Ideal Time To Take Red Sea Holidays

By Helen Ellis


Since the Arab Spring and the resignation of Mubarak, Egypt has hit the headlines around the world and tourism has dropped as a result. In the north of the country, Cairo and Alexandria saw demonstrations against the undemocratic regime and recently Northern Sinai has been linked to terrorism. Hundreds of kilometers from all this, the southern resorts have remained calm and stable. Red sea holidays have always been safe and the resorts subject to heavy security.

Another blow was dealt to the tourist industry following the explosion aboard a Russian charter flight which resulted in the sad loss of all on board. This was one of many attacks across the globe and as a result airport security at Sharm El Sheikh International has been significantly increased. Many Arab and European operators are safely flying to this resort city and tourists are experiencing some of the best diving for many years.

Anyone who has visited Sharm during its boom years will have memories of long queues at the jetty, crowded boats and popular dive sites overrun by snorkelers. At present there are no queues, plenty of space on the boats and barely a snorkeler in sight. Instead of thirty boats tied at Jackson, there is likely to be one or two and once under the water it feels like the whole ocean is yours alone.

One of the most popular dives is that of the wreck of SS Thistlegorm. In years gone by, one of the biggest complaints was how busy the wreck was and people were unable to fully appreciate the experience. Liveaboard boats would travel overnight to get an early start, while day boats needed to leave harbor before sunrise to get a decent mooring.

With fewer boats making trips to this incredible WWII war grave there is no longer a need for the 4am start. A leisurely cruise out to the site will almost always find it empty and should another boat be tied already, the divers can wait until the first group has surfaced before jumping in. The wreck is now easily explored with just the fish for added entertainment.

The marine life all through the Red Sea is enjoying the respite from thousands of visitors and taking the opportunity to breed undisturbed. The increase in sightings of mantas, white tips and dolphins is bringing joy to all who live and work in the area. Guests can almost be guaranteed a glimpse of something incredible every time they jump.

Some travelers may feel nervous about travelling to Sharm el Sheikh despite the increased security and the mainland coast is a great alternative. Popular dive resorts such as El Gouna, Safaga and Marsa Alam are easily reached from Hurghada. Centers offer both liveaboard packages and daily diving from boat or shore so there are plenty of options to explore the clear waters.

Summer is the best time to see hammerheads as they migrate through the clear, warm waters. With reefs empty of other divers and marine life blossoming this is possibly the best time ever to take a vacation to this natural marine park. Do not miss out on this opportunity to dive in one of the world's top regions.




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