The benefits of taking a diving trip to the Red Sea. Plenty of prime diving experiences and it being only a few hours by air away make it a key diving attraction.
Scuba diving is becoming more and more popular as either the main focus or as an integral part of a leisure trip. The combination of spectacular underwater worlds are now within easy travelling reach of holidaymakers, the ease in which people can learn to dive is creating plenty of underwater as well as above ground adventurers. The Red Sea, only a few hours away by air and bristling with major underwater attractions, is a highly popular diving destination.
The Red Sea
Situated between Africa and Asia and bordered by six countries including Egypt to the west and Saudi Arabia to the east, the Red Sea is effectively an inlet of the Indian Ocean. It’s accessed from the south via the Gulf of Aden, and from the Mediterranean Sea in the north via the Suez Canal and Gulf of Suez, and from Middle East countries via the Gulf of Eilat.
The climate makes for a good all year round diving destination, and resorts in the northern area around Egypt have seen this area dubbed the ‘Red Sea Riviera’. A typical Egypt based diving trip could include Taba in the north of the Gulf of Aqaba, Dahab and Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada and Safaga further south.
There is much to look out for; for example, The Blue Hole in Dahab is one of the most famous dive sites in the world with a depth of 130 meters (430 feet). Qualified divers traverse the ‘arch’ to the reef wall outside at a depth of 56 meters (185 feet).
Near the popular resort of Sharm al Sheikh are the Straits of Tiran where all manner of fish are to be found, including enormous moray eels and even sharks. Near Sharm el Sheikh is the first Egyptian national park, Ras Mohamad, divers in the waters nearby are rewarded with spectacular coral reefs and a multitude of marine life.
Hurghada boasts a welter of dive sites on Giftun Island with wonderful coral reefs and plenty of colourful fish to swim with and the possible sighting of tuna and barracuda.
At Safaga, the Seven Pillars are actually seven coral pillars rising to the surface that are home to such delights as puffer and lion fish. It’s a popular night diving site.
Diving and More
While you might devote your trip entirely to diving, one of the benefits of Egypt is the wealth of other activities if you’re interested in combining diving with other activities. Therefore, the cultural side of Egypt might appeal such as the famous pyramids along with a Nile cruise and a trip to Luxor amongst many more.
Scuba Diving
You may already be a seasoned scuba diver, but if not you might be motivated to learn so as to make the most of the experiences awaiting you underwater. You might consider adding to your scuba ability or becoming properly certified – particularly if you wish to dive to greater depths. Sports and activities insurance is available – please contact us for more information.
A Colourful Adventure
There’s no doubt diving can add a whole new dimension to leisure travel, and it’s reasonably easy to learn the basics through an organisation such as PADI. It’s even possible to combine learning to dive with a trip abroad and use new found skills to explore what exists beneath the waves.
It’s advisable to check current travel information relating to Egyptian destinations and resorts in view of recent events.
