THE FASCINATING RED SEA & SHARM EL SHEIK– EGYPT

The Red Sea was formed approx. 25 million years ago when the African and Asian continents started to move apart. Today It continues to widen at approx 1-2 cm per year.

There are more than 1,000 species of fish and over 2,000 kilometers of fringing reef in the Red Sea, making it one of the most bio-diverse seas in the world. Because of the extreme heat in the region evaporation causes a high concentration of salt, making the Red Sea one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth.

The Egyptian Red Sea is one of the most colorful seas in the world. Geological movements have created a unique condition where marine life has grown into a wonderful variety of corals and fishes creating a beautiful range of colors.

As a result of the warm temperatures and great opportunities for diving many resort cities have developed along the Egyptian Coastine of the Red Sea. Sharm El Sheik is the oldest, followed by Hurghada a city that I have personally seen rise from a small village to a large city since 1998 when I first visited there. Several other resort cities have grown along the coast and became popular destinations particularly for Europeans as beach/water sports destinations especially when charter flights made it a bargain economically. Unfortunately the Egyptian Revolution and the aftermath has taken its toll on all tourism to Egypt. Hopefully it will return with time as this is a wonderful destination with warm, friendly hospitality from the locals.

Sharm El Sheikh is situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. This has been a favorite destination and meeting place for peace talks for leaders and politicians worldwide. The Red Sea splits into the gulfs of Suez and Aqaba at Sharm El Sheik. Its clear, calm, beautifully colored turquoise waters has made it famous for diving around the world. There are an abundance of different kinds of colorful coral reefs and wide variety of colored fish and sea species to see.

The good year round water temperature makes it a favorite with divers and snorkelers. The diving sites are easily reached in a short time by the many boats offered in the area. Many serve meals, catching fresh fish then cooking them onboard. There are many shallow areas where those who don't wish to snorkel or dive can see the fish and corals through the clear waters while swimming or from the deck of the boat.

Live aboard boats are available for those wanting to stay out for longer periods. These boats can take you further out to find a number of wrecks. One of the most interesting of these wrecks is the THISTLEGORM. Swim with Dolphins and swim or dive in waters where it is easy to see the bentonic species, big pelagic, tiny fishes, barracudas and sharks.