1- Underwater Paradise in North Africa
Blessed with hot, clear water and abundant marine life, it’s no surprise that the Red Sea of Egypt has long been regarded one of the top diving destinations in the world. A wealth of separate liveaboard and land-based package deals make it simple to schedule your holiday; while Red Sea reef diversity means there’s something for everyone-whether you’re interested in bucket listing megafauna or hard-to-find macro species.
From the wrecked north to the more distant west, three of the most famous dive spots in the region are Sharm El Sheik, Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Wherever you choose to go, five of the many reasons for choosing the Red Sea as your next dive target are here.
2- Perfect Conditions
Diving conditions are idyllic in the Red Sea, with water temperatures rarely falling below 71 ° F/22 ° C even in Egyptian winter depths (December-February). In summer, water temperatures typically reach 86 ° F/30 ° C in the southern Red Sea-enabling numerous dives to be planned without being cooled. Topside weather is equally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 68 ° F/20 ° C to 104 ° F/40 ° C depending on the moment of year.
Visibility is generally outstanding and can reach 130 feet/40 meters at times. This incredible clarity transforms the dense reefs of the area into a true aquarium, offering the ideal circumstances for underwater photographers in hopes of getting that ideal shot. The abundance of hot, transparent water enables fresh or inexperienced divers feel comfortable underwater, making the Red Sea a great option for those hoping to sign up for a scuba course at the entrance stage.
3- Spectacular Reefs
The Red Sea is known above all for its reefs, which stay stable and healthy at a moment when the impacts of climate change and marine pollution are suffering from other significant reef structures. Overall, the Red Sea reefs support over 220 distinct difficult and soft coral species. Together, these corals provide the foundation for an ecosystem that provides food and shelter to more than 1,100 fish species, almost a third of which can be discovered on Earth anywhere else.
Perhaps the most famous of the pristine reefs in the region are those of Ras Mohammed National Park, a marine reserve on the Sinai Peninsula’s southernmost tip. Established in 1983, Ras Mohammed is the earliest national park in Egypt and a sanctuary of 480 square kilometers for the spread of corals and marine life. Other unforgettable reefs are the Giftun Islands and the Tiran Straits.
4- Historical wrecks
The Red Sea is also a top diving location for wrecks, with a multitude of world-famous wrecks including several from World War II. Undoubtedly, the S.S. crash is the most iconic of these. Thistlegorm, a 1940 military-purpose merchant ship. In October 1941, while transporting goods to North Africa, she was assaulted by German aircraft. She resides at 100 feet/30 meters today, her divided hull exposing treasures in wartime including motorcycles, guns and armored cars.
The Shaab Abu Nuhas reef, whose wicked shoals have saved many boats over the millennia, is just south of famous resort town Hurghada. The most popular victims of the reef include the Giannis D, a cargo ship that fell in 1983; the Carnatic, a merchant ship that fell in 1869; and the Chrisoula K, a cargo ship that fell in 1981. All Red Sea wrecks have a distinctive background, and touring their ultimate resting areas is an amazing way to first-hand experience their tales.
5- Budget Prices
While a PADI Open Water dive course in the Florida Keys will set you back about $550, the same course in Sharm el-Sheik costs about $360 making it one of the cheapest locations in the globe to get scuba certification. Compared to a $85 fee in Florida, qualified divers can sign up for a $60 two-tank dive. Scuba diving and hosting offers like this also give an incredible value for cash. The Aggressor ship prices for 2019 price a7-night Red Sea journey at $2,355 per individual, whereas the same long journey in the Bahamas, Fiji or the Galapagos costs $2,995, $3,595 or $6,595 respectively, in an overview of the cost contrast for liveaboards.
