Top 5 reasons to dive in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is an amazing blue stretch of pristine waters famous for its beautiful seabed, the magnificent colors of the reef and the rich fauna that inhabit its waters: a true “underwater paradise”. 
Thanks to its geographical isolation it has developed, over the centuries, a unique marine ecosystem that never ceases to amaze divers.

But what makes it so special and why you should choose it as your diving destination?

I will give you 5 reasons:

The corals.

A dip in the blue waters of the Red Sea will lead you to the discovery of more than 200 different species of corals creating an amazing underwater landscape. Indeed the Red Sea has the largest range of corals in the world. Each part is characterized by a different species and at each dive your eyes will be amazed by coral gardens with an impressive variety of colors and shapes. It’s something that cannot be described with words, it needs to be experienced; an experience you will never forget.

The impressive richness of fauna.

This unique marine environment is home to more than 1250 identified species of fishes of which more than 200 are endemic. The Red Sea is one of the very few places in the world where you can swim with hammerhead, thresher and oceanic whitetip sharks during the same dive (if you are brave enough!). 
Here you can make some of the most exciting encounters of the underwater life: dolphins, whale sharks, turtles, manta rays and dugongs are often present, even if it may take a bit of patience and luck to find them. And, closer to the coast, you will enjoy a chromatic explosion of smaller reef fishes. 

The interesting shipwrecks.

If fishes and corals haven’t convinced you yet, there's much more!
In  fact numerous wrecks are just waiting for you in its depths. Probably the most famous is the Thistlegorm, sunk in 1941 while carrying supplies for the British troops based in Alexandria, Egypt. There you will find Bren Carriers trucks, BSA motorcycles, jeeps and rifles together with large groups of barracudas, tunas and groupers. Another famous wreck is the Dunraven, a Victorian ship that was carrying a cargo of spices from India. Since 1876, the wreck has been lying upside down next to the barrier at 30 meters depth so the keel is now encrusted with corals and abundant marine life, including the extremely rare false pipefishes.

Public domain - Gulf of Eilat

It’s always good time to dive in the Red Sea.

The fame that the Red Sea has earned among divers around the world is mainly due to its physical and climatic conditions: it is one of the warmest and saltiest seas on the planet. The area is characterized by a mild winter from December to March and a hot summer from April to November and the water temperature ranges normally between 30°C and 25°C. Plus, it has been found that, contrary to what normally happens at great depths, where the coldest temperatures are recorded, in the Red Sea, the deep waters retain mild temperatures. This ensures you the chance to have pleasant dives all year round.

Last but not least, there’s plenty of choice among destinations.

Within the Egypt coast on the Red Sea there are plenty of different locations that can offer different experiences. Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh are maybe the most popular and touristy destinations where you will find a great reef but there is plenty of other places for your dives. Marsa Alam, for example, lists some of the most amazing diving spots in the world.   Safaga has breathtaking coral reefs to explore. Makadi Bay is a divers’ paradise and if you are looking for a less touristy destination, a bit off the beaten path, Berenice will welcome you with its remoteness and the unspoilt beauty of its waters.