The Red Sea , having a length of 2350 kilometers and a width of 350 km. at its widest point, joining the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean.

It lies in one of the danger zones of the planet, on the long fault which stretches from the great lakes of central-east Africa as far as the Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordan valley.

Despite the fact that it is so narrow, it is therefore, a very deep sea, reaching almost 3000 meters in the central area and dropping 600-800 meters in many points near the reef: a wall of water where scuba divers find themselves swimming.

Near the Gulf of Suez and the Bab al Mandab straits are much shallower. Even through it is linked to the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea can be regarded as a closed sea, and even its fauna is considered belonging to the Indo-Pacific region.

Although the fauna is more or less the same throughout the Red Sea, the characteristics of the seabottom vary greatly. The Gulf of Aqaba is very deep, reaching 1600 meters in places, but its coasts are sandy with coral formations.

The end of the Sinai peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of the Red Sea and Ras Mohammad, the extreme tip is classed among the ten most beautiful diving zones in the world.

Nearby lies Sharm-el-Sheikh, a little fishing village which has developed into a well-equipped tourist resort and is still in a state of continual expansion, besieged by divers from all over the world.

Click here to see the Red Sea Map		 Hurghada, on the Egyptian shores of the Red Sea, has also experienced an exceptional tourist boom in the last few years. The seabottom is very beautiful.The shores are deserted, with a few small local settlements, and are often under military control. Only a few chartered boats equipped for diving safaris venture into these waters.

The Brothers Islands are situated slightly offshore, and south of these lies Dedalus reef; these are considered real paradises for diving. Nearer the shore rises the mythic little island of Zabargad, (called Topazos in ancient times, with its old olivine mines, which were mined right from the XVIIIth Egyptian dynasty).

Here the seabottom has a very unusual appearance, having a series of coral pinnacles which rise up from the sea bed towards the surface like monolythic rocks. This is the kingdom of fire coral and Alcyonarian soft corals.

Sudan area experienced a certain amount of diving tourism. Sudanese waters are possibly the most beautiful in the Red Sea and are certainly wildest. Every trip to the Sudan has the aura of adventure and every dive the thrill of meeting sharks and large pelagics. The Sudanese reefs rise like mushrooms from the considerable depths.

Still further south in Eritrea are the Dahlaks and about hundred islands. The fauna is, on the other hand, very rich and the opportunity for exciting encounters is guaranteed.

Finally there are the turbulent straits of Bab al Mandab and the waters of the Seven Brothers, a little archipelago in the middle of currents and tides. Although exceptionally rich in fish, the water is not as limpid as it might be.

[ Introduction ] [ Dangerous Animals ][ Snorkelling And Scuba ]
[ Underwater photography ] [ Coral Reefs ] [ Field Guide ]


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