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THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive

  • THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive
  • THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive
  • THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive
  • THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive
  • THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive
  • THE RED SEA: A great place to learn to scuba dive
THE RED SEA, EGYPT
 
The Red Sea in Egypt is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, and is the Northern most tropical sea in the world. The sea has 2000 kilometres of coral reef along the coastline, and some of the reefs are between 5000 and 7000 years old. The reefs have formed platforms and lagoons along the coast, and some other unusual formations that are different from other underwater structures elsewhere in the world. There are extensive shallow shelves in the Red Sea, and these have provided amazing scuba diving opportunities. Divers in the Red Sea can expect to see a wealth of marine life, as the area is home to over 1200 types of fish, 10% of which are not found anywhere else in the world. There are also 44 species of shark, at least 42 types of deepwater fish, and over 1000 species of invertebrates. The dive sites in Egypt have become world famous for their variety and abundance of marine life. The sea is extremely warm, due to the high surface temperatures and the salinity, meaning that diving is enjoyable all year round.
 
The Red Sea Highlights
 
The resort of El Gouna occupies a beautiful position on the Red Sea, with its series of islands and turquoise lagoons resting against a dramatic mountain backdrop. The resort has some excellent architecture, that seamlessly balances modern with traditional. At El Gouna, you will find some of the best beaches and islands in Egypt, including Zeytouna Beach, Tazila Island and Gobal Island. The islands and reefs near to El Gouna provide some of the top diving spots in the Red Sea. The water is protected, meaning that it is a great area for beginners to learn how to scuba dive, yet experienced divers will also appreciate the wrecks, and the abundance of dolphin in these waters. Thanks to the diving conditions, this is somewhere where handicapped divers are able to partake in the sport. The water off Mangroovy beach is the number one location for kite surfing in the Red Sea.
 
Hurghada is the most visited tourist destination in Egypt. The surrounding area is known for its dramatic landscape, characterised by colourful mountains and deep canyons. The sea off the coast of Hurghada has clear and calm waters, which are fairly warm all year round, and there are some of the best offshore reefs in the world. As a result, the number one activity for visitors to the town to enjoy is scuba diving. For those not wishing to have a diving holiday, there are also excellent snorkelling opportunities. A safari trip into the desert is a good contrast to diving, and is possible on horse or camel back, quad bike, buggy or jeep. The safaris normally include a visit to a traditional Bedouin tribe for a breathtaking sunset in the desert. Giftun Island, not far from the coast of Hurghada, is a beautiful paradise island in the Red Sea. The water around the island is amazingly clear, and it is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers.
 
Safaga is a pretty port town in Egypt, which is known for its unpolluted atmosphere, its long sandy beaches and its beautiful islands. The black sand dunes of Safaga are also famous, as are its mineral springs which are reported to have excellent health benefits. The town is a hotspot for kite surfers and windsurfers as it has perfect conditions for the sports. The reefs and underwater formations off the coast of Safaga have some brilliant areas for scuba diving, and it is possible that divers will see tuna, sharks, eels and manta rays. The town is also known for Mons Claudianus, which are the ruins of a Roman settlement that are in the nearby desert. It is the largest, and best preserved Roman site in this area, and has some fascinating ancient artefacts.
 
Marsa Alam is Egypt’s southernmost resort, and enjoys the world’s warmest sea and year round sunshine. Many of the coral reefs of its coast have not been touched by man, and therefore the diving is really exciting. Scuba divers are likely to see sharks, dolphins and even dugongs. There are dive spots suitable for all levels of diver. The area is known for the Wadi el Gimal National Park, where wild gazelle can be found amidst the mangroves and acacia trees. The park is also home to the ancient Emerald mining villages of Mons Smaragdus, otherwise known as Cleopatra's Mines.
 
Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most famous diving resorts in the world. Situated at the Southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, the resort has easy access to some superb wrecks, such as the Thistlegorm and the Durraven. Divers will also benefit from the magnificent Ras Mohammed National Park, where 800 metre deep reef walls and coral gardens provide a playground for a wealth of underwater species. In addition to diving, the resort also has some great golf courses and nightlife.

Dahab has some of the best diving spots in the world. It is famously known for the ‘Blue Hole’, which put Dahab on the map. This dive spot, which is a 130 metre deep submarine sinkhole, has been nicknamed the ‘world’s most dangerous dive site’, and is only suitable for experienced divers.