your guide to marsa alam and the south final
DESCRIPTION
First official guide of Marsa Alam and the South.TRANSCRIPT
Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
You
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Mar
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Your Guide to Marsa Alam and the South!
Egypt’s Best Kept Secret!
The Team
C.E.O. and Sales & Marketing DirectorYasmine Ezzat
Business Development DirectorAbdelrahman Abdelmoneim
DesignShantel Seoane
Special Thanks to;
Red Sea Desert AdventuresKaren van Opstal Thomas Krakhofor
Egyptian Chamber of Diving & WatersportsHesham Kamel
Red Sea Diving Safari TeamHossam Helmy
To all the individuals who’s pictures were used in this publication. Your contribution made this possible. Continue to dream and explore!
Dear diver’s – nature lover’s – explorer’s & thrill seekers,
It is with great eagerness that we release the first ever travelers guide to Egypt’s secluded south. Our team has collected nearly 20 years of research from many of the pioneering individuals who explored these remote areas beginning in the late 1980’s.
Together with these individuals, we have compiled what is now “Your Guide to Marsa Alam and the South.” Take this publication as your personal guide and the key to unlocking the treasures of Egypt’s best kept secret – Marsa Alam and the southern Red Sea.
The Sea Ad Team
Dear Reader,
The information contained herein is factual to the best of our knowledge. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any consequences arisiiing from the use of this guide.
© Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.
Contents
Contents 01The Team 02How to Use This Guide 03Welcome 05
Safaga 11City Maps 13Diving Sites 17Classifieds 29
Quseir 33City Maps 35Diving Sites 39Classifieds 41
Marsa Alam 43City Maps 46Wadi El Gemal 49Diving Sites 51Classifieds 61 Ras Banas to the South 67Diving Sites 69
The Red Sea 81Marine Life Highlights 83Red Sea Topography 85
The Eastern Desert 87Bedouin Tribes 89
Survival’s Guide 91Common Arabic Words 93
How to use this Guide
Your Guide to Marsa Alam and the South will open the doors to the treasures awaiting you in Egypt’s southern Red Sea. This region is broken down into 4 main cities running south along the Red Sea coastline. These cities are;
1. Safaga2. El Quseir 3. Marsa Alam4. Ras Banas South
A brief history and cultural background about each city is provided at the beginning of each chapter. A detailed directory is also provided in each chapter which includes hotel listings, restaurants, dive centers and other retail businesses. Dive site maps are also provided which include information about each cities unique dive sites.
A “survivor’s guide” is offered in the final chapter that includes information such as emergency procedures, Arabic phrases, etiquette and local customs, and much more.
Get ready to explore the southern Red Sea with Your Guide to Marsa Alam and the South.
Classifieds Section Icons
Private Beach
Sports and Activities
Diving Center
Baby SItting
Kids Club
Desert Safaris
Star Rating
PADI
SSI
CMAS
Wind & Kite Surfing
Accomodation
Liveaboard
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Shore Area
30+ Meters
Sea Grass
Coral Reef
Above Sea Level
Oi30 Meters
Caves/Canyons
Diving Map Icons
Current Direction
T Table Coral
Dive Profile
DZ Depart Zodiac
Mooring Area
Wreck
Zodiac Route
Traveling to Marsa Alam has been described as exploring a historic time vault uncovering ancient mysteries and forgotten trade routes, sunken wrecks, Pharaonic and Roman historical sites i ruins of ancient civilizations and their people all awaiting to be explored. It is one of those very rare places where coral reef gardens, desert adventure, and cultural and historical exploration combine in the get away experience of a lifetime.
Welcome to Marsa Alam!
Sea and desert horizons as far as the sight can perceive, pristine coastal beach fronts, infinite sea life, mountains and landscapes of all shapes and forms, pleasant weather conditions year round, historical and archeoiilogical sites, and the list goes on and on.
This region’s fascinating environment of “desert meets ocean” makes it one of our planet’s most exotic destinations. Anybody who travels to Marsa Alam is immediately captivated by the magic and mystery of this treasureipacked wonder. Traveler’s fortunate enough to have explored these regions will unanimously tell you that a magical energy permeates the atmosphere. Of all the things that this region has to offer it is this singular force that keeps visitors returning time and time again.
Marsa Alam’s coastal region is a crystalline aquarium that dazzles with the pure reflection of the sky. Intriguing in the stunning design of its coral reefs, this ecoisystem sustains an overwhelming variety of marine flora and fauna. Cruising pelagic species like hammerheads and whale sharks always make a plunge into these waters exciting. Clouds of fish swarm over the reefs in a perpetual dance that creates an incredible illusion of majesty and colors.
In this unique region of our earth’s planet, these two diametrically opposed environments come together in harmonious union.
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The Sea Ad team welcomes you once more to Marsa Alam and the south. Through this publication we hope that you will come to cherish this amazing place of adventure and mystery. It is truly one of the last remaining frontiers with so much yet to be discovered.
Get ready to explore the southern Red Sea with “Your Guide to Marsa Alam and the South.”
“In the hillsides all sorts of rocks are mingled in confusion; grey-green limestone cliffs run down sheer for hundreds of feet, in tremendous ravines where faces are medley of colors wherever crags of black porphyry and diorite jut out, or wherever soft sandstone, washed down, has left long pink and white smudges on the lighter colors.”
Lawrence of Arabia’s famous quote about the Red Sea region
Humans do not protect what they fear
A crucial step i if not the most important one i towards protection of sharks is the elimination of this unsubstantiated fear. It is human nature to only protect what is loved, but not what is feared. However, this irrational fear of sharks needs to be destroyed and all the erroneous information corrected. The way for a better understanding is the active interaction with sharks. There is no such thing as dangerous sharks, just dangerous situations, created by humans knowingly, unknowingly or by third parties! SharkSchool™ teaches how to detect and avoid such scenarios.
Many divers have seen a shark or two. But who knows what the intention of the animal was when it approached, which
factors affected the situation the most, or how its swim pattern should have been interpreted? Sharki
School™ focuses on the behavior of sharks with special emphasis on interacting with them. SharkSchool™ brings divers, snorkelers and swimmers closer to sharks, with the intention to show the true nature of these incredible animals.
SharkSchool™ is headed by Dr. Erich Ritter Ph.D., shark behaviorist and the world’s only field scientist
specialized in the study of shark – human interaction. We teach courses in many destinations all over the world, like the
Bahamas with lemon and bull sharks and South Africa with white and tiger sharks. In the Red Sea we teach courses on liveaboards and at land based locations like Ecolodge Shagra Village, Marsa Alam, with a focus on hamimerheads or oceanic whitetips.
Please visit our website for more information.
www.sharkschool.com – [email protected]
When the sharks die, the oceans die
Sharks are probably the most misuniderstood creatures on this planet. Feared by most, these magnificent animals lack the much needed lobby to stop their onigoing slaughtering. The killing of sharks is one of the biggest ecoilogical time bombs. A bomb that will go off if not defused quickly. Sharks have been around for more than 400 million years and their extremely efficient design has proved highly successful. It is estiimated that more than 90% of the world’s shark populations have been killed for their fins or just because people think they are dangerous and deserve to die. But without sharks, the most important marine controllers, the oceans die. The protection of sharks is crucial for the balance of the marine ecosysitem, the planet’s biggest oxygen provider.
SH RKSCHOOL
Shark your senses!
Safaga
60 kilometers south of Hurghada is the secluded town of Port Safaga. Once called Port Philotera, Safaga was built during the reign of Egypt’s King Ptolemy II.
Regarded as a Phosphate export center, Safaga was a merchant port for many years. Today it gains its popularity for its wide azure bay, secluded islands, and miles of sandy beach. Safaga has recently become very popular among kite surfers and windsurfers and was the host of the 1993 Red Sea World Windsurfing Championships.
Fishing in Safaga is also very popular with frequent day trips to the nearby islands for friendly fishing competitions. A number of fishing boats are regularly departing for day trips around the neariby islands and reefs.
A special route from Safaga leads visitors on a 180 kilometer journey to Luxor and the ancient capital of Thebes. The QenaiSafaga road was for many years the only route to Luxor from the coast. A dayitrip to Luxor can incorporate any number of activities that include the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, followed by a felucca ride across the Nile to the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings and Queens.
About 40km west off the Safaga-Qena road can be found an ancient Roman granite quarry called “Mons Claudianus.”
Safaga is home to some of the most outstanding diving of the Red Sea. The chain reefs of Tobia Arbaa and the impressive walls of Panorama and Abu Qifan, offer eniicounters with pelagic species such as sharks and mantas.
A World War 2 wreck located near the port is also an exciting dive. The ship belonged to the British army and was outfitted as a complete workshop for repairing and main-itaining war equipment and vessels. The allies used the port of Safaga during the war and the ship was subsequently sunk by German Air Forces in 1944.
Safaga acquires its unique character from both its tropical beach atmosphere and secluded town. Night entertainment consists of traditional Bedouin themed dinners in the small town or near seashore.
A holiday in Safaga is mainly about watersports and sightseeing. You can expect a reiilaxing holiday lounging on the beach and soaking the desert sun, but lots of adventure does wait with a variety of activities to choose from.
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Safaga
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Safaga
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Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
www.redsea-divingsafari.com
Our Eco-diving Programs:
- Eco-diving Certification - Reef Check i Marine Biology Workshop i Fish Watch Workshop i Sharkschool i Dolphins Watch i Introduction to RSDS Ecoidiving Program
Red Sea Diving Safaris Eco-diving Program
Eco-diving is what we refer to as an environmentally friendly and educative diving program. This is a rare and unforgettable experience where nature lovers engage in exciting team work and learn about marine biology and underwater eco-systems.
RSDS not only believes in enforcing environmentally friendly diving practices, but also the need to generate awareness about the threats that reef eco-systems and marine life are facing.
The Eco-diving Adventure
Ras Abu Soma
Ras Abu Soma is a protruding cape draped with fringing reef. A jetty atop a large laiigoon on the back reef makes the site accessible from the shore. The reef wall drops to a sandy bottom at approximately 15m. An abundance of hard coral formations, table coral and large boulder coral litter the sandy bottom. The sandy bottom slowly slopes to approximately 25m and then drops off to 50m+. Current is not very common here but if present will be running from north to south. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Tobia Arbaa
Tobia Arbaa is one of the Tobia dive sites approximately 2i3 nautical miles off the Saiifaga coastline. These pillars rise from a sandy bottom of approximately 15i25 meters and feature beautiful canyon swim throughs. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Safaga Dive Sites
Angel Antenna Fish
Barracuda
Bat Fish
Big Eye
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Tobia Saghir
Tobia Saguir is an offishore dive site, which is one of the well known Tobia dive sites. The site is approximately 2.5 nautical miles from the Safaga coastline. It is popular for its natural and shallow tunnel ways. This dive site is fairly shallow reaching approximately 15m. The reefs are oriented north to south and collectively form a “Y” shape, which allow for an interesting dive profile. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Gamul Saghir
This is an offishore site at approximately 2i3 nautical miles from the Safaga coastline. It features beautiful coral towers, which are rising from approximately 15i20 meters. The towers to the south are the most interesting part of this site and near the largest coral tower can be found a garden of eels. Small caves towards the northern towers featuring glass fish are a scene not to be missed. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Safaga Dive Sites
Bird Fish
Black Tail Butterfly Fish
Blue Fish
Blue Spotted Ray
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Gamul Kebir
A horseshoe shaped offishore reef at approximately 2i3 nautical miles from the Safaga coastline. The depth of the interior lagoon is approximately 14 meters, and towards the outside of the reef on the northern side the depth reaches 25m. On the northern side are a number of ergs with lovely soft coral growth and a myriad of small marine life. The interior sandy floor bottom features patches of seagrass and a small eel garden. Blue spotted rays, black sand rays and even eagle rays are commonly seen near the sea grass. Large groups of blackfin barracuda are commonly present to the north east where there can be a mild current, normally running from north to south. Suitable for all level of diver but can be less accessible in rough conditions.
Panorama Reef
One of the most popular off-shore reefs of Safaga approximately 4.5 nautical miles from the coastline. This reef features stunning walls, plateaus, and drop offs. Jacks, barracuiidas and reef sharks are common encounters. Many grottos and overhangs, gorgonians, soft corals and a dramatic array of purple soft corals can also be found here. The northiiern and southern plateaus begin at approximately 15m and slowly slope to 30m before dropping to the blue. Numerous clown fish decorate the southern end. A south bound current offers a thrilling drift dive. Suitable for intermediate level diver.
Safaga Dive Sites
Clown Fish
Box Fish
Crown Soldier Fish
Crocodile Fish
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Middle Reef
Another very popular off-shore dive site, approximately 4-5 nautical miles from the Sa-ifaga coastline. The northern side slopes to approximately 30m and then plummets vertiiically to 40+. Occasional white-tip and grey reef sharks are cruising by. Hard coral growth and large gorgonian sea fans can also be found on the northeastern end. The east and west corners feature hard corals with acroporas, as well as brain and salad coral. The southern side features a shallow labyrinth of caves, tunnels and passages. An occaiisional north south current makes Middle Reef suitable for intermediate level diver.
Shaab Queis/Hal Hal
Hal Hal is composed of two adjacent pinnacles rising from approximately 20m and feaiituring both hard and soft corals. The site is approximately 4-5 nautical miles from the Safaga coastline. Canyons cut through the middle of both reefs which allows for a very fun “8” shaped dive profile. To the east the reef slowly slopes then drops offs and there is a chance of seeing pelagic species here. Goatfish and bluelined snapper often cruise the reef in large numbers. An occasional north south or northwest to southeast current makes Hal Hal suitable for intermediate level diver.
Safaga Dive Sites
Eagle Ray
Damsel Fish
Emperor Fish
Electric Ray
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Shaab Sheer
Shaab Sheer is an offishore dive site approximately 3 nautical miles from the Safaga coastline. The site is made up of many large coral boulders and features two small wrecks. In 2001 a small boat called the M.V. Hatour sank just beyond the channel and in November 2005, Shaab Sheer also became the resting place of MY Dadealus. M.V Hatour is located on the eastern side and MY Dadealus on the southern side. Schooliiing jack, snapper, and tuna fish are common here. Occasional pelagic species are also visiting the reef. The inner lagoon is approximately 15m deep and the outer sides drop down to 25m depth then slowly sloping to 40+. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Abu Kifan
Arguably the best dive site in Safaga, this 300m long reef rises from 400m+ and features a ‘plateau’ on both the north and south ends. It is approximately 4-5 nautical miles from the Safaga coastline. It takes at least two dives to fully enjoy the entire reef. The north plateau begins at around 15m and slowly slopes down to 30m before dropping off into the blue. The northeast wall features a vertical drop off to 100m+. The south plateau begins at 15m sloping down to 27m and then dropping off into depth. Frequent sightings of jacks, tuna, barracuda, reef sharks and the occasional hammerhead are the highlights of this reef. The plateau can be swept with a northerly current. Wall drifting and sheer dropioffs make this a very exciting dive, suitable for experienced divers.
Safaga Dive Sites
Giant Green Turtle
Garden Eel
Gold Fish
Goat Fish
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Shaab Humdallah
Shaab Humdallah is an offishore dive site made up of various ergs, which are spread apart forming an oval pattern. The outer side reaches approximately 20m and the initerior approximately 15m. The site features plenty of soft coral and an abundance of marine life. Within the interior lagoon is a sandy bottom lagoon featuring blue spotted rays and other sand dwelling critters. The largest erg situated northernmost features a very slim tunnel. The southern and eastern ergs feature large gorgonian fan corals, as well as pink, purple and orange soft coral. An occasional north south current makes this dive suitable for intermediate level diver.
Safaga Dive Sites
Guitar Shark
Grouper
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Marine Biology Workshop
The RSDS Marine Biology Workshop is an ideal starting point for people who are new to marine bi-ology and the eco-diving concept. This is a very fun and interactive program that was developed by Mr. Stephan Moldzio.
Most of the workshop is hands on activity followed by lecture portion in the evening. The best part of the workshop is all the diving followed by observation of specimens under the stereomicroscope.
The Eco-diving Adventure
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Holiday Inn Resort Safaga Palace
Safaga, Red SeaTel: 3260100E-Mail: [email protected]: www.holidayiinn.com/safagapalace
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Lotus Bay Resort
Safaga Tourist CenterTel: 3260005 / 0006E-Mail: [email protected]: www.lotusbay.com
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Menaville Village
Safaga Tourist CenterTel: 3260064 / 0065E-Mail: menaville2link.com.egWebsite: www.menaville.com
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Nemo Dive Club & Hotel
Corniche Street Tel: 3256777E-Mail: [email protected]: www.nemodive.com
Amira Safaga Hotel
El Corniche RoadTel: 3253821 / 3822E-Mail: [email protected]: www.amirasafaga.com
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Coral Garden Resort
Km 22, South of SafagaTel: 3262020 / 2021E-Mail: [email protected]: www.coraligarden.com
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Shams Safaga Village
Safaga – Hurghada RoadTel: 3260044E-Mail: [email protected]: www.shamshotels.com
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Sharm el Naga Camp
Km 20, South of Safaga Tel: 0101112942 - 0101513615E-Mail: [email protected]
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Sol y Mar Paradise Beach
Km 8, Safaga RoadTel: 3260016 / 0024E-Mail: [email protected]: www.solymar.com
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Tuoubia Hotel
El Corniche RoadTel: 3251294E-Mail: N/AWebsite: N/A
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Sun Beach Village
El Corniche RoadTel: 3260055 / 0056E-Mail: [email protected]
Safaga Hotels
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InterContinetal Abo Soma Resort
Abu Soma, Km 12 Safaga RoadTel: 3260700 / 0748E-Mail: [email protected]: www.intercontinental.com
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La Residence des Cascades Resort
Soma Bay, Red SeaTel: 3542333E-Mail: [email protected]: www.residencedscades.com
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Robinson Club Soma Bay
Soma Bay, Red SeaTel: 3549854 / 9859E-Mail: [email protected]: www.robinsoniegypt.com
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Sheraton Soma Bay Resort
Soma Bay, Red Sea Tel: 3545845 / 5915E-Mail: reservationsomabayegypt@ sheraton.comWebsite: www.sheraton.com/somabayresort
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Graphic Design and Advertisementtelephone: +20233371833 / 9942mobile: +0122112395e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
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Soma Bay Hotels
Barracuda Lotus Bay
Lotus Bay VillageTel: 0653253911 - 065451041Website: www.barakudaisafaga.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Diving World Safaga
Sakala TrafkomTel: 0693660065 Website: www.divingworldsredsea.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Sheraton
Soma BayTel: 0653545915 - 0653545004Website: www.orcaidiveclubisomabay.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Shams Safaga
Shams SafagaTel: 0653260044Website: www.shamsidive.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Sub Aqua
Meridian Makadi HotelTel: 0653590600 Website: www.subaquaidivecenter.comE-Mail: [email protected]
United Divers
City Board in front of Youth CampTel: 0122267426 - 0653252687Website: www.unitedidivers.netE-Mail: N/A
3 Turtles
Yasmine HotelTel: 0653253581Website: www.3turtlesiredisea.comE-Mail: [email protected]
ABC Dream Divers
St. Elokby VillageTel: 0653252116 - 0124127549Website: www.abcdreamdivers.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Sea Dream Divers
Topia HotelTel: 0123135676 - 0653252116Website: www.seadreamdiversisafaga.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Paradise Divers
Solymar ResortTel: 0122633073Website: www.enjoyidiving.deE-Mail: [email protected]
El Yassmin
El Yassmin HotelTel: 0127430638 - 0653258531Website: www.elyassminsafaga.comE- Mail: [email protected]
Extra Divers
Makidi Bay BeachTel: 0121563305 Website: www.extradive.infoE-Mail: [email protected]
Freedom Divers
Nefertari HotelTel: 0124369878 - 0107578175Website: www.freedomidivers.deE-Mail: [email protected]
Mena Dive
Menaville SafagaTel: 0653260060Website: www.menadive.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Orca Dive Club
Orca VillageTel: 0653250111Website: www.orcaidiveclubisafaga.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Mermaid Divers
2 Youth StreetTel: 0105405982 - 0103647430Website:www.mermaidiredsea.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Safaga Diving Centers
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Deep South Mini Safari -St. Johns
Fury Shoal Explorer Mini-safari
The Eco-diving AdventureRed Sea Diving Safari is always striving to deliver the best diving that the Red Sea has to offer. It is with great delight that we bring to you our new mini safari programs, “Deep South i St. Johns” and “Fury Shoal Explorer.”
Spend 3 adventure-filled days diving through the labyrinth of coral canyons known as the Fury Shoals. Explore the many splendid sites that St. Johns has to offer aboard our luxurious boat M/Y Patriot.
www.redseaidivingsafari.com
Quseir
Quseir
Located 205 kilometers south of Hurghada, this 5,000 year old Egyptian city was called Leucus Limen (white harbor) in the Ptolemaic era. Until the 10th century Quseir was the largest Red Sea port in Egypt.
In the Islamic period it was given the name “Al Quseir,” which means fortress. The 16th century Ottoman fortress of Sultan Selim, which was rebuilt by the French in 1798 sits overlooking the small town.
Quseir’s main street runs right through the center of town and features many bazzars and souvenir shops.
Near the port inibetween the main street and a small boulevard can be found remnants of Islamic architecture with masharabea wood lattices, as well as other restorated buildings. Mosques as old as 300 years such as Al Farran, Al Qenawi and Al Senousi are all key highlights of the bustling little town.
“Al Quseir Al Kadima” is an old Roman port where hundreds of amphora, old pottery, and other such artifacts were found. An ancient caravan trail to Qift in the Nile Valley leads from the town through the mountains passing several Pharaonic and Roman sites.
Graffiti dating from pre-historic times to the twentieth century can also be found in the towering walls of Wadi Hammamat.
Quseir is the launch pad for diving trips to the famous Brother’s Islands, ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the entire world. The Brothers Islands are situiiated 67 km offshore just east of El Quseir. The Brother Islands are world-fa-imous for real “thrill diving” that include up close encounters with many different shark species including Hammerheads and Oceanic White Tips.
Miles and miles of reef, colorful fish, and untouched corals make Quseir a very popular dive destination. The small but bustling town gives the feel of a real historical tour of Islamic culture and traditional Egyptian life.
A typical evening consists of horse or camel ride into the desert. You can expect to be greeted with traditional folkloric entertainment such as fire-eaters and dancing horse shows.
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Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
Quseir
Little Brother
Little Brother is located less than 1km from Big Brother. On the northern side the first plateau begins at 10m and slowly descends to another plateau at approximately 30m before dropping off to depth. On the southern side the plateau begins at 30m and abruptiily drops off to depth. Fish usually range from hundreds of orange anithias to snappers, tuna, barracuda and trigger fish. Pelagics including hammers, silkies, threshers, oceanic whitetips and grey reef sharks are commonly seen. Whale sharks and manta rays can also be seen during the plankton season beginning in March. A strong northerly current makes this site suitable for advanced divers.
Quseir Dive Sites
Lizard Fish
Lion Fish
Big Brother
The brother islands are considered the greatest dive sites in the Red Sea. They are made up of two small islands approximately 36 nautical miles from Quesir. Big brother is approximately 400 meters long and is easily recognized by its lighthouse. The 2 Is-ilands feature coral draped walls and plunging drop offs. The sheer walls are covered in soft and hard corals along with huge sea fans. Big Brother features two wrecks on its north side; the Numidia and the Aida. The Numidia begins at 10m and vertically drops to approximately 50m. Aida begins at approximately 15m and descends to about 45m. The southern tip features a plateau at 30m then abruptly dropping to depth. Rarely a dive goes by without seeing a pelagic including hammers, silkies, threshers, oceanic whitetips and grey reef sharks. A strong northerly current makes this site suitable for advanced divers.
Quseir Dive Sites
Lemon Butterfly Fish
Hawksbill Turtle
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Carnelia Beach Resort
Km 26, South QuseirTel: 3334833 - 0122484300E-Mail: [email protected]: carnelianiredsea.com
Cinderella Beach Resort
Km 26, South QuseirTel: 3334536 - 0127388003E-Mail: [email protected]: [email protected]
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Dreams Beach Hotel
Km 30, South QuseirTel: 0127859069 - 0127859072E-Mail: [email protected]: www.dreamsresortegypt.com
Fanadir Beach Hotel
QuseirTel: 3331414E-Mail: info@fanadir_hotel.comWebsite: www.fanadir_hotel.com
Flamenco Beach Resort
Km 7, Quseir-Safaga RoadTel: 3350200 / 0210 E-Mail: [email protected]: www.flamencohotels.com
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Mangrove Bay Resort
Km 29, South of QuseirTel: 3395026E-Mail: [email protected]: www.mangrovebayresort.com
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Movenpick Resort El Quseir
El Quadim BayTel: 3332100E-Mail: [email protected]: www.movenpick.com
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Radisson SAS Resort - El Quseir
Safaga Road, QuseirTel: 3350260 E-Mail: [email protected]: www.radissonsas.com
Quseir Hotels
Subex Diving Center
Movenpick- Resort, Sirena BeachTel: 065 3332100 - 065 3350036Website: www.subex.orgE-Mail: [email protected]
Extra Divers
Radisson SAS ResortTel: 010 6026099 - 065 335260Website: www.extraidivers.infoE-Mail: [email protected]
Marina Divers
Flamenco HotelTel: 065 3350200 - 012 3732780Website: www.flamincohotes.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Sub Aqua Dive Center
Utopia Beach ClubTel: 010 1397900 - 065 3390014Website: www.subaquaidivecenter.comE-Mail: [email protected]
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Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
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Quseir Diving Centers
Marsa Alam
220 km south of Hurghada is the still small fishing village of Marsa Alam. The town consists of a few oriental cafes and supermarkets, a bus station, and a fuel station. Despite its small size keen observers believe that Marsa Alam is destined to become as popular a destination as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.
Marsa Alam has the appearance of a tropical paradise with its palm trees, maniigroves, and coastline fringed with coral reefs. It has gained a very strong reputation amongst scuba divers because of its pristine dive sites, both along the coastline and offshore. Sightings of spinner dolphins, dugongs, turtles, mantas, and sharks are a frequent occurrence for those who venture into its waters.
While offishore boat diving is the most popular, the nature of the coastline equally lends itself to fabulous shoreibased diving. Fringing coastal reefs are split apart by small “Marsas” and “Sharms.” “Sharm” means a shape being like a camel’s lips, and “Marsa” means area with anchoring possibilities. These are two forms of natural bays that allow easy access to their outer walls. The back reefs contain swim throughs and tunnel systems, which provide for interesting profiles to start and finish your dive. These coastal reef “walls” are in shallow water rarely exceeding 35m. Beyond the coral walls is a sandy seabed bottom, which after a distance drops off to 100 meters+.
Marsa Alam’s dive sites are spread over approximately a 200km stretch of coastline with over 50 dive sites to choose from. The best known offshore reefs are probiiably Elphinstone, which features (seasonally) Oceanic White Tips, Hammerheads, Mantas, and sometimes whale sharks. Other popular offishore reefs include Dolphin House and the Fury Shoals. The Fury Shoals is a multitude of reefs hosting some of the best examples of hard and soft coral worldwide.
Much of the history of the Marsa Alam region is still being discovered, but we can trace its history to both the Egyptian and Roman empires. By the Pharaonic era Marsa Alam had become vital to the economy of ancient Egypt. The surrounding coastal area was rich in deposits of copper, lead, gold, emeralds and semiiprecious stones. The mines are said to have been the only source of emeralds for the Roman Empire, and the first emerald mines anywhere in the world.
Some of the gold mines were recently reopened by foreign investors using the latest mining technology. These mines, together with some marble and granite quarries provide employment for some of the population.
Long ago several ancient Roman caravan routes ran between the Nile to ports along the Red Sea. These ancient ports included Apollonopolis Magna (Edfu), Coptos (Qift) and Caenepolis (Qena). The main purpose of these roads was to take emeralds and other precious stones and metals for shipment across the Red Sea.
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Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam
While these roads were used for the gold mining trade, Archaeologists believe that the main use was as a trade route between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea. Very important ancient ports were located along the Red Sea coast in ancient days. The main port is said to have been Berenice just south of Ras Banas. The ruins of one of these ancient ports can still be found in Marsa Nakari just 18km south of Marsa Alam.
Other historic sites include the Emerald Mines of Wadi Suket, which also hosts a small Ptolemaic rock temple dedicated to Isis and Serapis.
A newly opened road in Marsa Alam is linked to Edfu, which is situated along the Nile River at about 230km inland. A wealth of rock inscripiitions from as early as the preidynastic periods can be found on the road leading to Edfu. The ancient markings depict animals including giraffes and cattle, as well as many hunting scenes.
Off of the Edfu road can be found an area called Wadi Baramiya. Wadi Baramiya extends into another larger Wadi called Wadi Miya. Where the ancient caravan route crosses the Marsa Alam i Edfu road at Wadi Kanais, about 40 km from Edfu, a temple was build by among others Seti I.
It’s hard to find words that rightfully describe the wonder that is the Marsa Alam region. The abundance of tourist attractions both marine and terrestrial would take months to fully explore. Much still remains to be discovered about the region, but a recent influx of tourism and development will change that very soon.
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Marsa Alam
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Wadi El Gemal
Wadi El Gemal National Park
Approximately 50km south of Marsa Alam city begins the Wadi el Gemal National park, which has been nominated as a Biosphere Reserve. The Reserve Area encompasses the segment of the Red Sea coastal plain and mountains extending roughly between 24°51’N in the north and 24°06’N in the south; and between the Red Sea shoreline in the east to about 34°28’E in the west.
The Reserve area includes marine and terrestrial components. Wadi El Gemal and its delta are the central theme of the terrestrial reserve area. The marine component of the protected area encompasses a strip of coastal marine waters featuring patches of mangroves, as well as a number of marine islands (the Hamata archipelago and Wadi El Gemal Island).
The presence of mangroves on the islands makes it a perfect habitat for hundreds of shore and sea bird species. In addition to the bird populations, two species of turtles use the Island for nesting grounds and dolphins are commonly seen swimming around the Island. Daily boat excursions to the Qulan islands for sunbathing and snorkeling is a favored excursion.
Land based excursions to the Wadi el Gemal delta and desert for trekking, bird watchiiing, and Bedouin encounters is also very popular. The local Bedouin Ababda who iniihabits the Wadi el Gamel reserve and eastern desert offers cultural based excursions. The eastern desert’s spectacular scenery and wildlife are also a popular attraction.
Animals that inhabit the wadis include many rare species like the Nubian Ibex, Capra Ibex Nubiana, and the Hyrax. Wild donkeys, camels, and gazelle are also abundant in the region and feed on the vegetation of the desert.
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Sharm Abu Dabbour
A shore based dive site unique for its small passage that leads to a fairly shallow cavern and canyon. A rope is used to guide divers through the canyon as sometimes current is present. Snappers and schools of fusiliers are commonly taking shelter inside the cavern. Near a large pinnacle in front of the opening between the north and south reef is an eel garden. The northern and southern reef feature lots of hard coral formation. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Marsa Abu Dabbab
Marsa Abu Dabbab is an expansive bay famous for its resident dugong and big green turtles, which are feeding on the sea grass bed. Commonly sighted near the sea grass are also cuddle fish, jacks, guitar ray, and box fish. The north and south reefs are also rich in colorful corals and fish. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Marsa Alam Dive Sites
Moray Eel
Mackerel
Octopus
Napoleon Fish
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Sharm Abu Dabbab
Sharm Abu Dabbab is a shore based dive site featuring a unique tunnel system within the back reef, which connects 3 small pools. The pools are shallow not exceeding 15m. Towards the outer walls is an abundance of porite corals and reef fish. The north and south walls drop down to a sandy bottom at approximately 15m. Black and white damiiselfish, bat fish, groupers and parrot fish are dwelling among the corals. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Shaab Abu Dabbab
This is a large and shallow offshore reef chain approximately 1.5 nautical miles from shore. The site is based around two large reefs and in between is a small wreck resting at about 14m. A very beautiful chain of coral mountains on the east side connects both larger reefs. An abundance of pristine corals, reef fish and the occasional white tip reef shark and barracuda make this a very popular dive site. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Marsa Alam Dive Sites
Parrot Fish
Peacock Angel Fish Puffer Fish
Picasso Fish
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Marsa Shagra
One of the most beautiful house reefs in the southern Red Sea operated by Red Sea Diving Safari. According to the author of Collins Reef guide, Marsa Shagra is home to 15 endemic fish species, about 300 other species of fish, and 100 types of corals. The bay is frequented by dolphins and manta rays during certain seasons. The north and south reefs feature walls that slope down to a sandy bottom at about 15m. The sandy bottom is littered with hard coral and extends approximately 8i10m, before sloping down to 50m+. White and black tip reef sharks, different ray species, resident turtles, barracudas, grouiipers, mackerels, nudibranches and a lot of very colorful coral patches are just some of the highlights. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Marsa Alam Dive Sites
Elphinstone
A 375m long offishore reef with dropioffs descending to over 100 meters+. Elphinstone is ranked among the top ten dive sites in the entire world. It is located approximately 2 nautical miles from the coastline. The reef is angled slightly to the north, which causes a constant current over the northern and southern plateaus. These plateaus are an ideal location to catch a glimpse of different shark species like Oceanic White Tip, Scalloped Hammerhead, White Tip Reef, Grey Reef, Silver Tip, and Thresher. Elphinstone features Oceanic White Tip (Sep. i Nov.), Scalloped Hammerhead (June i August.), and Mantas (March i April). A current makes this site suitable for advanced level diver.
Sea Horse
Rabbit Fish
Rainbow Fish
Sergeant Fish
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Marsa Nakari
One of the most beautiful house reefs in the southern Red Sea operated by Red Sea Diving Safari. This is a fairly expansive bay with an abundance of coral and marine life. The north and south reefs feature walls that slope down to a sandy bottom at about 15m. The north reef features an abundance of colorful corals and the south reef is heavily pitiited with many swim throughs. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Shabb Samadai
Also know as “Dolphin House” Shabb Samadai is a national park approximately 9km from the coastline. Shaab Samadai is the home of a group of Spinner Dolphins that live in this horse shoe shaped reef. The site is protected by the Rangers who have zoned the inside of the reef to protect the dolphins. The site is large and requires two dives to be fully explored. The entire site is scattered with pillars and domes of stony coral including brain, mushroom, table and soft coral. The northieast reef features a rich landscape of mountain corals next to a sandy bottom scattered with reef patches. This area also feaiitures an eel garden and lots of anemones. On the west side is a shallow tunnel system that is open on the top and ends in a landscape of mountain corals and canyons. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Marsa Alam Dive Sites
Star Fish
Scorpion Fish
Soldier Fish
Spiny Globe Fish
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Shaab Sharm
This is an offshore dive site approximately 5 nautical miles from the coastline. This reef is oriented northiwest to southieast with plateaus on both ends. On the northiwestern side is a plateau that begins at about 25m. There is a chance to see Hammerheads here from spring until mid August and Oceanic white tips (Longimanus) in autumn. The east plateau begins at approximately 17m and slowly slopes to another plateau at 30m before dropping off into depth. Many pelagic species frequent this area year round. Suitiiable for advanced level diver.
Daedelus
This circular island is located approximately 50 nautical miles off the Marsa Alam coastiiline. At its widest point the island is approximately 500 meters wide. A lighthouse stands in the center of the island and is the only reference point to its location. This is an uniispoiled dive site which has become one of the favored diving destinations in the Red Sea. Its spectacular sheer walls are carpeted in soft corals, hard corals and enormous sea fans. There is a plateau on the southern side that begins at approximately 35m. All other sides feature steep vertical drop offs. The east wall features spectacular caves and overhangs and the west wall features spectacular hard coral formations. You can expect to see barracuda, jacks, tuna, rainbow runners, grey reef sharks, hammerheads, threshers and occasionally dolphins. Mantas and whale sharks are also common during the plankton season. Suitable for advanced level diver.
Marsa Alam Dive Sites
Trigger Fish
Stone Fish
Striped Butterfly
Surgeon Fish
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Ecolodge Shagra Village
Km 113 South QuseirTel: 0122449073 - 0122449075E-Mail: [email protected]: www.redseaidivingsafari.com
El Zabarget Hotel
Hamata Tel: 0122152775E-Mail: N/AWebsite: www.zabarget.net
Brayka Bay Hotel Reef Resort
Km 18 North Marsa AlamTel: 0121004401 – 0121004406E-Mail: [email protected]: www.braykabay.com
Cataract Resort
17 Km North of Marsa Alam Tel: 0127343071 - 0127343072E-Mail: [email protected]: www.catracthotels.com
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Coral Beach Diving Hotel
Port GhalibTel: 0653700222E-Mail: [email protected]
Dream Lagoon Hotel
Km 20 South Marsa AlamTel: 0122295791 i 0122295792E-Mail: [email protected]: www.florianahotels.com
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Marsa Alam Hotels
Abu Dabbab Diving Lodge
Km 33 North Marsa AlamTel: 0102339271E-Mail: [email protected]: www.balbaagroup.com
Abo Nawas Resort
Km 20 North Marsa AlamTel: 0122439950 - 0122439951E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.abonawasresotr.com
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Akassia Swiss Resort
38 Km of Marsa Alam AirportTel: 012 2307718 – 012 7455049E-Mail: [email protected]: www.akassia.com
Amaraya Resort
North Marsa AlamTel: 0127458802 – 0127458799E-Mail: [email protected]: www.balbaagroup.com
Equinox Resort
Marsa AlamTel: 0122106217 - 0122353475E-Mail: [email protected]: www.elnabaa.com
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Flora Beach Resort
Km 112 South of QuseirTel: 0123342080 – 0124755435E-Mail: [email protected]: www.floramarsaalam.com
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Habiba
North Marsa AlamTel: 3380107 i 3380108E-Mail: [email protected]: www.balbaagroup.com
Iberotel Coraya Beach Resort
Madinat CorayaTel: 3750000 – 012 3912055E-Mail: [email protected]: www.jaz.travel
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Blue Reef Hotel
North Marsa Alam CityTel: 012 7676728 – 012 7676729E-Mail: N/AWebsite: N/A
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Blue Lagoon Hotel
Km 20 South Marsa AlamTel: 0123245792 - 0123245793E-Mail: N/AWebsite: N/A
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Badawia Beach Hotel
Address: Kilo 90 Marsa Alam RoadTel: 0102505560 - 0102505564E-Mail: [email protected]: www.badawiamarsaalam.com
Baraka Sons Hotel
Km14, South Marsa AlamTel: 012 2488062E-Mail: N/AWebsite: N/A
Photo Courtesy of Francis Le Guen
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Shams Alam Resort
Km 45 South Marsa AlamTel: 0122444931 - 0122444932 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.shamshotels.com
Sol y Mar Abu Dabbab
Madinat CorayaTel: 010 0096002E-Mail: [email protected]: www.solymarabubbab.com
Sun International Port Ghalib
Gabal El Gezira El Haram CenterTel: 3700100 – 3700101E-Mail: N/AWebsite: N/A
Solitaire Beach Resort
Km 81 South Marsa Alam AirportTel: 3380100 – 33380102 i 3380103E-Mail: [email protected] Website: N/A
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Iberotel Lamaya Resort
Madinat CorayaTel: 3750030E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.iberotel_eg.com
Jaz Solaya Resort
Madinat CorayaTel: 3750015E-Mail: [email protected]: www.solymart.com
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Kahramana Resort
Marsa AlamTel: 3380008 – 3380009E-Mail: [email protected]: www.Kahramanaresort.com
Lahami Bay Resort
Km115 South of Marsa AlamTel: 010 009266 – 012 3173300E-Mail: [email protected]: www.lahamibay.com
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Pensee Royal Garden Resort
Km 22, South QuseirTel: 3390022 i 33900023E-Mail: [email protected]: www.utopia_resort.net
Resta Reef Resort
Km 65 Quaseir MA RoadTel: 3750090 – 3750099E-Mail: www.restareefresort.comWebsite: [email protected]
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Marsa Alam Hotels
Wadi Sabbara Hotel
Km 25 North Marsa AlamTel: 02 37605950 – 02 37603877 E-Mail: N/AWebsite: N/A
Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza Resort
Port GhalibTel: 010 0095561E-Mail: [email protected]: www.threecorners.com
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Tulip Resort
Km 17 South Marsa Alam AirportTel: 010 1617002 – 010 1617003 E-Mail: reservation_tulip@flash_interna-tional.netWebsite: www.falah_international.net
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Vera Club Elphistone
Km 25, North Marsa AlamTel: 3380031 - 3380034 – 012 2271127E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.elphistone.com
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The Eco-diving Adventure- Diverse Accommodation Styles (all-inclusive)- Unlimited Shore-based Diving / Boat Diving- Unique and Diverse Diving Program - World Famous Dive Sites
www.redsea-divingsafari.com
Diving Ocean New Project
Tulip ResortTel: 012 7484335 - 065 3854738Website: www.divingocean.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Emperor Divers
Coral Beach HotelTel: 012 7372126Website: www.emperordivers.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Flora Diving Center
Flora Ecolodge ResortTel: 012 4755435 - 010 6377712Website: www.floramarsaalam.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Marsa Nakari Divers
Ecolodge Nakari VillageTel: 022 3371833 - 022 7494219Website: www.redseaidivingsafari.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Coraya Divers
Km 65 El Quseir MATel: 010 7670808Website: www.corayaidivers.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Deep South
Baraka Sons – Camp 6Tel: 012 3258869 - 012 7923336Website: www.deepisouthidiving.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Equinox Divers
310 A Sudan Street – El NabaTel: N/AWebsite: www.elnabaa.comE-Mail: N/A
Extra Divers
Aquarius Beach VillageTel: 016 5529293 - 010 3071247Website: www.extradivers.infoE-Mail: [email protected]
Wadi Lahmi Divers
Ecolodge Wadi Lahmi VillageTel: 023 3371833 - 02 333749942Website: www.redseaidivingsafari.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Sefpa
Equinox ResortTel: 012 2106217 - 012 2353475Website: www.hermesigroup.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Subex
Abdel Aaty Abou Zaid VillaTel: 012 2454128Website: www.subex.orgE-Mail:
Sea Fari
Safir HotelTel: 012 1020196 - 010 1013816Website: www.seafari-int.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Sea World
Address:Tel: 012 7747018 Website: www.seaworldidiving.itE-Mail: [email protected]
Pioneer Divers
Kahramana HotelTel: 012 1607326Website: www.redseaidivingsafari.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Red Sea Diving Safari
Ecolodge Shagra VillageTel: 012 2449075 - 065 3380021Website: www.redseaidivingsafari.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Aquarius
Awlad BarkaTel: 010 5056644 - 010 6460408Website: www.aquariusredsea.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Akassia
Akassia Resort Tel: 012 241 67 39Website: www.diving.deE-Mail: [email protected]
Oasis
Kilo 20 El Quseir Road Tel: 010 1573889Website: www.wernerlau.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Ocean Pro
Lahmi Bay VillageTel: 012 2242527 - 010 0090292Website: www.barakudaidiving.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Marsa Alam Diving Centers
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Blue Heaven Holidays
Tondoba Bay Kilo 14 South M.A.Tel: 012 3131157 - 065 3415121 Website: www.blueheavenholidays.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Barracuda
Marsa AlamTel: N/AWebsite: www.barracudadiving.comE-Mail: [email protected]
Wadi El Gemal
Camels ValleyTel: 012 2444932 - 012 7677009 Website: N/AE-Mail: N/A
Orca
Zabargad Village- HamataTel: N/AWebsite: www.orcadiveclubE-Mail: N/A
Orca Dive Club
Abu Dabbab Diving LodgeTel: N/AWebsite: www.orca-diveclub-abudab--bab.comE-Mail: N/A
Ras Banas South
Ras Banas South
Southwards to the Sudanese border is an almost completely empty coastline, except for the occasional mangrove and herds of grazing camels. Ras Banas is a 51km peniniisula towards the end of the Egyptian/Sudanese border. The inlet of water sheltered to the south of this peninsula is called Foul Bay.
At the head of this bay and approximately 145km south of Marsa Alam sits the ancient port of Berenice. The town was founded by Ptolemy II Philadelphus in 275 B.C. For many years it was one of the most important ports on the Red Sea coast, carrying on trade with India, Arabia, and the east coast of Africa.
Abandoned during the fifth century AD, the site was excavated in 1818 by the Arche-iologist Belzoni, who found a Temple of Queen Semiramis and other ancient ruins.
Littered on both the northern and southern sides of the Ras Banas peninsula can be found a vast complex of islands and offishore reefs. These include; the Fury Shoals, Mikauwa Island, St. John’s Island, and Rocky Island.
The reefs found here are intact and frequented by a host of pelagic species. The multitude of reefs on the northern side of Ras Banas is collectively known as the Fury Shoals. They offer worldiclass hard and soft coral formations and plenty of diversity from dropioffs to coral gardens.
Mikauwa Island lies off the southern point and acts as a sanctuary to nesting terns, as well as turtles coming to lay their eggs. Furthest south is a 14 km group of reef tables and pinnacles known as St. Johns. St. Johns contains a staggering profusion of hard and soft corals including abundant black corals and pristine Gorgonian sea fans. These reefs are also frequently visited by a variety of sharks.
Further south is the “The Hala’ib Triangle,” which is a disputed land just between the borders of Egypt and Sudan. The two major towns in this area are Hala’ib and Shalaiiteen. Shalateen is the Egyptian frontier famous for its local Bedouin tribes called the “Ababda” and the “Bisharia.”
Today these regions are under Egyptian rule, which has launched a program of “deiivelopment” to cement its hold on this potentially oilirich region. Anyone wishing to visit this region is advised to hire a guide. A company called Red Sea Desert Adventures will run a very informative dayitrip to the village. There are no tourist accommodations in the area, but this is likely to change in the very near future.
The Camel Market is one of Shalateen’s most memorable attractions. Buyers from all across Egypt converge here to choose from the different breeds brought by herders who come from Sudan on foot.
The southern most area of the Egyptian Red Sea is very much reminiscent of the African Saharas. Most of the region is desolate territory and still remains unchartered. Major tourism development agencies have already laid stake to the coastline and hotel projects are expected to begin by the beginning of 2010.
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Shaab Malahi
The Arabic word “malahi” means play ground, which is a fitting name for this extraordi-inary offishore dive site. Approximately 10 nautical miles from the coastline, it features a maze of hard coral landscaping and a series of corridors (between 10 to 12 meters) inside the southern side of the reef (hence the name playground). The depth around the reef ranges between 20i25 meters and features a rich variety of soft and hard corals. The wonderful landscape makes this a very fun dive site. Suitable for any level diver.
Shaab Mansour
Shaab Mansour is an offishore reef located approximately 10 nautical miles from the coastline. On the southern side is a plateau that begins at about 10m and then slopes down to another plateau at 30m before dropping off into the blue. The rest of the reef is surrounded by a drop off with beautiful coral draped walls. Many different shark species have been sighted here as well as mantas and whale sharks (beginning during plankton season). A strong current occasionally occurs here and the site is suitable for advanced divers.
Ras Banas South Dive Sites
Satayah
Satayah is one of the biggest reefs in the Fury Shoals approximately 11 nautical miles from the coastline. The reef is semiioval shaped and features very large lagoons in the interior. A very large pod of spinner dolphins inhabits the lagoons, which is about 10m in depth. The east side features a drop off where thresher sharks, hammerheads, and oceanic white tips sharks have been sighted. Reef sharks and mantas have also been sighted in the area. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Gota Abu Galawa
Gota Abu Galawa is a small reef approximately 9 nautical miles from the coastline. This site features a small wreck on the south side at 17m, which was an American yacht that sank 15 years ago. The hull and roof are still intact and the interior is home to a variety of sweeper fish. Surrounding the wreck are soft and hard coral formations littered around the sandy bottom. Towards the northern side is a small channel at about 16 meters, which enters into a sandy bottom area that features a wonderful arrangement of mouniitain corals. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Ras Banas South Dive Sites
Abu Galawa
Abu Galawa is located just north of its “little brother” Gota Abu Galawa. It also features a much larger and very impressive wreck, which was a Chinese tugboat that sank around 1945. The bow is just under the surface leaning on the coral reef and descending to about 17 meters. The larger reef to the north features very impressive coral gardens, which continue all the way towards the west end of the reef. The depth here is approxiiimately 20m and slowly slopes to depth towards the western tip. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Shabb Claudia
Shabb Claudia is one of the most popular dive sites of the Fury Shoals located approxiiimately 9 nautical miles from the coastline. This reef is popular due to its breathtaking underwater landscape and cave system running through the southern part. Depth inside the caves range between 8 to 10 meters and around the reef is a sandy bottom at apiiproximately 20m. It is common to see pelagic species cruising by just south of the tunnel entrance. Many napoleons also congregate outside the cave entrances as well as many other fish species. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Ras Banas South Dive Sites
Milkauwa Island
Just south of the Ras Banas peninsula is the Island of Mikauwa, situated approximately 30km from the coastline. The island acts as a sanctuary to flocks of nesting terns and turtles coming to lay their eggs. The island is fringed with remarkable hard coral gardens. Around the oblong shaped reef is a sloping bottom that begins at about 15m and slowly descends to 30m+. Along the northern side is collection of pinnacles that featuring many fish species and coral. A very pleasant dive site suitable for any level diver.
Zabargad Island
Zabargad Island is a marine park located approximately 37 nautical miles from the coastline. It is recognized as one of the most beautiful islands for diving featuring an extensive diversity of marine life. There are several yet unidentified wrecks around the island. This triangular shaped island covers about 5 square kilometers and hosts nestiiing turtles which are readily seen in August. On the southern side is a turquoise lagoon and shallow coral reefs at depths of 18i25 meters. This then slopes to a sandy bottom covered with a wide variety of intricately sculpted stony coral pinnacles. Large and small reef fish can be seen cruising through the pinnacles and the sandy bottom hosts blue spotted and black spotted stingrays as well as crocodile fish. Hammerheads and manta rays can sometimes be encountered cruising about the island. A very pleasant dive site suitable for intermediate level diver.
Ras Banas South Dive Sites
Rocky Island
Just a few kilometers south of Zabargad Island is the Rocky Island, designated as one of the underwater wonders of the world. An abundance of marine life is found all around the island. Its sheer walls draped in colorful soft corals, sponges, and sea fans drop vertically down to the first plateau at about 25 meters, then dropping down to 50+. The southern tip features several caves and overhangs where a great deal of shark and pelagics are cruising by. Strong currents make the Rocky Island suitable for advanced level diver.
Ras Banas South Dive Sites
78www.redsea-divingsafari.com
Reef Check is the world’s largest international coral reef monitoring program and the United Nations official reef monitoring program. Reef check is dedicated to global coral reef education, monitoring, and manageiment by involving recreational divers and experienced marine scientists in community based team work.
Stephan Moldzio is our Reef Check team leader as well as a Reef Check instructor. Our long term plan is to create an onigoing network of volunteers to coniduct surveys in all the reefs of the region.
Reef Check Eco-diving Certification
The Eco-diving Adventure
St. John’s Reef
This massive reef system encompassing a 20km wide and 12km long area is located approximately 16km from the coastline. There are dozens of excellent dive possibili-ities, which would take a few days to explore. The entire reef system rises up from an underwater plateau. Some of the small circular reefs peak just below the surface and look very small. But once in the water the reef expands wider and wider as they descend towards the bottom.
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St. John’s contains a wealth of hard and soft corals including black corals and gorgoiinian sea fans. Massive schools of fish congregate here such as fusiliers, angel fish, black banner fish, groupers, and surgeon fish. Turtles, napoleons, and the infamous bumped-head parrotfish are also a common sight. These reefs are also commonly visited by a variety of sharks species including Hammerheads.
The Red Sea’s History
The Red Sea mountains consist mainly of very old igneous rocks and sediments that have been faulted and folded. The sediments have also been affected by the heat and pressures they experienced during the intrusions of the igneous rocks.
The oldest of these rock formations are thought to have originated between 1000 and 750 million years ago, during movements of the tectonic plates of the earth.
During successive periods thick layers of sediments that were deposited on land and in sea covered these oldest rocks.
A considerable uplift of the land bordering the Red Sea in the west took place 15 million years ago. This resulted in erosion of more than 3km of sediment cover exposing the deeper older rock formations. It was during this era that the Red Sea Mountains more or less started to take on their present shape.
The Red Sea is a young growing ocean and part of a much larger body of water that forms the contact zone between two crustal plates of the earth. In the north this sea extends until the Dead Sea and to the south it continues into the Indian Ocean.
About 35 million years ago forces in the earth’s crust began to separate the Arabian Peninsula from Africa. The Red Sea was subsequently formed around 20 million years ago.
At the moment the Red Sea widens around 1.8 cm per year. At the same time the central part of the Red Sea is subsiding, while the landmasses bordering the Red Sea (Africa and Arabian Peninsula) are being uplifted. Up until now the uplift has been 3 km while the maximum subsidence has been 4 km. This makes a total offset of at least 7 km.
The Red Sea
Marine Life Highlights
Oceanic White Tip
Scalloped Hammerhead
Spinner Dolphin
Whale Shark
Dugong
Manta Ray
White Tip Reef Shark
Black Tip Reef Shark
83 84www.redsea-divingsafari.com
Developed by Dr. Erich Ritter, this workshop is for ad-vanced divers who want to learn about shark behavior and how to be a safe diver near sharks. Key goal of the program is to make the participants aware that there are no dangerous sharks, only dangerous situations, know-ingly or unknowingly created by humans because they do not understand shark behavior.
The Eco-diving Adventure
SharkSchool
Eco-diving at its best! The most popular workshop in our eco-diving program, Sharkschool has been described as the ultimate diving experience.
Southern Red Sea Topography
Most hotels have jetties that run atop the “back reef” to the reef edge. You can then climb down stairs on the jetty to enter the water. Other hotels have dug out large lagoons in the back reef, which provides a secluded swimming area overlooking the open ocean. This is what is called a “halk,” some of them being natural lagoons or manimade lagoons. Some of these lagoons are very expansive and serve as a great training ground for kite surfing. In some rare areas fringing coastal reefs are split apart by small “marsas” and “sharms.” “Sharm” means a shape being like a camel’s lips, and “marsa” means an area with anchoring possibilities. These are two forms of natural bays that allow easy access to their outer walls. These reef “walls” are in shallow water rarely exceeding 35m. Beyond the coral walls is a sandy seabed bottom, which after a distance drops off to 100 meters+.
“Shabb” is the Arabic word meaning an offishore reef. The distance of these reefs from the coastline vary from reef to reef and can only be accessed by boat.
A “wadi” is the Arabic word for a valley, which is usually found some distance away from the coastline and lead into the desert. Then the mountainous terrain follows called “gabel,” or mountains.
In a lot of cases you have a “shabb” located directly in front of a “marsa,” that is located directly in front of a “wadi.”
Marsa Shagra for instance is located directly in front of Shabb Shagra (also referred to as Elphinstone). The wadi behind Marsa Shagra is called Wadi Shagra and the peaks behind the valley also take the name of Shagra. The same name will pertain to all the different geographical components if they are relatively near to each other.
Most of the hotels in the region can organize boat excursions to visit the offishore reefs and islands for diving or snorkeling. You can visit the local marsas by car for swimming and sunbathing. If a resort is situated in front of the marsa you may be required to pay an entrance fee.
Traveling into the desert should be done with a qualified guide. These excursions can include a cultural encounter with the Bedouins, visits to historical and archeological sites, and quad or camel riding trough the desert.
The topography of the southern Red Sea region is unique in its variety of marine and terrestrial components. Islands and offishore reefs, coastal white sand beaches, desert valleys, and rocky mountains are the four main components of the regions topography.
90% of the coastline from Safaga to the Ras Banas peninsula is made up of fringing reef. This fringing reef is supported by a “backireef,” which can extend to 200 meters in some cases. This back reef sits under very shallow water that must be crossed in order to access the open sea.
Marsa
This is the Arabic word that means a place with anchoring possibilities. A marsa is a natural opening in the reef with a sandy bottom that allows for access to the open sea from shore.
Sharm
This is the Arabic word that means “shaped like a camel’s lip” or “V” shaped. This is in reference to the “V” shaped groove that aliilows access to the open sea.
Halk
A halk can be a natural or manimade lagoon in the back reef. It is sheltered from the open ocean and can be likened to an artificial pool.
Ras
A ras is a small peninsula that can sometimes be found along the coastline.
open sea
reef
beach area
open sea
reef
beach area
open sea
reef
beach area
open sea
reef
beach area
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The Eastern Desert
The Rock art of the Eastern Desert
When the German Egyptologist Hans Winkler started his journey through the southeastern desert of Egypt in 1936; he was rewarded with the discovery of hundreds of spectacular rock drawings dating from preihistoric times.
During the dark times of the Second World War Winkler’s discoveries were lost and forgotten. Only in the early 1990´s did a group of English archaeologists retrace the travels of H. Winkler and studied the carvings once again.
In prehistoric times the landscape of the eastern desert resembled more the savannas of today’s East Africa. Herds of wild game like African Gazelles, Elephants, Ostriches and Giraffes were grazing the Wadis. They provided hunting for the human population as well as for Lions and other predators. While Ibex and Gazelle still cling on in today’s harsher environment, the others disappeared from the region as long ago as the third millennium BC. During this time drastic climatic changes turned the area into a barren and forbidding landscape. Some of the oldest rock carvings are scenes with Giraffes, Elephants or Ostriches. Some drawings indicate a strong connection between the desert and the Nile valley. Others are drawings of boats transporting godlike figures. They symbolize men’s communication with the after world, a theme common in most tombs of pharaonic and preipharaonic Egypt.
Different trading routes followed the Wadis connecting the Red Sea with the Nile. They produced the more recent rock carvings: caravans with camels, fighting scenes on camels or horses, men hunting with dogs, or Egyptian hieroglyphic writing. Ancient or more recent, the rock drawings of the eastern desert present a spectacular document of history. They give hints to preipharaonic Egypt, present some of the roots of pharaonic times at the Nile valley, and tell about the history of later desert inhabitation.
Ptolomeans and Romans in the Eastern Desert
Since pharaonic times the Eastern Desert was famous for its trading routes and mining resources. Under the Ptolemaic and the Romans (4th century BC until 7th century AD) trading was extended to the Mediterranean region. Caravans leaving from south Arabia, east Africa, and south Asia had to cross the eastern desert and successively follow the Nile to the Mediterranean Sea, which they then had to navigate to Rome. In the Ptolemaic times trade of elephants, gold and emeralds was very common. In the roman and early Byzantium eras pearls, pepper, general exotic spices, silk, exotic animals, medicines, frankincense and myrrh were traded with Rome in exchange for wines, fine pottery, glass and textiles.
Several caravan routes led from Red Sea harbors like Myos Hormos and Berenice to the Nile. At distances of 30 to 35km (about a day-march on foot) fortified water stations were established to supply the caravans. Branch roads connected mining areas to the main routes. In the north mainly granite, porphyry and other hard rock for pillars, bathtubs, statues and fountain bowls were quarried and roughly shaped at site before transported to the Nile. In the southieastern desert gold, emeralds, and bekhen stone were mined for sarcophagi and other artifacts. Cairns of piled stones frequently marked the caravan routes and towers occasionally overlooked the road. Fire towers covered the whole distance from Myos Hormos (Quseir) until Coptos (Qift) to signal messages from the coast to the Nile. Many remains of this period are still visible today. Fortresses, wells, quarries, mining shafts and even whole villages can be found in these now deserted areas.
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Bedouin Tribes
Bedouin Tribes
The eastern desert is inhabited by the Ma’aza bedouin and the Ababda bedouin tribes. The northieastern desert is inhabited by the Ma’aza bedouin tribe. Ma’aza means ‘Goat People.’ The tribe is subdivided into clans in which each member of the clan can be traced back over several generations to one forefather. The Ma’aza tribe has its origins in Arabia and is of Semitic origin. In the eighteen century few households of the Ma’aza tribe began settling in Egypt. The tribe comprises about 20 clans, of which the Khushmaan clan has by far the most numerous desertidwelling clan members (many Bedouin settled along the Nile).
The Khushmaan build tents of thick durable blankets woven from goat hair. The blanikets are sewn together and stretched over a frame of wooden sticks from the acacia tree. Most families consider a special area in the desert their homeiland. A family will usually settle near a watering well. In winter they can move sites regularly depending on where the rain falls to alter the grazing for the animals.
The southieastern desert is occupied by the Ababda tribe. They make up the Arabic speaking tribe of the Beja, an indigenous Hamitic race that occupies the southern areas between the Nile and the Red Sea coast in southern Egypt and Sudan. The Beja date from 4000-2000 BC and were most probably related to the ‘Blemmeys’ that had alternating friendly and hostile relationships with the Romans during their occupation of the area 2000 years ago.
The Ababda are also called ‘The children of Abad’. Abad came from the Arabian Peninsula to Egypt around 1300 AD (around the same time the Beja converted from Christianity to Islam.) He claimed to descent from Abdellahi, the son of the famous Zubeir Ibn el Awwaam, a close relative of the Prophet Mohammed (SAWWS) and one of the first converts to Islam.
The Ababda hut is built of matting woven from the leaves of the domipalm. The mats are stretched over a frame of long curved acacia sticks and fastened by wooden skewiers. The lower interior and exterior of the hut are covered by blankets and hand woven woolen carpets. The Ababda live partly in small settlements along the coast, and partly as isolated families in the mountains. Their main source of income is their livestock of goats, sheep, and camels.
Apart from strong black sugar rich tea, their most common social drink is ‘Gabena’, which is hand roasted coffee beans ground with ginger. The minimum number of rounds to drink is three. Bread makes up the main dish of their diet. It is made from flour, salt, and water and can be kneaded into a thick round shape baked into the sand with firewood, called ‘gurs’, or baked on an iron plate into thin pancakes called ‘fetir’. The bread is mixed with sour goat milk or fat for the meals. At special occasions a sheep or goat can be slaughtered and the meat grilled on hot rocks.
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You need four things to set about traveling in Egypt. Firstly, always allow for extra time for even small tasks. Secondly, patience i have it or you’ll learn it here. Thirdly, a sense of humor helps to ameliorate a difficult situation. Fourthly, “baksheesh” – always have small bills for tipping and don’t ask for any service unless you are sure you want it.
There is a strong sense of communal responsibility especially towards foreigners. Anyiione in distress can expect the immediate assistance of both the public and police. Egypt is one of the most liberal Muslim countries in the Middle East, but please be aware that it is still a very conservative country. Islamic and Christian values are dominant.
Open displays of affection between sexes can be very offensive. Modest dress should be worn and either sex displaying bare shoulders may also be offensive. Within the resorts and private beaches shorts and swimsuits are acceptable.
For most visitors to Egypt stomach problems and overiexposure to the sun are the two greatest health risks. Drink only bottled water and eat only at reputable restaurants. Peel all fruits and eat only vegetables that have been cooked or that you can peel. Never drink or eat anything from street vendors. Use sunblock and cover yourself well from the sun. Drink plenty of water.
Survival Guide
Passport and Visa Information
Visitors to Egypt should posses a passport valid for 6-months beyond their planed date of entry. Anyone wishing to visit the country must buy a visa. These can be obtained in advance from Egyptian consulates abroad or upon arrival to Cairo Airport, Hurgahda Airport, Marsa Alam Airport, or Luxor Airport. The 3 types of Visas that can be obtained are:
1. Tourist Visa: valid for a period not exceeding 3 months granted on either single or multiple entry basis.
2. Entry Visa: is required for any foreigner arriving in Egypt for purposes other than tourism, e.g. work, study, etc. The possession of a valid Entry Visa is needed to complete the residence procedure in Egypt.
3. Transit Visa.
Weather
Egypt’s climate consists of mild winters from November to April, and hot summers from May to October. Summer days are typically warm and it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach 45 Celsius.
Important Note: You’ve not experienced a real sun burn unless you’ve sat under Egypt’s sun! Please heed this advice to avoid harrowing pain, especially children. Make sure to do the following:
1. Try to limit your time in the sun from the hours of 10am to 2pm. 2. Use sunblock with SPF 15 or above every 2 hours while in the sun.3. No sun or sunblock for children under 1 year old.4. Wear a hat and sunglasses. 5. Drink plenty of water.
Weather Chart
Month Air Temperature Water TemperatureJanuary 14 / 22 22 / 23February 13 / 20 21 / 22March 17 / 23 22 / 23April 21 / 27 23 / 24May 24 / 30 24 / 25June 27 / 32 24 / 25July 28 / 33 25 / 26August 28 / 39 26 / 27September 22 / 39 28 / 29October 16 / 34 27 / 28November 11 / 32 25 / 26December 6 / 28 24 / 25
Time
Egypt’s is 2 hours ahead of the standard GMT time.
Cairo Berlin London New York L.A.
2pm 1pm 12pm 7am 4am
Emergency Numbers
Ambulance:Fire Dept.: Marine Police:Hospital:Decoichamber:Tourist Police:Police:Marsa Alam Airport:
Embassy Numbers in Cairo (02+)
Australia: 575-0444Austria.: 794-7494Belgium: 794-7494Canada: 794-3110Denmark: 739-6592Finland: 736-1487France: 570-3916Greece: 795-0443Netherlands: 739i5500Spain: 735-0047Sweden: 736-4132
U.K.: 794-0852Germany: 735-3687Italy: 794-3194Russia: 748-9354Slovenia: 749-1771Switzerland: 575-8284U.S.A.: 797i3300
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Survival Guide
Language
Within the resorts and tourist areas you will always find English speaking staff. If you want to travel off the beaten track then learn these few Arabic phrases below. Recognizing Arabic numerals is also very helpful for getting around and dealing with money.
Emergencies
Police: bolice Infirmary: mashfa Hospital: mustashfa Pharmacy: ssaydaliya Doctor: doctur I’m feeling sick: Ahsaor bel taabPlease call the doctor: etlob el-tabib men fadlak
Common Expressions
Yes: naam, aywaNo: laPossibly: mumkenImpossible: mesh mumken Necessary: daruri Please: men fadlak (m.) men fadlik (f.) Thank you: shukranYour welcome: ahlan bekaSorry/Excuse me: assef Good morning: sabah el-kheir Good evening: masa el-kheirGood night: tesbah ala kheir Welcome: marhabaGoodbye: salamMy name Is: esmiWhat is your name: esmak ehHow are you: ez zayyak (m.) ez zayyek (f.) Today: en-nahar da Tomorrow: bukra Yesterday: imbarih I speak English: ana batkallem englizi I don’t speak Arabic: ma-batkallamsh `arabiI don’t understand: ana mish fahemDo you speak english: int betetkalem inglizi Can you help me: mumken tsaa’dni Information: istiilaamaat What time is it: el-saa kam
Numbers
One: wahed Two: etnein Three: talata Four: arbaa Five: khamsa Six: sitta Seven: sabaa Eight: tamania Nine: tesaa Ten: ashaara Fifty: khamsin One Hundred: mia Five Hundred: khams mia One Thousand: alf
Traveling
Airplane: tayara Airport: mattar Bus: auto beasTicket: tazkara Change: sarf or taghieerCustoms: gumruk Station: mahatta Porter: shaial or hammal Train: atre or kittar Suitcase: shanta Departure: zehab Arrival: wussul Delay: taakhear Travel Agent: wikalat safar Bus station: mehatet el-outobees When does the....arrive: emta wussul When does the...leave: emta qiyam... I want to go to...: ayez arrouh ella... Stop here please: wakeff hena men fadlak
At the Restaurant
Restaurant: mataam Breakfast: fetar Lunch: ghada Dinner: asha Water: mayya Mineral water: mayya maadania Wine: nebite Juice: assir Glass: kas Plate: tabaq Bread: aish Butter: zebda Olives: zeitun Cheese: jibna Salad: salata Vegetables: khodar Meat: lahma Chicken: ferakh Fish: samak Dessert: halawa Fruit: fakiha IceiCream: ice creamCoffee: ahua Coffee without sugar: ahua sada Fairly sweet: mazbut Very sweet: ziada Tea: shay Sugar: sokkar Milk: labn Hot: sokhna Cold: bared
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