The Red Sea has contributed much to the countries bordering it. Apart from being a major trading route, the main source of household and industrial water, as well as being a source of livelihood for the average fisherman, this particular body of water is also a huge tourism asset. For years, dedicated divers have come from all parts of the world to experience for themselves what it’s like Scuba Diving in the Red Sea.
A tremendously wide array of marine life is supported by the Red Sea. Because of conservation efforts of bordering countries and the regulation of fishing activities, there are numerous coral reefs in this body of water that are home to countless numbers of fishes and other marine animals. There are more than a thousand species of fishes recorded in the area, and some of these species are found only in the Red Sea.
Vertical sea walls, caves, and underwater plateaus await dedicated divers who wish to go exploring. An added bonus is the water’s clear visibility the whole year through, as well as its very favorable weather conditions. Most visitors visit the area during spring or autumn, when the climate’s quite ideal for spending outdoors the whole day.
Because of the popularity of the area as a prime diving destination, there are a lot of dive centers that set up shops in the shores of the Red Sea. All of these centers offer either day dive trips or liveaboards, or both. There are several popular areas for Scuba Diving in the Red Sea such as those sites found in North Sinai, South Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh to Hurghada, South Egypt, Off Shore and Deep South, as well as diving sites associated with the coast of Sudan, Jordan, and Yemen.
Apart from the natural coral reefs found in the Red Sea, several ship wrecks have also provided artificial anchors for both soft and hard corals and have, over time, become coral reefs themselves. This wreck sites are also popular scuba diving destinations in the Red Sea, often becoming itineraries of day trips and liveaboard trips.
To protect the marine ecosystem and minimize human impact, all divers are cautioned against touching anything found underwater. This regulation, which should be diligently observed, is part of the greater effort to conserve this vast natural resource that has provided, and is continuing to provide, equally vast revenues to dive centers and various local governments in the area. In some areas, divers are not permitted to wear gloves, least they get tempted to reach out and touch a curious plant or coral when they’re underwater. The boats are also not permitted to throw down their anchors and drag them along the sea bed.
Visitors wishing to explore these natural treasures underwater should make the necessary preparations beforehand. For those trying this recreation for the first time, they should make the necessary arrangements with dive centers for training. The importance of selecting a suitable dive centers cannot be underestimated, as competent diving instructors and guides are the ones that ensure the safety and enjoyment of each scuba diver.