The Red Sea
is one of the areas which lends itself best to exploration equipped simply with fins, mask and snorkel, an activity known today by the name of snorkeling.
Its seabottom is, characterized by reefs which emerge from the water, or are semi-submerged, allowing tranquil and complete observation of this extremely rich environment and its inhabitants even to those who limit themselves to swimming on the surface.
The first few meters of the reef are the richest in life and colour, a megalopolis
where a large part of the fish and animals of this sea are concentrated. Small descents of only a few meters holding one's breath enable one to discover the inhabitants of the caves and sandy bottom, a swim in deeper waters may provide exciting surprises like encounters with large pelagics and predators like barracudas and sharks.
Very little equipment is necessary: a good mask which is securely watertight, a not excessively long snorkel and a pair of fins which have different models.
The best fins for snorkeling are those with a closed shoe which are not excessively long or rigid, even if this depends on individual musculature and practice.
Precious advice for snorkellers is to wear a complete protective garment, composed of jacket and trousers which protect the body from contact with corals and with the many stinging animals.
Hands should also be protected with a pair of cloth or leather gloves, as to avoid touching scorpionaeds and other dangerous sea life.
A knife, a torch with batteries, control instruments and a few spare parts for the equipment must not be forgotten
Scuba diving opens the doors to a marvelous world, it is so easy and within
the reach of everyone.
In the most famous centers in the northern part of the Red Sea there are a great many schools and Diving Centers which teach the basic rules of diving and issue the relevant international certification in less than a week.
As general advice on equipment, remember that the taps and fittings of the compressed air cylinders are almost always single attachment.
As to the thickness of the neoprene, it depends on the season and the latitude. In the Sudan and the southern Red Sea, a 3 mm wet-suit may be sufficient all year round.
In the northern part of the Red Sea, from December to April, it is advisable to choose
a 5 mm hooded model.
