NORTHERN RED SEA DIVE SITES

The Northern Red Sea dive sites are accessed either by daily boat diving or, for the more remote sites, by Liveaboard. In order to get to the best sites without a full weeks liveaboard we recommend 'split trips' consisting of 3 days liveaboard and 4 day land based in your chosen hotel. This is great for newly qualified divers or those just a little out of practice - the first half of the week day boat diving, getting used to the conditions, then follow up with the more demanding and exciting liveaboard diving to the more remote sites.

THE REEFS OF THE NORTHERN RED SEA

Ras Mohammed A promontory built by ancient coral that rises out of the sea - is possibly the most beautiful area in South Sinai and the richest in marine life. It is now a Protected National Park which contains a rich variety of most geological features found in the Sinai. Because of the currents that sweep out from the Gulf of Aqaba, the underwater population is particularly exceptional, and a great many pelagic species gather there from the open sea in search of food and shelter.

Straits of Tiran These Straits close off the Gulf of Aqaba some twelve miles to the Northeast of the port of Sharm El Sheikh. The Straits are formed by the Island of Tiran to the east, and the Sinai coastline to the west joined by four reef systems: Woodhouse Reef, Jacksons Reef, Thomas and Gordan Reef.. The confluence of deep waters, continental plate, and narrow passage creates a bottleneck through which a strong, dense flow of plankton is funnelled to the coral reefs associated with these mountain peaks. A food chain is set in motion which links the plankton, coral organisms and reef fish to the ever ravenous sharks which find easy pickings here. Indeed, this is one spot where it is still possible to encounter sharks on virtually every dive.

Ras Um Sid & the Temple Ras Um Sid is located 7 km south of Naama Bay. The classic structure of the site produces a fascinating environment with ideal conditions for the rapid growth of Gorgonians. Rays of sunlight filter through their great open fans spread against the direction of the current. The site offers coral attractions like superb Gorgonian garden, Scropora, Fire corals and dense soft coral patches. The Temple is one of the oldest and most famous diving sites in the area and lies in the middle of the bay. The temple itself is a massive rock cracked along its length on one side and surrounded by other smaller coral and rock formations.

Sha誕b EL Erg A large horseshoe-shaped reef attracting Manta rays during winter and spring months.

Shabrur Siyul a long, thin and shallow reef, where large turtles and Grey sharks are found.

Umm Usk A large variety of fish including Tuna and Stone bass swim close to the reef. A pod of Dolphins lives in the surrounding lagoon.

Gubal Sheghir On the eastern edge of the island, the wall drops to 90m. Ravines and small caves are home to Gorgonians and Black corals. As well as large migrating fish, divers often see Dolphins.

THE WRECKS OF THE NORHTERN RED SEA

Sha誕b Ali Thistlegorm This wreck is a favourite with divers from all over the world, although some consider her a war grave. The Thistlegorm was a World War 2 army cargo ship heading to North Africa to resupply the British 8th Army. She was packed to the gunwales with machinery and ammunition when she was sank by a German bomber on 6th October 1941.

Giannis D One of the best wrecks dives in the Red Sea, the Giannis D sank in the early 80痴 and is richly decorated with soft corals. Several entry and exit points make the a favourite with wreck-diving specialists. Her stern section lays almost intact at a depth of 28m.
Carnatic This P&O passenger and mail ship is shrouded in mystery. She sank in 1869 and only a fraction of the gold she was carrying has been reclaimed from the sea. The quality of light and abundance of sponge and table corals make her a favourite with underwater photographers.
Chrisoula K Greek freighter carrying a cargo of tiles, sunk in 1981. She lies with her stern section at 30m, but due to an unstable structure penetration is not recommended, especially in bad weather. The Chrisoula rests close to another unnamed wreck sloping down from the lighthouse beacon on Abu Nuhas reef.
Sha誕b Mahmoud Winding reefs and shallow lagoons located to the west of the Sinai, offering several dive sites and the wreck of the Dunraven.
Dunraven English merchant ship that sank in 1876 on her way back from East Indies carrying a cargo of exotic timber and spices. An abundance of marine life lies on and around this 80m hulk, and its structure is covered in soft corals and sponges. Lionfish inhabit the ship痴 bow, and other photogenic species live between the metal structure and the reef.

SAMPLE ONE WEEK LIVEABOARD ITINERARY (departing from Sharm El Sheikh, 6 days of diving)

Day 1- Collection and transfer from Sharm airport (approx. 20 minutes) late afternoon / evening. First night on board at jetty.
Day 2 -Morning check dive at near or far Garden. Afternoon dives at light house & Ras Mohammed (Shark Reef), night dive at Shoaab Mahmoud
Day 3 - Wreck of Dunraven, Shoab Sourour, Shag Rock, night dive at Shoaab Ali
Day 4 - 3 dives at Wreck of Thistlegorm, night dive at Gobal Island
Day 5 - The Abu Nuhas wrecks: Giannis D, Carnatic & Chrisoula K.
Day 6 - RAs Mohammed (Anemone City, Shark Observatory & RAs Attar) night dive at Tempel
Day 7 - Straits of Tiran (Jackson Reef, Wood House, night dive South lagona)
Day 8 - No diving on the last day. After breakfast the day at leisure in Sharm or on board at the jetty before transfer back to Sharm airport for your return flight (or to your hotel for an extended stay).

Important note: this is a sample itinerary only, all Red Sea liveaboard itineraries are subject to weather and political conditions and so no guarantees can be made.