Local Dive Centers
Most of the diving is done shore-based with local dive operators running day trips to local dive sites. However, travelling time to the dive sites can belong. For example from Sharm El Sheikh, you can go on a day trip to the Thistlegorm Wreck but it takes 3h30 min each way! Ras Mohammed is reached in about 1 hour. From Hurghada, it takes 3 hours to reach the Abu Nuhas Wrecks! Alternatively, Dahab offers most of the time shore diving with quick access by car or even camel! Marsa Alam has excellent day trips to Elphinstone Reef, Abu Dabbab and Fury Shoals.
Liveaboards
If you want to maximise your number of dives and to explore the popular dive sites early in the morning before it gets crowded, you should consider taking a liveaboard.
The liveaboards exploring the North Red Sea (Ras Mohammed National Park, Abu Nuhas Wrecks, Thistlegorm Wreck, …) start in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. The liveaboards exploring the South Red Sea and offshore reefs such as the excellent Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reefs, and Zarbagad start in Hurghada and Marsa Alam