Sharm el-Sheik is a divers paradise. Water temperature
above 18 degrees celsius the whole year, in July up to 27 degrees.
The attraction are all the coral reefs that you otherwise must travel to the Pacific or Caribbean to experience.
The coral reef start many places close to the coast,
all you need is a swim mask, snorkel and optional, flippers. Swimming around on the reefs feels like beeing in an aquarium.. If you are lucky you can see morays, octopussies and sting rays. Most fishes are not agressive but can get grumpy during breeding, and beware of the corals that can be sharp.
If you wanna see shipwrecks, hammerheads and turtels you must go by boat to the coral reefs further out to open waters.
There are trips to the national park "Ras Mohammed", one of the red seas most popular diving sites. Here is Jackfish Alley, Shark Observatory,
Yolanda Reef, Shark Reef & Anemone City.
Diving centre are everywhere, so you should take a introduction dive to see if you want to go further.
PADI OPEN WATER
COURSE. This course gives you a diving certificate
if you fulfill 5 beach dives and 4 open water dives. Swim skills and age above 10 years required.
There is a long sandy beach in Naama Bay, most are private and for the hotelguests. But by Hotel Hilton Fayrouz there is a small public beach.
For children Sharks Bay is a better beach , approx 15
min by taxi from Naama Bay, entrance fee about 4 us dollars. Quit beach with just a short swim to the coral reefs. Another nice place is by the
lighthouse in Hadaba (Ras Umm Sidd). Sun lounger on the cliffs, cafe and restaurant.
Beautiful coralreefs , tuna and barracudas, can be some currents here, so not so suitable for small children.
There is a large diving community at the Red sea.
If you really want to push yourself visit Dahab further north. They have competitions in freediving. Last year was Dahab Freediving
Challenge. The best freedivers from the world come to compete, some can swim down to 55 meters and up again on one breath/inhalation without any aid or support.
This is not for beginners , but you can take a course at:Desert Divers
You will learn theory about breath holding, yoga, relaxation excercises, swim technique and more.
It lasts 3 days and many manage to stay under water for 3 minutes after the course.
Price: 175 Euro.
