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Since ancient times, the long, narrow Red Sea acted as a crossroads for three continents — traders and visitors passed through, but the area was primarily treated as a sea passage until the 1980s. The only exception was a small community of reef divers who jealously guarded the sea’s secret — the exceptional reef diving. This is due to a lack of storms combined with naturally high salinity, which discourages algae growth and makes the water exceptionally clear.

Today, it’s a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy endless sun and diverse populations of coral reefs. Stretches of the coastline have been marred by large, commercial high-rise resorts and the attendant noise and crowds. However, our specialists can help you choose a resort that combines quietude with exceptional service, as well as sun, sand, and diving possibilities.

El Quseir

A sleepy, quiet town largely untouched by development, El Quseir was the biggest port on the coast before the tenth century. Today, it’s home to one of the best reef diving areas in the region, thanks to rigorous protection of the marine habitat since the 1960s. The house reef extends right up into the bathing area and your hotel will happily arrange a dive trip to the reefs further out.

Hurghada

A victim of overzealous development, Hurghada itself isn’t worth leaving your hotel to explore. But the diving sites that you can reach from here are nothing short of spectacular. For example, Dolphin House Reef is a horseshoe-shaped colony that’s used by local dolphins as a nursery, while Careless Reef is home to two coral towers and a healthy population of moray eels.

There are so many choices that you’ll want to speak with your hotel’s dive staff, who’ll be able to help you narrow down where you want to visit, depending on the conditions and weather.

Best time to visit the Red Sea

As in the rest of Egypt, the best time to visit the Red Sea is between October and April, when temperatures are usually warm enough to enjoy the beach and the water, but not uncomfortably hot. December may see the mercury dip into the low 20s °C (70s °F), but the skies will remain clear and sunny.