedboat.
- Shaab Samadai (Dolphin House) – Full-day boat trip (transfer to Marsa Alam harbour then ~1 hour by boat). Horseshoe reef and marine park with resident spinner (sometimes bottlenose) dolphins. Two dives possible; excellent for families and snorkellers (lifejackets required to protect the dolphins). Protected zones managed by HEPCA.
- Shaab Marsa Alam – Coral garden with pinnacles, channels, schools of fish, morays; small wreck interest.
- Equinox / Dugong sites – Seagrass areas for dugong (sea cow) and turtle sightings; popular for snorkelling with boat support.
- Other nearby options by speedboat or minibus: Habiba Wall, Marsa Assalaya, Marsa Egla, Marsa Murain / Shouna Bay, Om Halhalla, Abu Nawas Garden, Nemo City, Long Canyon, Habili sites, Abu Ghusson / Hamata wreck area, and more.
Trips range from relaxed half-day speedboat or minibus outings to full-day adventures. Early-morning, night and guided options are available. The combination of a protected house reef for daily diving and easy access to iconic southern Red Sea sites (sharks, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, pristine walls and coral gardens) makes Brayka Divers an excellent base for a varied Marsa Alam diving holiday.