Diving in the Red Sea
Whether novice or pro, the Red Sea offers diving for all. All mentioned sites are accessible by jeep in under 20 minutes, with the exception of Ras Abu Gallum where the adventure includes a camel ride, and Gabr el Bint, only accessible by boat. I used a dive centre that is recognised for its support of local communities and its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Other eco-friendly Red Sea diving holidays can be found here.
Ras Abu Gallum (Open Water and beyond): One of the most beautiful undisturbed protectorates in Egypt and covering 400 km2, Ras Abu Gallum's high mountains, sand dunes, freshwater springs and raised fossil coral reefs are home to 165 plant species, 44 of which can only be seen in this area. Virtually untouched, this site can only be accessed by camel and it's a chance to see real Bedouins living how they used to 100’s of years ago!
Lighthouse (Open Water and beyond): Known as the training-site of Dahab, the sandy slope is ideal for shallow water diving and beginners, but holds many secrets that only the true local expert can show you.
With excellent topography for deep dives, you'll discover beautiful pinnacles, grassy fields, coral colonies and even the rare green Sea Turtle. There's something new and exciting for every dive!
Islands (Open Water and beyond): Described as a ‘must see’ of Dahab with approximately 130 coral types and some of the largest colonies in the Red Sea, Islands is home to a number of different fish species including parrots, triggers, barracuda, trevallies and even blue spotted stingrays. Sights you will almost certainly see include the ‘bone yard’ (a grey reminder of nature’s power when movements in the earth knock century-old coral colonies to their knees), incredible coral colonies (including huge cabbage, brain and labyrinth colonies) and an entry tunnel to make everyone suck in the their belly.
Gabr El Bint (Open Water and beyond): It’s about a 30-minute boat ride to Gabr el Bint balanced between the Sinai mountains and the Gulf of Aquaba. At Gorgonia Reef you'll be treated to a large canyon with beautiful Gorgonias as far as the eye can see and you can also explore the lagoon and walls along the shore. Rarely dived due its remote location, Gabr el Bint is a treat not to be missed.
Eel Garden (Open Water and beyond): Diving at Eel Garden has been described as "diving on a strange planet". It requires perfect conditions for safety and the most famous stars are the sand eels that wave in the current like shiny silver ribbons.
Eel Garden also boasts some incredible coral walls and a beautiful L-shaped pinnacle with various soft corals and other more lively denizens.
For the more advanced diver, there is the unforgettable drift dive from Eel Garden to Lighthouse. This is at least an hour of dive time, so you really need to be good on air.
Bells/Blue Hole (Advanced divers and beyond): "The Blue Hole, Bells, Scuba Diving" - a triptych description of Dahab aka "the" place for memorable scuba diving. Those in search of a shallow dive can explore the outer rim of the Blue Hole, assuming you're not fazed by looking down a sheer 600m wall of coral and rock! But the challenge is for the advanced diver as you manoeuvre the tower’s shaft to a depth of 28m.
On exiting, you'll remember the grace that divers are privy to and hover along a wall dropping to over half a kilometre. Drifting to the saddle you'll end the dive passing a plethora of coral gardens, over-hangs and marine life.
Canyon (Advanced divers and beyond): This dive site is strictly for the advanced diver as the entry to the main cavern alone is at 18m. Entering the crack in the ground you will find the largest canyon in Dahab whose sandy bottom is at 30m. The Canyon’s natural architecture, and the sun streaming in from above, draws diving fanatics from the world over.
The Travel Editor Recommends: This dive centre is recommended by ResponsibleTravel.com in recognition of its support for local communities and its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Details of the package can be found here or click here to make an enquiry. Other eco-friendly Red Sea diving holidays can be found here.
Useful links
Eco-friendly diving holidays in Dahab from ReponsibleTravel.com
Learn to dive in the Red Sea with ResponsibleTravel.com
Added 2008/10/30 @ 13:34:24
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