The Red Sea coast of Eygpt stretches from the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border. It is thought that the name ‘Red Sea’ is derived from the red coloured mountains that overlook it’s coasts. The sea has a rich maritime history that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs and is home to historic ports, coral reef and a rich variety of underwater life that has led to it being referred to as ‘The Garden of Allah’.

The weather is, as you’d expect, very hot indeed with temperatures reaching 14 Degrees Celsius in the winter and a scorching maximum of 35 Degrees Celsius in the summer. Rain is practically unheard of as it only falls for brief spells in Spring and Autumn. The Sinai Peninsula area receives slightly more than other parts of the red sea coast and Marsa Alam, close to the Tropic of Cancer is more humid than many other areas.

Diving into an new world

Those sea ports that once sent boats out on trading routes to the far east are now known as superb fishing and diving resorts, allowing the traveller to experience the huge natural aquarium that is the Red Sea. Most of these diving schools offer the accredited  PADI open water course, ideal for beginners, or coaching for more advanced students. There are numerous places of underwater beauty, from the Taba outcrops to the Sha’ab Abu Nuhas ship wrecks, all teaming with underwater life.

Ancient retreats

The Red Sea coast is home to two of the oldest monasteries in the whole of Christianity. St Paul’s and St Antony’s are the oldest in Eygpt and probably the world. It is thought that St. Anthony’s, nestling in the Red Sea cliffs on the edge of the Eastern Desert, was the first Christian monastic community. These Monasteries and the striking scenery surrounding them are well worth visiting and make a welcome change from the bustling cities of Alexandria and Cairo.

Holiday resorts

Many diving schools are part of holiday complexes based in the Sinai Peninsula and the Gulf of Suez in Eygpt. Offering beaches, nightspots and luxury hotels,  resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh make a big effort to offer you the full Red Sea experience. So book flights to Sharm El Sheikh and see what this beautiful part of the world has to offer.