Surrounded by vast deserts, the Red Sea expands 2000 km (1300 miles) from the north, the Gulf of Aqaba, to Bab el Mandeb in the south.
The Gulf of Aqaba ending at the Straits of Tiran reaches a length of 180 km (110 miles).Following the Syrian-African Rift Valley the Gulf is 25 km (14 miles) wide, and 1800 m (6000 feet) deep. Fringing coral reefs developed all along the coast line.
There are many special aspects in this area : Water temperature is relatively constant. During summer maximun 28 º C and in winter not less than 21 º C. Seldom storms and rainfall (occasionally in winter), as well as mild currents prevent sediments to slow coral growth and allow excellent visiblility.
Low humidity and the high rate of evaporation due to high temperatures, make the Red Sea one of the saltiest life-sustaining seas in the world. Salinity reaches 4.1 % and therefore a large variety of endemic species have developed.
As a result this area has one of the richest concentrations of varieties of marine life in all of the tropical seas.
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Sharm El-sheikh:
Without a doubt, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best diving destinations in the world.
It has always been a beautiful place, but never before has it been as famous and comfortable as it is today. Twenty years ago a diving trip was real adventure. Divers had to accept a long trek through the desert and setting up camp at the beach before they could go for a dive.
Today, visitors are offered a variety of adventures and luxuries. Four and five star hotels like the Ghazala, Hilton, Mövenpick, Conrad, Mariott and many others are present. But in the background there is still the never-ending magnitude of the Sinai Desert.
The center of activities where most of the hotels and diving centers are located is Naama Bay, 7 km from the City of Sharm El Sheikh. Due to the great demand new accommodations are also available outside of Naama Bay, such as the Conrad International Resort in Ras Nasrani.
Numerous bars, restaurants, shops and the attractive Mediterranean promenade, have made Naama Bay a busy holiday resort. In the center of Naama Bay, arabic stile bazars, shops and coffee houses invite the visitor for a stroll and shopping for typical souvenirs and handicrafts. A variety of bars,discos and even a casino offer entertainment until late into the night.
Though diving is still one of the main attractions in Sharm el Sheikh, a lot of other water sports, excursions and activities are available. A camelride at sunset in the desert, visits to Mount Moses and the St. Katherine Monastery, excursions to the ancient City of Petra in neighboring Jordan or desert safaris with cross-country vehicles.
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Dahab:
The name Dahab means 'gold' in English and the inhabitants chose it because of the shimmering gold-coloured sandy coast. The region of Dahab stretches across a wide plateau of rock and sand at the end of Wadi Nasab and emerged from a small oasis where Bedouins once settled. Diving camps were set up in the areas around this inconspicuous little town, and then in the past few years developed into a diving and holiday paradise.
The little Bedouin village of Dahab, once known as a place for hippies and drop-outs, is about 75 km from Sharm el Sheikh on the East coast of the Sinai Peninsula and is surrounded by a bizarre high mountainous landscape. Nowadays in the center of the little Bedouin town Assalah, which is only a few minutes taxi ride from the hotels by the lagoon, there´s a great array of cosy bars, typical Shisha eating places, little restaurants and lots of shops all situated along the seafront.
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Taba:
The coast between Nuweiba and the boarder town of Taba is also known as the "RED SEA RIVIERA" and is famous for the beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. Located 185 km north of Sharm el Sheikh, Nuweiba is the largest Bedouin settlement on the East coast of South Sinai. The town is surrounded by steep mountains to the West and the blue waters of the Golf of Aqaba to the East.
The area around Taba and Nuweiba is still unspoiled and the pace is more related to the relaxed life of the local Bedouin tribes. Driving up from the busy airport of Sharm el Sheikh or from the newly opened Taba airport in Nakhl gives you a glimpse climes of the breathtaking Sinai landscape.
The colourful inclusions in the steeply rising rock faces are stunning and it is hard to believe that they are natural formations and not man-made works of art. At the Gulf of Aqaba, reddish rugged granite mountains fall down almost vertically from 2000m into the deep blue water of the sea.
It takes one hour drive by four wheel Jeep to reach the impressive Coloured Canyon, a deep and very narrow gorge. The sandstone walls are an array of pinks, orange and reds. Important religious and historical places to visit are the St. Katherine Monastery at Mount Moses and the ancient City of Petra in neighbouring Jordan. The "Geziret Fara'un"
(Pharaohns Island) with the ruins of Saladin's castle, dating back to the13th century is just a short boat ride away.
Along the sunny coast of the Gulf of Aqaba or the "Red Sea Riviera" one will find numerous Holiday Villages, Beach Resorts and Camps to meet all tastes. The golden, sandy beaches stretch for miles all the way to the boarder town of Taba, in the neighbourhood of the Israeli city of Eilat.
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The Sinai Desert:
The Sinai Peninsula is situated between the huge continents of Africa and Asia, comparable with a triangular wedge and functioning as both, separating desert and binding land bridge.
No matter from which side the Sinai is approached the traveler is suddenly confronted with the rough almost refusing yet impressive countryside of dramatic contrasts.Only little by little one realizes that it is those contrasts which make the Sinai so fascinating.
There are people who find this desert landscape and the Red Sea less inviting, even terrifying and hostile towards human life.Right here lies the peculiarity of the Sinai, with its constant weather fluctuations and changes of light which often happen unexpectedly.
The dusty, blazing heat of midday is followed by a cool wonderfully starry night.In winter it sometimes even snows on the highest mountains. After few but usually strong rain falls, the sand is gradually covered with a carpet of colorful flowers and with amazement one stands in front of this miracle of a flourishing desert.
The same is true for the landscapes as such. Dreary expanses of sand and gravel unexpectedly enter into a lovely landscape of dunes and behind the next bend a smooth little wadi brusquely ends in a wild deeply fissured gorge.
In the steeply rising rock faces, colorful deposits are hiding and it is hard to believe that they are natural formations and not man-made works of art. At the Gulf of Aquaba, reddish rugged granite mountains fall down almost vertically from a 2000m altitude into the deep blue water of the sea.
Time and again the amazing contrasts of the Sinai surprise you with unforgettable experiences. Its diverse geographical structures emerge into ever new impressions of the landscape which may in fact become a real treat when these same mountains, dunes, acacias, wadis, rocks, or gorges continue to offer you a magnitude of views due to the changing light of daytime and season.
Everyone who has experienced a sunset at the Mountain of Moses or on one of the lonely surrounding summits knows that the light at the Sinai plays a fascinating role.The overwhelming impression left by the change of rough but sublime wilderness through the alternation of light, in the middle of an infinite silence, can move a human being deep inside.
It is surely also responsible for the significant religious impulses coming from the Sinai.Thus it is easy to understand why people from all different walks of life are so fascinated by this particular landscape, that they always want to come back, indeed, that they are even willing to give up everything and stay forever.
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The National Parks:
Coral reefs are one of Nature´s masterpieces, as well as the chief reason for diving the Red Sea. Paradoxically, we divers who so enjoy the beauty of the reef also constitute its greatest enemy.
The survival of the reef depends on an intricate balance between all of its components from the tiny polyps which build the calcium carbonate exoskeleton of the reef, to its great pelagic visitors. The diver is an alien from another dimension.
Each fin-stroke, each unwary movement of the diver may raise a cloud of sediment or worse still, break off a coral branch which will take years to repair. In order to protect the reef, and to raise divers´
awareness of their ecological impact, certain areas were designated National Parks by
the Egyptian authorities.
In 1983, Law 102 came into force declaring the region of Ras Mohammed, including the Ras Mohammed peninsula as well as the islands of Tiran and Sanafir, a Marine Protected Area. In June 1989, the area´s boundaries were enlarged and the region was declared a National Park from Shaab Mahmud in the west to Sharm el Sheikh in the east. In 1991, the area of Ras Nasrani was added to the Park, which was extended further north to Ras Abu Galum in 1992.
Including the 1987 declared St. Catherine Protectorate in central Sinai, a total of 11000 square km are now National Parks. 52% of these area are Egyptian shore-lines and coral reefs on the southern Gulf of Aqaba.
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Which suit to bring along ? Variety of wetsuitsThe average water temperature in winter is 20 - 22 degree Celsius.
According to your personal sensitivity we recommend a wetsuit or semi-drysuit of 4.5 mm to 7 mm. Some of our clients even use a drysuit. Diving three dives with a 3 or 4.5 mm wetsuit might get chilly. An additional neoprene shirt would help. Due to strong winds we recommend a neoprene headband to prevent ear infections.
During summer, from May to October, a long john, a 3 mm wetsuit or even a shorty are sufficient.
Gloves are not really needed and are forbidden at most dive sites.
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Medical Form:
From 1 February 2005 all new divers have to fill in a medical form of RSTC. In case of any doubts tranvelers have to consult a physician to receive an exemption.
Therefore and in order to avoid delays we recommend that you read and fill out the form before arrival. All safari clients must bring the form and if needed the doctors certificate with them.
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Getting there Depending on the season, charter flights to Egypt cost approx. EUR 310, but package holidays offered by Egypt specialists are often more attractive. There are direct flights from European airports to Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Hurghada and Marsa Alam. Scheduled flights to Cairo with connection flights to Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada start at EUR 400 from Europe and US$ 950,00 from the US. With most airlines, up to 20 kg of luggage are free and for diving equipment there is usually a small extra charge. The return flight should be confirmed 48 hours before departure.
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Entry & Visa:
Upon arrival, your passport has to be valid at least for another six months.
At the airport you can receive a tourist visa for US $ 30
IMPORTANT!!!
When arriving in Sharm el Sheikh you must ask for a visa valid for all Egypt. When entering Sinai via Israel, you have to obtain your visa before leaving your home country.
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Language:
The official language is Arabic. However, most locals who are active in tourism speak English, German and Italian as well.
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Money:
The national currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE).
Currently one US$ is about 5.7 Egyptian Pounds (November 2006). Banks and exchange offices at the hotels accept Traveler Checks.
The diving center accepts most international currencies as well as VISA and MASTER CARD. (Traveler Checks are only accepted in the banks)
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Accommoadation:
There is a wide selection of accommodations, ranging from simple lodgings to luxury Hotels
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Restaurants:
Most of the holiday makers stay in big hotels which offer an international menu. If you get hungry at any time there are beach bars in every hotel which offer hamburgers, pasta or sandwiches. Those who would like to taste the Egyptian cooking should not hesitate to dine in a typical restaurant, at reasonable prices. The different dishes are real tasty, though sometimes they are a little fatty. Fried chicken liver, parsley salad, falafel or the national dish foul (brown beans) are on the menu. If you wish, with tahina (sesame sauce) or babaganoug (mashed egg-plant with garlic). For a better digestion sweet black tea is served after meals.
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Electricity:
The voltage is 220 V with 50 Hz, and most outlets have two pronged sockets.
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Doctors and the Decompression Chamber In Sharm el Sheikh:
there are excellent doctors available, two hospitals and a modern decompression chamber with a 24 hour call-out service for diving emergencies.
A second new deco chamber has been opened 2005 in Dahab.
The chamber doctors speak several languages and have special training in hyperbaric medicine to treat decompression accident patients, lung embolisms or any other diving accident related injuries.
In order to guarantee that we maintain the pressure chamber every diving centre in Sharm el Sheikh requests their diving guests to make a small optional contribution known as the "deco dollar".
Sharm el Sheikh Hyberbaric Medical Centre:
Sharm el Maya
Tel: 069- 3660922/3
24 hour Emergency Number:
Dr Adel Taher: 012 212 4292
Dr Ahmed Sakr: 012 333 1325
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Excursions:
The information boards in your hotel will inform you about the different activities: camel rides, riding tours with Arabic horses, desert tours or excursions to the St. Katherine Monastery and the Mount Moses.
20 km past the airport, expands the Wadi of Mandar. Here Bedouins offer tours into the wadi by jeep or on camel. Extended tours take you to the Colored Canyon and Ain Hudra via Nuweiba.
You can also enjoy 2-3 day trips to Cairo, Luxor, Assuan, Abu Simbel and to the City of Rocks Petra in Jordan.
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Shopping:
The bazaar is always memorable experience. Even if you do not want to buy anything at all You can do your shopping either in the hotel, in the center of Naama Bay or in the Souk, the bazaar of Sharm el Sheikh.
Besides typical souvenirs such as t-shirts, post cards, books, etc., there are also beautiful Egyptian presents such as hubble-bubbles, carpets, spices and many other gifts that can be purchased.
The real exitement while strolling across the bazaar is the bargaining about prices which are never fixed, they depend on the cleverness of the buyer himself. This really is an experience which you should not miss!
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Diving Packages:
A diving Package in Sharm EL-Sheik includes the following:
- Hotel Accommodation 5, 4, 3 star good hotels.
- Diving days by boat including 2 dives a day.
- Safaris and Excursions to St. Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai
