The Red Sea
Over 1,000 different species and over 200 different corals, you can imagine why the Red Sea really is a diver’s paradise. Part of the Great Rift Valley, covering an area of approx 450,000 km², the Red Sea is the world's most northern tropical sea. At a relatively constant temperature of (21–25 °C) and visibility on most days to approx 200m it is an ideal spot for diving all year round.
Diving in the Red Sea is first class. There are absolutely stunning reefs which boast an amazing diversity of life. This combined with the interesting wreck diving available here, means a holiday to the Red Sea can be the trip of a lifetime.
Climate
The climate of Red Sea, Egypt, is easy to summarize. Most of the year, it is very hot and dry in the Red Sea. In the evenings during the winter months (December – February) it is sometimes necessary to wear a sweater, otherwise it is 'shorts and t-shirt' conditions all year around. Temperature on average are between 25 ( in the winter) and 43°C ( August). Water temperature varies between 19 - 30°C
How to get there?
From
outside Egypt:
Some international flights now go to Hurghada, otherwise fly direct to Cairo then either take an internal flight (see below) or go overland by bus or by car. Contact your travel agent for details.
From Cairo
You may like to book a tour through a travel agent or hire your own transport. Bear in mind that desert driving has special requirements and be sure to get a suitable vehicle and guidance on possible hazards. Otherwise you can travel to each location by bus or service taxi and arrange trips from there.
Visas
Entry Visas are required when visiting Egypt, These are usually obtainable from the airport on arrival for approx £15.
If you are in any doubt, or for peace of mind, we
advise you to obtain your visa before leaving your
home country. All African nationals will need to obtain
their visas in advance. The visa is valid for a stay
of up to 3 months and can be either single or multiple
entries. The cost of visas issued in advance varies
with nationality
When is the best time to go?
You can go to the Red Sea at any time of year although
if you want really warm water then June- September
is the best time. Having said that the temp
in this area is always relatively warm.
Visibility is on average 20 – 60 meters. Seasonal temperature changes play a big part in determining visibility. Winter tends to be the period of best visibility in Northern Red Sea areas with waters too cool to support algae and planktonic growth. However in the South, it is the summer when you will find the best visibility as the blistering hot surface temperatures translate into sea temperatures too hot to support the growth of marine micro organisms. No matter where you dive in the Red Sea blooms of planktonic growth can crop up at any time bringing the visability down. Fortunately these are rare occurrences and the normal visibility is excellent all year round.
Medical information
Recommended
vaccinations and other health protection measures vary
and are subject to change. You should consult your
GP on current vaccinations needed.
Useful information
Women in particularly should always dress conservatively,
and most importantly when visiting mosques (shorts
are not allowed), churches, synagogues and bazaars.
You should not touch any Egyptian women without consent,
public displays od intimacy are considered inappropriate
and unless you are on the beach out of respect you
should cover yourself ( long sleeves and trousers)
wherever possible.
Always use your right hand for communal eating and other social interaction as the left hand is reserved for toilet duties. If you have been invited into a local's house to dine, always remove your shoes before entering and wash your hands before eating.
Although alcohol is widely available, it is still regarded as forbidden in the eyes of many Muslims and you should refrain from drinking in public. Tipping is usually expected in restaurants and should be around 5-10% of the meal but remember; if you are not happy with the service don't tip.
Be considerate when taking photographs. Always ask
permission before taking pictures of people. It is
against the law to photograph bridges, railway stations,
anything military, airports and other public works.
Signs are usually obvious. Try to avoid flash photography
inside temples and around light-sensitive paintings
or artwork. Flash photography is banned in most of
the tombs.
Diving in the Red Sea
Diving
is a big business here and the industry has bought
a lot of money to the region. With the explosion of
dive operators people have begun to realise how vital
the protection of the reefs is and marine parks have
been set up as protected sites in order to preserve
them and the communities they support. There is an
extra 5 USD charge to dive in the Marine Parks, money
which is put back into the preservation of the reef.
The whole of the Red Sea is protected and as with any Coral Reef you should ‘look but don’t touch’. Fishing, Littering and fish feeding are also banned.
There are two main ways to dive in the Red Sea, Day Diving Trip or Live Aboard Trips Trips. The choice you make depends entirely on what you want from your trip and how much other stuff you want to see whilst in the Red Sea.
Day trips will take you to one or maybe two sites usually give you lunch and bring you home in time for some evening entertainment. They are perfect for those who wish to experience some of the other attractions in the area and also the only way for non-qualified divers to get underwater.
Taking a liveaboard trip is a great way for groups or single experienced divers who want a weeks solid diving and will get a chance to see a great variety of sites in the Red Sea. You will get the opportunity to visit more remote sites and check out the most popular sites early/late when they are not crammed with day trippers. Liveaboards can be as budget or as luxurious as you can afford! All packages should include two dives and a night’s accommodation on-board. Also all your scuba equipment hire and food. You must have completed at least 15 dives prior to diving from a livaboard boat. Remember the Red Sea is saltier than other oceans so you will require a little more weight than normal sea diving.
Don’t Miss the following Sites:
Brothers Islands
Thistlegorm wreck
Deep South
Safaga
Elfinstone Reef
Dolphin dive from Samadai
Rocky Island
St. Johns reefs.
Why is it called the "Red" Sea?
Contrary to popular belief the red sea is not actually red. The name is a bit of a mystery, it may signify the seasonal blooms of the red-coloured cyanobacteria Trichodesmium erythraeum near the water surface. Although others suggest that it refers to the mineral-rich red mountains nearby called Harei Edom. Edom, meaning "ruddy complexion", is also an alternative Hebrew name for the red-faced biblical character Esau (brother of Jacob), and the nation descended from him, the Edomites, which in turn provides yet another possible origin for Red Sea.
The local people
The locals are 94% Muslim (mostly Sunni), The official language of Egypt is Arabic but English and French are widely understood by educated classes. The population of Egypt is about 75 million people.
Cost
A trip to the red sea can cost from
around £260 up to £400 depending on length
of your trip and included extras.
