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The most popular destinations on the Red Sea to enjoy these
activities are Sharm El Sheik, Ras Mohamed,
Dahab,
Hurghada
, and Safaga.
In my narrative below I mention the Egyptian Pound (LE). The current exchange rate is Approximately 6.15 LE per U. S. Dollar. The Egyptian pound is fairly stable these days, but you will notice that the rate does fluctuate a few piasters either way. Who's counting a fraction of a penny anyhow?
Snorkeling and diving can still be made from the beach, but
it seems new hotels have taken over all the good spots.
If you are a diving enthusiast and have not been diving in a while, I would suggest starting off at Sharks Bay. This place has a nice sandy beach entrance with coral reefs both to the left and right. Ras Nasarani, Ell gardens, the Towers, and The steps are great diving areas still accessible from shore, but require walking across the reefs. Catch it on high tide and it is an easy swim to the edge, otherwise exercise caution while walking.
You won't want to miss checking out Ras Mohamed. You pass this area about twenty kilometers before reaching Sharm El Sheik. This is a protected area, which the Egyptians are trying to preserve and are making good head way. They do charge a fee for each person, as well as for the vehicle (Some have been known to make the gate before 8:00 AM, when there is no gate ticket taker, and get in free). The best snorkeling and dive areas are Sharks Observatory, Main Beach, and Yolanda bay. Follow the gold arrows for the first, black arrows for the second, and red arrows for the third. The beauty of these reefs are unbelievable, with more colors than one could imagine, and abound with all kinds of sea life.
Dahab is a nice day trip from Sharm offering several good diving and snorkeling spots. This place is about ninety kilometers northeast of Sharm and you will be traveling along the sea of Aqaba. Most of the tourist are Israelis' with some Europeans and the atmosphere is similar to the sixties with "flower children" and the like.
For experienced divers only, try the canyon. It is located
north along the coast from the city of Dahab about 6 kilometers. A 100 meter swim out through the reef and to the left you will enter the reef under water about 40 feet down. You swim down inside the reef, some areas being quite large, to the first exit point between 80 and 110 feet down. Continuing down you will find another exit point at 130 feet, the weak must leave, because the next exit point comes out at 165 feet, then you gradually ascend on the outside of the reef .
For the very experienced or foolish diver only, lying ahead north from the canyons is a place called the blue hole. Some areas are quite sandy so be careful and keep your speed up. This is a dive down through the reef with many caverns and the exit is 200 feet down. Under currents can be quite strong and several drivers have drowned being caught in these currents or they took the wrong turn inside the reef, running out of air before safely reaching the top.
In down town Dahab, there is a very nice ell gardens to see if you are a diver. South of Dahab along the coast where the foot of the mountains enter the water, you will find the caves. A large hotel is built in the road, so you will have to drive through their parking lot and continuing along the coast you must pass through an army camp. They will ask to see your passport, but are quite friendly. After passing the army check point ,there is one short stretch that is quite sandy, so keep your speed up and you won't have any problem. As I mentioned above, the entry point is right where the foot of the mountains enter the water. The caves are right under your feet at the entry point, and also to your right. This is a very nice dive in calm weather only, because the waves can pound you on the reefs when entering or exiting during rough seas.
Hurghada lies about 350 kilometers south of Cairo on the eastern shore of the mainland. It is a budding town, blooming into a major tourist attraction. You can't help but noticing a heavy accent toward catering to Germans.
Most diving and snorkeling areas are only accessible by boat, but if you are going there for fishing, who cares, you will want a boat anyway. At present, the best deals on hotels and boats is in Hurghada. Hotel prices range from about 30.00 LE to 350.00 LE (and UP) per night. My favorite is the Panorama Hotel. It is a family owned and operated hotel costing 35.00 LE for a single and 60.00 LE for a double. Diving and fishing boat prices vary quite a bit, but be willing to bargain and you can still find reasonable prices.
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