You may have heard that one of the best places in the world to practice diving is the Red Sea. And you are intrigued by the idea of trying it. But you may be a novice in the field and do not know where to go or how to start. Precisely to resolve these doubts, we have prepared this post, in which we talk about the different variants of diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea of Egypt. Understanding their differences will be essential to organize your experience. Take note.
The three main options for diving, and their differences
Broadly speaking, there are three main options for practicing diving in a country like Egypt, bathed by the crystal clear and warm waters of the Red Sea.
- Snorkeling: this is the most superficial diving practice, since the swimmer barely submerges the body a few centimeters, in such a way that the breathing tube always remains out of the water to allow air to enter through the mouth.
- Diving baptism: this is the initiation practice to diving, since the swimmer is accompanied by a monitor at all times. Due to the lack of experience, it is not allowed to descend more than 12 meters under water in this activity.
- Open Water Diving: to be able to carry out this practice, you need to get a license, which is achieved through a course of between 2 and 4 days, usually.
Taking all this into account, which is the most suitable for you? Snorkeling in the Red Sea of Egypt can be an interesting idea for those who want to spot fish and marine flora without specialized equipment (the wetsuit and fins are optional) and without effort, since it does not require any type of preparation. In addition, this sea has bathing areas of very shallow depth and abundant fauna, so it is easy to feast the eyes by just submerging the head.
However, if you want to take a step further, you will have to opt for diving: the company with which you do the course will provide you with the necessary equipment, which in this case must be more technical. In addition to the wetsuit, fins, and mask, you will need an oxygen tank with its regulatory regulator, a diving vest with ballast belt and other accessories.
Where to practice diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea of Egypt
To practice diving or snorkeling in the Red Sea of Egypt, you will have many destinations at your disposal. The two major cities are, in turn, benchmarks in this activity, since they have top-level diving points in their vicinity.
In the case of Hurghada, Giftun Island stands out. And in the case of Sharm el-Sheikh, the most outstanding points are Tiran Island and the Ras Muhammad National Park. But in the surroundings of Marsa Alam, Dahab and Taba, you will also find very suitable places for dives, not only to spot species such as clownfish, Napoleon fish or barracudas, but also shipwrecks sunk at the bottom of the sea.
Some points are only suitable for specialists, like the famous Blue Hole. But if what you are looking for is simply to snorkel in the Red Sea of Egypt, any bathing area will be more than appropriate to put on the mask and look.
And if you already have a clear idea of which modality to practice and where to do it, the dates should not be a problem: the Red Sea of Egypt is characterized by warm weather all year round and a water temperature always pleasant, except in the winter months, when it drops a few degrees. And as for the occupation, the spring months are the high season.
