For a printable PDF version of our FAQ's please click here:
Egypt & Red Sea Diving Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Overview:
Egypt is synonymous with Pharaohs, the pyramids, temples and antiquities from ancient civilizations. And at the center of these great civilizations lies the Nile River that has influenced their economics, social life, politics and religion. It is the oldest travel destination on earth: Greek and Roman travelers came in 430 BC to wonder at some of the very sights that make it a modern travel destination today. The magnificence of the painted Valley of the Kings, exquisite temples and the pyramids were the subjects of admiration for many. From desert landscapes and dry, rugged mountains that reach to the sea, dusty cities full of exotic sounds and smells, and green strips of agricultural land snaking along the banks of the Nile. Egypt has something to offer all travelers from all walks of life. Spectacular diving in the Red Sea; unique desert experiences, whether on the back of a camel to Mount Sinai or on a jeep safari to the inner oases of the western desert; the color and chaos of Cairo and its markets; and felucca cruises on the Nile River are just some of the exotic attractions awaiting visitors. Egypt promises an unforgettable experience of history and relaxation - a mixture of discovery and pleasure. There are always numerous questions as to why one would plan a dive expedition to Egypt & the Red Sea. One of the main reasons is that the beauty that lies beneath the Red Sea is vibrant, varied, and magnificent. There is no place like the Red Sea. Egypt is a land filled with ancient wonders above and below the sea.
Q. What are the benefits of taking a trip to Egypt as a diver?
A. Not only are you visiting a country filled with National treasures, including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but also you will have the opportunity to sail along the Nile visiting ancient temples in Aswan, Edfu, Esna & Luxor. Picture your self standing in the shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza or entering the spell binding tomb of King Tutankhamun. A short drive, flight, or ferry takes you to an underworld aquarium where you swim up close with magnificent undersea creatures; turtles, dolphins, soft and hard coral and reef fish of every size, shape, and color.
With year-round sunshine, the Red Sea is the ideal place to enjoy the sport of scuba diving. The underwater scenery is rich with Coral-covered reefs, famous dive sites such as Ras Mohammed, Elphinstone and historic wrecks, including the Thistlegorm.
Q. Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
A.Quoting a recent tourist and diver returning from Egypt, “Egypt is very safe! The Egyptian police have a strong security presence throughout the country keeping travelers safe. Furthermore, English speaking native Egyptian Tour Guides ensure that your travels are secure and hassle free throughout the country”. Even in recent years with the higher level of awareness of terrorist activities in the Middle East, acts of aggression have not increased in Egypt towards western nationalities. Approximately 8 million tourists enjoy trouble free holidays in Egypt every year.
Q. What is the flight time involved, and what is the best airline to use?
A. Egypt Air and Delta Airlines offer non-stop flights from New York’s JFK International Airport to Cairo. The flight time is approximately 10 hours. Flights can be booked with a connection in Europe such as Lufthansa, Air France or Alitalia Airlines. Domestic flights within Egypt are on Egypt Air.
Q. What are the Passport & Visa Requirements?
A. A visa to enter Egypt is required. This can be obtained upon arrival in Cairo for a nominal fee. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. We strongly suggest that if clients are not holding a U.S. Passport that they contact their embassy to apply for required travel information.
Q. Do I need any special vaccinations?
A. No compulsory vaccinations are required for travel to Egypt but Hepatitis A, Polio, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended. For all health requirements, immunizations and recommendations travelers should check with a local Department of Health clinic or U.S Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For further information please check: http://www.cdc.gov/ . There are plenty of Pharmacists and dentists in Egypt and most resorts have a recompression chamber not too far away. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check for any exclusion and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Q. What is your advice on malaria?
A. Egypt is a desert climate and Malaria is present in some areas of the Nile Valley and therefore cannot be discounted. We suggest you follow your doctor's advice regarding Malaria tablets. Please note some prophylactic Malaria medications are a contraindication to diving. We also recommend that you use anti-mosquito spray on your arms and legs before going out at night. Most of the resort hotels “fog” for mosquitoes at dusk. Along the Red Sea coast there are no recorded cases of malaria.
Q. What is the electrical system in Egypt?
A. Electricity in Egypt is 220V, round two-pin plugs and screw-type fittings are in use. Please remember your adapter and converters.
Q. Is there crime in Egypt?
A. The incidence of crime is very low in Egypt yet occasional incidents of petty theft do take place. Tourists should not leave their valuables, documents, jewelry and cash in their hotel rooms during their absence. Use safety deposit boxes if available and exercise caution as you would anywhere.
Q. What is the Dress Code for visitors in Egypt?
A. Egypt is an Arab country and although much less observant in Muslim traditions of dress than some of the other Arab states, visitors should try to respect their customs. Many Egyptian women no longer abide by the Islamic custom of wearing a veil, especially among the younger generation and in larger cities. In recent years Western dress has become very fashionable in most parts of Egypt.
In the hotter months loose cotton clothing is the most comfortable thing to wear. If you burn easily it is wise to cover all exposed skin when out in the sun. Shorts, short skirts and bare shoulders are not allowed while visiting religious sites. Men should bring slacks for dinner at the Hotels and on the Nile cruise. Jackets are not necessary. A hat or scarf to cover your head is essential to protect you from the heat. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the glare and it is usually a good idea to have a spare pair because these are easily lost. Comfortable shoes are a must when touring the antiquities. It is advisable to keep shorts and sleeveless dresses for boats, beaches and pools and dress conservatively when in the towns and cities away from the resort areas.
Q. Are there any special customs that should be observed in Egypt?
A. Egypt is a conservative society and visitors should respect local customs and sensitivities. Religious customs should be recognized, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours is forbidden in the Muslim culture. Guests should be discreet or choose to partake in the custom themselves when out and about. Photography of military installations is prohibited. The captain and the crew of Red Sea dive boats are Egyptian and by local custom shoes are not allowed to be worn when on a dive boats in the Red Sea.
Q. What is the Local Time Zone in Egypt?
A. GMT/UTC +2 HOURS
Egypt is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. : Local time is equal to GMT + 2 hours. Same time zone throughout the country, (seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time). To check for your time zone please check http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock .
Q. What type of food is available in Egypt?
A. Egypt is a meeting point between Africa, Europe and Asia and this meeting point is clearly reflected in her different dishes - and yes McDonalds, Pizza Hut and KFC have made an appearance recently. In the villages in the Luxor area you'll see the traditional round sun bread (Aysh Shamse) and in the Tombs of the Nobles or the Royal Tombs you will find depictions of the same bread painted on the walls. The range of food in Egypt is very wide and cosmopolitan. Mostly you'll find dishes are a cross between Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. The traditional Egyptian breakfast is 'fool' which is a kind of bean stew and extremely filling, but larger hotels and live aboard will offer a buffet breakfast with just about anything you could possibly imagine, including a wide range of breads and cakes. Pork is rarely seen in Egypt as it is considered unclean by Muslims. The common 'Aysh balady' or local Egyptian bread is an unleavened circle of coarse dough a little like pita bread. In general Egyptian food is a pleasant surprise for most visitors and with a wide variety of dishes to suit vegetarians. It is advisable to avoid tap water. Always drink from properly sealed drinking water and beverages. Always eat freshly prepared food and avoid raw food, as well as street side fruit stalls. Generally, in the resorts and on the live aboard dive boats salads are rinsed with filtered or bottled water and are therefore safe to eat.
Q. Is alcohol available in Egypt?
A. Beer was as basic as bread in ancient Egypt and the beer of today will most likely surprise many. Egyptian wine was also the favorite wine throughout the Roman Empire. Traditional Muslims don't drink alcohol although they are tolerant of visitors drinking in moderation. Alcoholic drinks are usually confined to the bars of larger hotels and restaurants and onboard the live aboard. The local beer is Stella or Sakkara, and is readily available in many places. There are several types of reasonable Egyptian wines. Imported beers, wines and liquor are expensive. Egypt Air does not carry any Alcohol on board, you may bring Beer in cans, should you bring a bottle of wine please remember your corkscrew. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol onboard for overnight liveaboard diving trips.
Q. Can I take duty free goods into Egypt?
A. Guests arriving in Egypt do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; alcoholic beverages up to 1 liter; perfume for personal use and 1 liter of eau de cologne; and goods for consumption to the value of LE 100. A further duty free allowance of up to three (3) liters of alcoholic beverage can be purchased from the Duty Free shops within Egypt within 48 hours of arrival. Prohibited items include narcotics and drugs. Upon your return, United States residents must declare all articles acquired abroad and in their possession when they return to the U.S. This includes items purchased in "duty-free" shops. The standard exemption is $600 - $800, which may include one liter of alcohol (if you are at least 21), 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes.
Q. How do I pay for things in Egypt?
A. Local currency during your land tour in Egypt is in Egyptian Pounds. You can pay by Visa / MasterCard (billed in Egyptian Pounds) or draw cash from the ATMs and exchange currency at the local banks that are located in most major hotels. Dive charters, gear rentals, park fees and dive shop purchases at Red Sea resort locations and on Red Sea live aboard boats are in Euros. Please check The Worlds Favorite Currency Site at: www.xe.com/ucc for your current exchange rate. Note: Tour packages purchased through our company are priced in US dollars and include the dive charters as specified in the highlights of each tour program.
Q. How much should I tip for services in Egypt?
A. For tours, guides and drivers gratuities are left entirely to your discretion. Basic tips are not included in the price of land tours or diving services. They are a major portion of income for many Egyptians working in tourism and they usually have large extended families to support on very little money. While any amount is appreciated, tips often range from 5% to 10% of meals or trip costs and are to be split among those who provided the service. Tipping (baksheesh) is considered a way of life in Egypt. You should keep plenty of small notes on you at all times, please note that U.S. Dollar bills will not be excepted if they are torn, old or have been washed. Again, the amount of tip is entirely up to the individual and how much you value the service you had. As a general rule a tip of 5 to 10 Egyptian pounds is usually acceptable. Nearly everyone who offers a service, expects some form of tip including hotel staff, taxi drivers, shopkeepers and ‘bohabs’ (guards) at the tourist sites. Our company will provide you with a comprehensive tipping guide with your tour program.
Q. What’s the diving like in Egypt?
A. The Red Sea offers a wide variety of dive destinations depending on your interest and dive experience, whether in Hurghada, Dahab, Nuweiba, Marsa Alam, El Quseir, Sharm El Sheikh or Aqaba, Jordan. Every dive is spectacular and due to the presence of ‘cleansing’ currents, consistently warm water and plentiful sunlight, the coral in this area are particularly healthy and colorful. Visibility is exceptional at dept’s of 100 and 200 feet and most dive sites have an array of fringing reefs with coral drop-offs to virtually unknown depths or isolated coral heads on a sandy bottom.
Q. When is the best time of year to dive in Egypt?
A. Apart from the Mediterranean coast Egypt experiences a desert climate, which is hot and dry in summer and warm and dry in winter. The Red Sea diving season is year-round with visibility averaging 100 feet. Water temperatures range from 70º F in the winter months to 88º F in summer. Divers can use 3mm suits during late spring, summer and early autumn. During winter divers usually bring a 5-7mm two-piece suit to remain comfortable. The topside air temperatures range between 74º F in winter to 106º F in summer. Winter months are usually accompanied by a breeze. For outside activities bring light clothing and don’t forget swimsuit, suntan lotion and sunglasses. For winter evenings a light sweater or a jacket is recommended.
Q. Where is the best area to dive?
A. The Northern Red Sea has the most popular land based diving at Sharm El Sheikh on the southern most tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Sharm was recently awarded the “Top Dive Destination in the World,” by World Travel Awards. The Red Sea is a flooded rift valley, which means it is very steep-sided and deep. Most dive sites are fringing reefs with coral drop-offs to virtually unknown depths or isolated coral heads on a sandy bottom, occurring where there is a coral 'shelf' between the land and the drop-off. For those who enjoy wreck dives, one of the most spectacular wrecks sits at the bottom of the Red Sea, The Thistlegorm: a British transport carrier sunk in WWII fully intact with war armaments. In the same area, it is possible to dive right inside a former British steamer called ‘Dunraven’, which sank in 1878. The Jolanda is another well-known wreck at the famous site of Ras Mohammed National Park. The Jolanda sank recently and her cargo of toilet bowls litters the surrounding area, creating new homes for a wide variety of fish! There are several other wrecks in the area, and in such a region of 'virgin' reefs, the chance of discovering 'new' wrecks is always a possibility! Northern Red Sea live aboards are available from Egyptian ports of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. The Southern Red Sea is more known for large pinnacles, pristine reefs and more advanced diving with significant currents. The Southern Red Sea dive sites such as The Brothers, Elphinstone, Dadelus and St. Johns are best visited by live aboard boat that departs from the Egyptian ports of Marsa Alam (Port Ghalib), Safaga or Hamata. The Gulf of Aqaba is known for pristine and diverse shore diving available from multiple locations in Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Dahab, Nuwieba and Taba on the Egyptian side of the Sinai offer different experiences both on land and underwater. Dahab is famous from the Blue Hole and its Beduion fishing village roots is popular with divers who want a departure of bustle of Sharm el Sheikh. Nuwieba is a photograph’s paradise with underwater with reefs teaming with aquatic life just steps from the local resorts. Taba offers excellent dive sites without the large resort presence of Egypt’s other locations on the Sinai. Eilat, Israel was the first location 40 years ago to offer Red Sea diving resort packages and the location still retains impressive dive sites. Aqaba, Jordan is famous for diving the “King’s dive sites.” King Hussien II is a diver and created an impressive underwater national park to protect the local reefs and sunk wrecks and even a tank to create artificial reefs. There is over 15 drive and dive shore diving sites in Aqaba’s marine sanctuary.
Q. What are the differences in a live aboard program and a daily dive program?
A. The live aboard program is preferred by divers who like to be at sea and do not mind being without the amenities of a hotel. The live aboard programs visit numerous remote dive sites in the Red Sea that are not accessible by daily dive charters. For example, The Brothers, Dadelus and other remote pinnacles of the Southern Red Sea are only accessible via a live aboard dive boat.
All meals are prepared on board ship. If you choose a daily dive option, you will be accommodated in a superior deluxe beachfront hotel. All your meals are included, lunch will be served on the boat, breakfast and dinners will be at the hotel or a local restaurant. No matter which option you choose, you will not regret the amazing experience diving in the Red Sea.
Q. What types of boats are used?
A. Our company has contracts with some of the best dive companies in Egypt and they offer a range of live aboard for one or two week itineraries to both the Northern and Southern Red Sea. The routes are impressive, covering Ras Mohammed, Thistlegorm and Rosalie Moeller, Elphinstone, Brothers, Fury Shoals, St. Johns, and Daedalus. The live aboard boats are custom designed and fitted to the highest standards, with air-conditioned cabins and salons (some with double-bed master cabins). In addition, all the equipment and safety features you would expect from an award winning company are present. The majority of live aboard boats also offers free Nitrox courses. Your dive guides will take you to the best sites and share with you their passion and knowledge. You can choose to sail from Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Safaga, Marsa Alam (Port Ghalib) or Hamata.
Q. What is the bathroom setup on liveaboard dive boats?
A. All bathrooms/wet rooms are equipped with a shower, sink and toilet. Please take extra care in the bathrooms not to slip and always use the shower curtain when available to help reduce the risk of water leaking into the main cabin area. If you are not sure how to use a marine toilet please ask for instructions. Placing toilet paper down the toilet is not acceptable onboard. This not only risks blocking the system for the week but it also finds its way in to the delicate reef systems causing irreparable damage. Waste paper bins are provided in all bathrooms and are emptied regularly. There is a shower attachment to all toilets onboard for cleaning before using toilet paper, which is a common occurrence in the Eastern world. The waste paper bins onboard will not be filled with soiled paper if this method is used correctly. Please ask onboard for more information.
Q. What is the linen service on liveaboard dive boats?
A.You will be provided with two towels for your week’s liveaboard. Bathrobes are available on Platinum class boats only. We do advise you to bring a personal towel for diving purposes. The housekeeping crew will clean your cabin daily, generally after your first or second dive of the day. Towels and bed linen will be changed once during your week onboard. This means you will have clean linen on arrival and this will be changed around midweek. For any additional cleaning required after your cabins daily clean please speak to the guides who will be able to assist you.
Q. What is the food service on liveaboard dive boats?
A. The meals onboard are usually buffet style with a variety of meat, chicken, fish, pasta, rice and vegetable dishes served with a choice of salads. Fresh fruit is available throughout the day. The boat caters for all dietary requirements as we work closely with the chef to plan your meals. For any special dietary requests, such as vegetarian, please inform us prior to arrival. Feel free to bring your favourite snack as these can be quite limited in Egypt. Chocolate is available onboard for an additional charge. Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are complimentary and available 24 hours.
Q. What currency is accepted onboard a liveaboard dive boat?
A. All prices are in Euros but US dollars, Egyptian pounds, Sterling pounds, Swiss francs and Euros are accepted: VISA and MasterCard accepted and all payments charged in Egyptian Pounds.
Q: Is dive accident insurance required with dive operators in Egypt?
A. Every effort is made to ensure that you have a safe trip and the dive operators who service the Red Sea do require all divers to have valid insurance from a reputable company that covers diving accidents. (eg. DAN (Divers Alert Network, DiveAssure, etc). You will need to bring proof of dive accident insurance with you to show the dive guides when you check in on dive resort or dive boat. If you do not have coverage, the dive operator offers dive accident insurance which is available to purchase onboard. As a temporary member you will be able to gain insured member benefits.
Q: How soon after or before my flight can I dive?
A. There is no wait time for diving after flying. Travelers can de plane and go right to the dive boat. Red Sea dive operators advocates a wait time of 24 hours after multiple dives/days of SCUBA diving.
Q. Can divers be certified for SCUBA diving in Egypt?
A. Yes, Red Sea dive operations offer SCUBA certifications from major dive training agencies including PADI, NAUI, SSI, and BSAC. Some of the top operators are Career Development Centers for major training agencies.
Q. How many dives per day do we get?
A. There can be options of 2, 3 or 4dives per day depending on whether you choose a live aboard or daily dives. In certain areas you can do night diving as well.
Q. Are there any dive requirements?
A. We advise that you have a minimum of:
* 15 logged dives for the Classic, Sinai Classic and Sinai Mini Cruise
* 20 logged dives & certified to 30 meters recommended for Get Wrecked
* 30 logged dives for Fury and Friends and Safaga Cruise
* 40 logged dives for South & St. Johns
* 50 logged dives required by Egyptian Law for the Marine Park cruises Famous Five, Just Brothers, Simply the Best, The Big Four and Simply Magnificent.
In addition, individuals who have not had a dive for over a year prior to the trip will have to complete a Scuba Review either before the safari or on the first day of diving on board.
Q. Should I bring my dive equipment or rent it?
A. Equipment can be rented. If you prefer to bring your own equipment and you are scheduled for a tour of Egypt before or after embarking on your dive adventure, LTT will have your gear shipped by van to and from your dive embarkation port or hotel. Scuba equipment must be within the weight allowance, Travelers are advised to check directly with their airline for specific requirements regarding carry-on and checked baggage allowances as these can change at any time. LTT is not responsible for additional charges imposed by the airline for overweight/oversized and extra luggage. Note: Some contents/pressure, depth gauges and computers can be affected by low pressure. As with cameras, these should be carried as part of your hand luggage. If you don’t want to carry your equipment a vast array of good quality rental equipment is available for a fee at all the resorts. It is recommended that you request rental gear well in advance of your trip departure date to ensure the availability of the needed dive equipment. Our company will provide you with the cost of Equipment rentals.
Q. What special gear do you need to dive the Red Sea?
A. The most famous sites of the Red Sea are deeper dives on walls or wrecks and often with currents. The dive sites are often accessed via drift diving, dive boat or dive tender. All Red Sea dive operators require divers to have an inflatable SMB (Signal Marker Buoy) with a reel or tether line so divers can inflate the SMB at safety stops. Red Sea dive operators support Enriched Air/Nitrox, technical diving and rebreathers. Larger 90 cubic inch tanks are available for an extra fee for divers who use more air during deeper dives.
Q. What if there are clients that want to bring their companions and they do not dive?
A. It would depend on the program you have selected. If you have chosen a land program visiting Cairo, cruise the Nile, visit Luxor and then join a live aboard, we suggest that your companion continue with the exploration of Egypt and include the Sinai or Alexandria. Should you snorkel, they can take the live aboard and snorkel in the areas that are accessible. If you have chosen a program which includes daily diving from Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab or Nuweiba there are many activities that the non-divers can enjoy, including a day trip to Petra, Jordon, a half day excursion to St. Catherine’s Monastery and Mt. Moses, a glass bottom boat or snorkeling excursion and many other activities.
Q. What is the coast to travel to Egypt and dive the Red Sea?
A. Unlike many other dive destinations, Egypt offers a diverse range of accommodations and choices of dive locations. All inclusive land and sea packages range from $200.00-$300.00 per day depending on your choice of accommodations. LTT will customize a trip for your clients based on their budget and expectations.
The following essential Arabic phrases can be used in your day-to-day conversation:
- Ahlan wa Sahlan (Welcome)
- Salam Alakum (Hello)
- Sabah al Kher (Good Morning)
- Masaa al kher (Good evening)
- Marsa Lama (Goodbye)
- Is mak e (What’s your name)
- Is me ……….. (My name is ……………..)
- Ziak (How are you)
- Sadeeky (Friend)
- Ena Kweis (I’m fine)
- Ana / Enta (Me / You)
- Baksheesh (Tip)
- Bookra (Tomorrow)
- Fe'los (Money)
- Helwa (Beautiful)
- Inshalla (If God Wills)
- Aysh balady (Local Bread)
- Shay (Tea)
- Kahwa (Coffee)
- Laban (Milk)
- Myaa (Water)
- Beera (Beer)
- Kebeer (Big)
- Sa’rear (Small)
- Mazboot (Medium)
- Kursi (Chair)
- Tawleh (Table)
- Sareer (Bed)
- Sharshaf (Bed sheet)
- Makhaddah (Pillow)
- Futa, manchafa (Towel)
- Ma'alesh (Never Mind)
- Shokran (Thank You)
- Afwan (Your Welcome)
- A Shufuk badeen (See you later)
- Kweis (Good)
- Mish Kweis (Bad)
- Coola Tamam (All OK)
- Lausamaht (Please)
- Aiaw (Yes)
- La’a (No)
- Bekem (How much)
- Bass (Stop)
- Merkeb (Boat)
- Arabaya (Car)
- Shimel (Left)
- Yimeen (Right)
- Al a tour (Straight on)
- Wahid (One)
- Etneen (Two)
- Talata (Three)
- Arbaa (Four)
- Khamsah (Five)
- Settah (Six)
- Sabaa (Seven)
- Temenyaa (Eight)
- Tessa (Nine)
- Asharah (Ten)
Q. What type of fish will we see?
A. The Red Sea, a long narrow body of water stretches from the Sinai Peninsula all the way down to the Gulf of Aden is the richest sea in the world. You will see a colorful assortment of animals and plants. A 'typical' dive includes many varieties of soft and hard corals, gorgonians, sea anemones with attendant clown fish, many small colorful fish such as butterfly fish, angelfish, rainbow wrasse, parrotfish, gold fish, lionfish, surgeonfish, glassfish, sergeant major fish, and some larger fish such as groupers, napoleon wrasse, sharks, and barracuda. Then there are the occupants and sights that make individual sites distinctive - such as the semi-tame Napoleon Wrasse fish at Ras Muhammad and Ras Umm Sidd, the Sleeping Sharks at Shag Rock, the table corals at Near Garden and the amphora at The Museum
Whale sharks
Your best chance for spotting a whale shark is when there is a plankton bloom, usually May to September in the Northern Red Sea and January or February in the South. The best sites in the North are Marsa Bareka (Ras Mohammed National Park) and Ras Nasrani (Sharm El Sheikh) and as far North as Thomas Reef. In the south specimens have been spotted at Shona Soraya near Port Ghalib and at The Brothers
Oceanic White Tip Sharks
Carcharhinus longimanus, is a large pelagic shark of tropical and warm temperate seas. It is a stocky shark, most notable for its long, white-tipped, rounded fins. Diving with Oceanic white tips is a hit or miss affair. Some Red Sea sites where they have been seen regularly by divers include Ras Mohammed and Elphinstone reef where up to five have been seen at one time.
Hammerheads
There are two species of Hammerheads commonly seen in the Red Sea. The Scalloped Hammerhead reaches between 6 – 8 ft in length and schools in groups of 40 or more. This is a sight guaranteed to be one of the most exhilarating memories of any divers’ life. The Great Hammerhead is much larger (up to 16 ft) with an enormous tail and dorsal fin and tends to be solitary. If you are in diving in Tiran, outside of Sharm El Sheikh you should come between May to September on the north side of Jackson reef which is famous for large schools of Scalloped Hammerheads. If you are diving in the southern Red Sea such as Marsa Alam, May and June and September / October are the best times. Popular spotting sites include the North Plateau of Elphinstone and Sha'ab Sharm. Big Habili and Small Habili at St. John's Reef are the best to see Great Hammerheads. Both Scalloped and Great Hammerheads are often seen at the Brother's. Daedelus Reef (100 miles south of the Brothers) is excellent for schools of Scalloped Hammerheads. In Safaga, October is the time at the north plateau of Abu Kafan. Fury Shoal, Sataya reef and Erg Sataya are all known for enormous schools from May to mid July. In Hurghada area, the best times to see Hammerheads are May to July.
Dolphins
There are four species often seen in the Red Sea, common Dolphins, bottlenose, spinners (more common in summer) and the shy Risso's dolphin (more common in winter). Dolphins are seen all year round and there is a good chance you will see them from your boat wherever you go. The best sites to swim with Dolphins are Samadai in Marsa Alam. Dolphins are seen all year round in the lagoon and can be seen mating in May. At Sha'ab Ali you snorkel in the lagoon at sunset and you stand a good chance of being joined by an inquisitive school of Bottlenoses. St. John's and the Brothers boast the largest Bottlenose dolphins in the Red Sea. Finally, Abu Nuhas is where wreck divers often get to swim with dolphins when they do their safety stops.
Manta Rays
In the Red Sea, they can be seen throughout the year, but it is most common in summer along the coast, where they feed exclusively on plankton. In Sharm El Sheikh, April to August are the best months, one of the many bays being the best spots. Divers hanging on to the mooring line at Ras Nasrani are often rewarded with a 'fly by.' In the South the Manta season is from March to June. Sha'ab Sharm and Rocky Island are good sites. On Big Brother's southern plateau you can see the largest Mantas in the Red sea up to 13 feet and finally Sha'ab Maksur's southern plateau at Fury Shoal is also a hot spot.
Turtles
The turtle you're most likely to see in the Red Sea are the Hawksbill, though no giants, their tranquil aura and gentle curiosity make every encounter a privilege. If you're diving in the Red Sea you are almost guaranteed to see at least one. The green turtle which can reach up to 6.5 feet in diameter may sometimes be spotted; sadly however this species is becoming increasingly rare. Turtles are seen all year round on all healthy reefs.
Foreign Embassies in Egypt
United States Embassy, Cairo: +20 (0)2 2797 3300.
Egypt Embassies
Egyptian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: 1 202- 895- 5400
For more information on our Egypt-Red Sea travel programs, please visit our trips web site
www.redseatrips.com
For additional questions or if you ready to book a dive trip to Egypt, please contact:
Learning Through Travel
2470 North Jerusalem Road Suite 15
North Bellmore, NY 11710
877-620-8797
redsea@corridorofmarvels.com
For a background history of Egypt and travel guides, click on the link below.
Egypt History and Helpful Information and Recommend Reading List
Red Sea Diving Video Red Sea Dive News

For more information on our Egypt-Red Sea travel programs, please click on the picture thumbnails below:
Egypt-Red Sea Itineraries

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