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Many diving
experts agree, Red Sea diving is unequal to most other
destinations. It's red mountain ranges inspired the mariners
of antiquity to name the sea Mare Rostrum, or the Red
Sea.
The Red
Sea stretches from the Gulf of Aquaba to the Sudanese
borders, linking the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean.
It is a very deep sea reaching 3,000 meters in the central
areas and 600 to 800 meters in many walls and reefs.
Lying
on the eastern border of the Egyptian desert, Hurghada
provides a gateway to the prime diving sites throughout
the Red Sea. It's central location provides favorable
access to popular diving sites in the north or south equally.
Hurghada, once a quiet little fishing village is now
known as an international diving destination frequented
by many divers.
The
Red Sea forms the northern extension of the great rift
valley, a massive geological fault that runs the whole
length of the African continent. The rift's spectacular
topography of mountains and valleys are mirrored underwater
with deep trenches and isolated sea mounts with drop offs
and walls over 300 meters in places. This leads to an
abundant variety of dive sites and marine life.
Near
zero rainfall means little fresh water runs off from the
surrounding deserts and consequently good visibility all
year round. Most coral species present are photosynthetic
and therefore more colorful than other tropical areas.
The Red Sea boasts the most diverse coral and marine life
of any sea. On and around the reefs you will find over
2000 species of fish and coral.
Being
almost land lock (90%), the tidal range is very low. This
means the reef tops are usually within 1 meter of the
surface producing excellent snorkeling conditions and
colorful diving in shallow depths surrounding the reefs.
Hurghada
is unique for having access to so many uninhabited off
shore reefs and islands. Any type of diving can be done
in the Red Sea. The recent reopening of the famous "Brothers
Islands" extends southern diving opportunities to
some of the most beautiful dive sites known anywhere!
If
you're planning a holiday to the Red Sea and want to learn
about dive sites before you arrive, visit our Red Sea
dive sites page. You will find colorful dive maps on the
most frequented dive sites throughout the Red Sea - with
comprehensive details for dive planning. To view our Red Sea
maps
click
here.
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