The Sinai Peninsula is surrounded by sea on three sides: the Mediterranean to the north and the Red Sea to the south, which is divided into the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. The coast and coral reefs along the Gulf of Aqaba, stretching from Sharm el-Sheikh to Taba, form a world-class tourist destination, offering a pleasant year-round climate and some of the finest diving in the world. Sometimes referred to as the Red Sea Riviera or the Sinai Riviera, the region also offers a wide range of water sports in addition to diving and snorkeling.
“From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free.”
– Jacques Yves Cousteau
Snorkeling and free-diving
Diving without scuba equipment is also very popular, and there is still plenty to see beneath the surface. Snorkeling is suitable for almost everyone, and with proper supervision even young children can enjoy it safely. While snorkeling is a relaxed recreational activity, freediving is a sport in which participants descend to impressive depths on a single breath.
“Care should be taken to avoid damaging the coral, use designated entry points only. You should also be aware that there are hazards since some of the fish life is poisonous if touched and you can injure yourself on the coral if you get too close.
Free Diving is very popular in Dahab due to its proximity to the Blue Hole where many of the worlds top freedivers train, compete and attempt world records. You can undertake training to improve your free diving skills and experience the underwater world in a new way.“ (TripAdvisor)
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is one of the main reasons many people visit Sinai, as it offers some of the finest diving in the world. Coral reefs line much of the Gulf of Aqaba coast and are home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life. There are also several shipwrecks to explore. Numerous internationally recognized dive centers operate in the region, offering accredited courses for beginners as well as guided dives for more experienced divers. Some hotels have their own house reefs, while excursions to other dive sites are organized by both boat and land.
Offshore diving / Liveaboard
Shorter and longer boat trips are organized from the Red Sea resorts to dive sites located offshore. For many divers, the ultimate experience is a liveaboard trip, spending several days at sea and exploring remote dive sites. Day trips, however, are also an excellent option for those who prefer to return to the comfort of their hotel each evening. Some of the most famous sites, such as the wreck of the Thistlegorm, are located farther from the coast, but there are many outstanding dive sites much closer to shore. Whether you choose the comfort of a resort or the adventure of life aboard a yacht, there is plenty to discover beneath the waters of Sinai.
Windsurfing and kitesurfing
Windsurfing conditions are excellent in several parts of South Sinai, both along the Gulf of Aqaba between Sharm el-Sheikh and Taba and on the Gulf of Suez coast. While most international visitors head to the Gulf of Aqaba resorts, the area around Ras Sudr is especially popular with people from Cairo. Kitesurfing, which combines a board with a large controllable kite, has also grown rapidly in popularity, and equipment rental, lessons, and guided sessions are available in most coastal resort towns. Both sports are well established along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, which regularly hosts national and international competitions.
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