But Why the Red Sea?

The Red Sea has for long been a favourite diving destination for many divers across the world. Join any conversation about great diving and the Red Sea just comes up automatically. Most UK divers have visited one of the six different diving regions at some point in their diving careers, returning year after year, and for a very good reason. They have accustomed themselves to such great diving that when attempting to visit a different destination they tend to compare it with their old time favourite.

But why the Red Sea? What is so good about it that divers just keep raving about its diving over and over?

Well, for a very good reason as you are about to find out when reading the next paragraphs about diving the different regions the Red Sea has to offer.

Taba

Still a developing tourist area, the diving in Taba is virtually unspoilt with pristine coral reefs very close to shore which is a massive bonus. This means you do not have to travel very far spending precious time on boats to experience the best dive sites.

What’s even greater about Taba is that the region is sometimes visited by one of the most amazing sea creatures, whale sharks. Yes that right, whale sharks! From around April through to May and again September and October divers have been privileged to spot, swim and interact with whale sharks as long as 12 metres.

Dahab

Dahab is just an old time favourite for divers with great shore diving available as its underwater topography is a continuation from Dahab’s jagged mountains forming seascape valleys, beautiful reefs, canyons and caves.

The beautiful “Blue Hole” is one of Dahab’s most famous dive sites with great colours ideal for photographers.  “The Canyon” is a narrow and beautiful canyon created by volcanic activity home to hard and soft corals as well as rich fauna. The region has something for everyone with a long promenade offering a full range of water-front restaurants and a carefree atmosphere complimenting its superb diving.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a fully developed resort visited by many divers. The atmosphere here is the total opposite of Dahab’s, the resort is more commercialised and ideal for those looking to combine great diving with very good nightlife. The diving in this area is very famous for the array of dive sites in the Ras Mohammed National Park including Shark of Yolanda, a cargo ship that sank in less than 18 meters of water with a load of toilets.

The Straits of Tiran, 4 underwater islands with around 15 different dive sites is also very famous among divers as the currents in this area are responsible for the healthy corals and resident marine life.

Hurghada

Less developed than Sharm El Sheikh but at a growing stage to become more commercialised, this coastal area is the perfect base to catch a liveaboard and ideal for wreck divers. The huge variety of wrecks laying on the bottom sea, some with very interesting history will keep you busy for a few days during your visit.

With the main wreck location nearby, Abu Nuhas is a shipwreck graveyard and its four wrecks among which are the famous Ghiannis D and the Carnatic will offer great diving opportunities. But is not all about wrecks, Hurghada is also home to diverse marine life ranging from the tiniest nudibraches to the amazing whales hark encounters.

Marsa Alam

Are you looking for an exciting diving location with a myriad of pristine reefs home to stunning hard and soft corals and an astonishing abundance of marine life? Then look no further and book your next trip to Marsa Alam as you will get to experience the best reefs the Red Sea has to offer and if you are on one of your lucky days get a glimpse of the resident Dugong that feeds on the sea grass.

But that’s not all! Marsa Alam is also famous for an absolute must dive site. “Dolphin House”, a large, horseshoe-shaped reef is home to dozens of spinner dolphins, hiding eels, leopard groupers and much more.

Hamata

Last but by no means least; Hamata’s crystal clear water located to the south of the Red Sea is the ideal get away from it all.  Fury Shoals and St. Johns are some of the most southerly reef systems with a number of dive sites accessible only by liveaboard which just like Marsa Alam means you get to experience great reef dives.

If you are new to diving in the Red Sea I hope this article has given you a good insight to this diving destination and encouraged you to think about booking your next diving trip to one of the six regions in the Red Sea.

Author Bio

Keith Barrett is a keen diver and is able to mix business with pleasure: he works with UltimateDiving.co.uk and takes the opportunity to visit many great locations around the world. He also writes extensively about diving experiences.

If you are thinking of going on holiday to the Red Sea, there are more than enough beautiful locations to choose from. Whether it is the tourist diving paradise of Sharm el Sheikh or the lively Hurghada resort, you will definitely enjoy your stay.

Sharm el Sheikh

Full of world class restaurants, good shopping facilities, and luxurious accommodation, the well-developed city resort of Sharm el Sheikh is quite literally a paradise for divers. After you have worn yourself out scuba diving and sunbathing, you can visit Naama Bay, where there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars with neon lighting. Also, why not take a walk along the Sultan Qaboos Street and take in the wonderful evening atmosphere.

It is, however, the diving which attracts the many visitors from every corner of the globe. Just a short drive from this city, you can get to some fantastically varied diving sites, many of which are equipped to offer guidance to those new to diving.

Taba Heights

Located on a truly beautiful spot on the Sinai Peninsula, Taba Heights is a resort in a wonderfully natural setting. Alongside the 4 and 5 star hotels, there are swimming pools, beautiful views, gourmet cuisine, massage, and much more.

For those who like to have lots of exciting things to do while in luxuriously attractive surroundings, Taba Heights has sports such as windsurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and golf, as well as a whole range of night time entertainment options for both adults and children.

Hurghada

The sun shines all year round in Hurghada, and the scenery is truly stunning. Whether you plan to explore underwater or stay above it, this is a fantastic retreat for families. With such a dramatic landscape, long natural beaches, beautiful clear waters, and many fun activities to take part in such as snorkelling and scuba diving, there is certainly a lot to keep you entertained here.

El Gouna

Built on a beach 10 kilometres long, El Gouna is a beautiful, self-contained town with more than 20,000 residents. The town is spread across various island and lagoons, and due to careful planning and intelligent management, it is unique in its completeness and harmony.

For the family, there are many activities to amuse the children, such as the aquarium, museum, and the golf and diving lessons designed specifically for youngsters. For the parents who want a little time to themselves away from their children, Little Gounies and Les Petites Nurseries will look after your little ones while you go off and enjoy yourselves.

For couples without children, El Gouna is the perfect lovers’ paradise in the Red Sea, with long beaches, uninhabited islands, top class dining and hotels, and many entertainments to choose from.

Makadi Bay

About 25 kilometres south of Hurghada airport, Makadi Bay is a great family destination. It is particularly suitable for those wanting something more peaceful and relaxing than some of the more full-on holiday destinations. A self-contained village, it is set in a natural bay between the Red Sea Mountains and tranquil desert dunes.

Where is Cairo?

Cairo, Egypt

Of all the countries in the world, Egypt is perhaps the best known for its historical sites and the sense they give of being truly in touch with the past. From the Pyramids of Giza, to the Colossus of Ramesses II in the ancient capital of Memphis, Egypt is an archaeology buff’s dream – and the scope of Egypt’s archaeological past is certainly beyond the one trip. At the same time, there’s so much more to Egypt holidays than merely touring around the pyramids and being pushed through the crowded Cairo museum. With that in mind, here are three different activities that give a truly unique perspective on this mysterious country.

Cairo Tower

Nestled in the heart of modern Cairo is the Cairo Tower – shaped as a Lotus flower, a symbol of the pharaohs, it is the tallest building in the country. Located on Gezira Island on the Nile, the tower is currently undergoing restoration in preparation for the tower’s 50th anniversary in April 2011. The tower sports a moving restaurant that completes a full rotation every hour, though those on a budget can still travel to the top and make use of several telescopes to view all of Cairo in detail.

Camel riding

Camel riding by starlight

Savvy travellers familiar with Egypt will have definitely experienced this one at some point. From the Harem district in Cairo it’s possible to hire horses or even a camel to ride out into the desert, taking in the pyramids and the Sphinx. The best time to do this is at night – few things are as memorable as approaching the pyramids by moonlight. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, several companies within Egypt offer camping trips to the hauntingly beautiful white desert, where lavish tents will be set up for your stay and delicious barbecue treats served up each night. Travel is usually by jeep, but intrepid travellers can stay truly authentic by hiring camels.

Ballooning over the Nile

Hot-air balloon over the Nile

If you’ve got a bit of spare cash, it’s worth considering a hot-air balloon ride – which can take you towards the Valley of the Kings or the Nile at sunrise for a truly unforgettable experience. Remember to take your camera – you’ll be witness to views only a small number of people will have seen! Just make sure that you go with a reputable company – many hot air balloon companies are in stiff competition with each other, desperately undercutting each other on price and hence avoiding some of that important stuff like, well, insurance.

Top 10 Cairo and the Nile

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Cairo

One Great Reason to Visit Cairo

One great reason to visit this travel destination is without a doubt, for the history, the pyramids and the Egyptian museum which houses such treasures.

Cairo – Egypt

For More Information

Iconic Guides

I’ve recently had the pleasure to review one of the available MP3 audio tours from the ‘Iconic Guides‘ collection. Iconic Guides is a newly launched online business offering extremely high quality audios from historic destinations around the world. Dr Benedict Davies is a freelance writer and the founder of Iconic Guides and Della Phillips is the well-known and highly experienced voiceover artist used for the audios.

The ‘Tomb of Tutankhamun’ MP3 Audio Tour comprises 8 audios and each MP3 is relevant to a supplied PDF numbered plan of the tomb. The total tour time is approximately 27mins. The audio is made up of the following:

1. The discovery of the Tomb
2. An Introduction to the Tomb
3. The Antechamber
4. The Burial Chamber & the King’s Sarcophagus
5. The Wall Decoration of the Burial Chamber
6. The Treasury
7. Tutankhamum, Child of the Revolution
8. The Amduat

The audios provide an unprecedented level of detailed information into the cultural, artistic and architectural heritage of the Tomb of Tutankhamun. This is an excellent way to learn about the site without having to tag along with numerous tourists listening to a tour guide, or lug around that travel guide book!

A detailed ‘How-To‘ explains how you can purchase and download the guides.

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Tutankhamun Tomb at the Valley of the Kings

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