The Red Sea Travel Guide Where Deserts Meet the Deep Blue . Experience Hurghada .. Dive into Adventure

Monday, 18 November 2024

Imperial Resort Hurghada Red Sea

Imperial Resort Hurghada
Imperial Resort Hurghada

Imperial Resort Hurghada features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar in Hurghada. Featuring a garden, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 2 km from Arena Beach Club, 9 km from Moods Beach and 1 km from Play Kite beach.

Imperial Resort Hurghada
At the hotel every room is fitted with air conditioning, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels and a balcony. Imperial Resort Hurghada offers certain units with pool views, and every room is equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a microwave.

Imperial Resort Hurghada


Imperial Resort Hurghada


Imperial Resort Hurghada


Imperial Resort Hurghada

Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Imperial Resort Hurghada

Imperial Resort Hurghada offers a terrace.

Imperial Resort Hurghada

El Karma Aqua Beach Resort is 2 km from the hotel, while Abu Tig Marina is 9 km away. The nearest airport is Hurghada International Airport, 28 km from Imperial Resort Hurghada.

Imperial Resort Hurghada
Most popular facilities 3 swimming pools Spa and wellness centre Fitness centre Restaurant Room service Free parking WiFi Non-smoking rooms Bar Good breakfast Genius benefits available on select options: 10% discount Applied to the price before taxes and charges Booking.com's loyalty programme
Imperial Resort Hurghada

FAQs about Imperial Resort Hurghada

What kind of breakfast is served at Imperial Resort Hurghada? Guests staying at Imperial Resort Hurghada can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.5). Breakfast option(s) include: Continental Vegetarian Halal À la carte

Imperial Resort Hurghada

Does Imperial Resort Hurghada have a pool? Yes, this hotel has a pool. Find out the details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

Does Imperial Resort Hurghada have a hot tub for its guests? Yes, there is a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Imperial Resort Hurghada on this page.

How much does it cost to stay at Imperial Resort Hurghada? The prices at Imperial Resort Hurghada may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

Imperial Resort Hurghada

Does Imperial Resort Hurghada have a restaurant on site? Imperial Resort Hurghada has 1 restaurant: Botanico Restaurant

Asian-style restaurant in Hurghada - Botanico Restaurant

Botanico Restaurant, our Asian-style restaurant in The Imperial Resort Hurghada, where we offer a unique dining experience that combines International cuisines with an Asian modern touch.

Embark on a tantalizing culinary journey as we delight in satisfying your cravings from sunrise to sunset, serving up scrumptious delights for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Imperial Resort Hurghada

ffer some unique dishes including Chicken Florentine, Local fillet beef, shrimp salad or Vegetarian curry just to name a few. Not forgetting the classic pizzas, pastas and all-day sandwich menu. Our menu has something for everyone!

Imperial Resort Hurghada

Our experienced chefs take great pride in using only the finest local ingredients, ensuring that each dish is of the highest quality.

From vibrant herbs and Egyptian spices to succulent tender meats and fresh vegetables, every element is carefully selected to guarantee to waken your taste buds.

Botanico Restaurant is located just 4 minutes away from the gates of El Gouna in the Bali-themed resort, The Imperial Resort Hurghada and is the perfect place for foodies who are looking for a memorable meal in a holiday vibe atmosphere.

Arabian Suites Hurghada 

Following the success of our newly completed sister resort, we are delighted to introduce an exclusive Arabian themed development, Arabian suites by Imperial. It is made up of just 29 apartments set over 3 floors in a private gated complex, just a 3 minute drive from the luxury area of El Gouna. 

Arabian Suites Hurghada by Imperial
This is a perfect home from home, in a peaceful setting which gives you access to a full range of facilities in a private, more intimate environment than the larger resorts can offer.

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada Located 15 km from Hurghada International airport, the charming 4-star New Eagles Aqua Park Resort provides shuttle service, as well as cars for rent. Desert Safari Hurgada is 4.9 km from this Hurghada resort, which is located at the sandy beach.

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

Staying at one of the 30 rooms, guests are welcome to use a flat-screen TV with satellite channels as well as a mini fridge bar, coffee and tea making equipment. They are outfitted with standard decor. Offering such amenities as a hairdryer and towels, the bathrooms also include a separate toilet and a shower.

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

A continental breakfast is served each morning at the New Eagles Aqua Park Resort Hurghada. This Hurghada property has a bar with billiards and karaoke.

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

Such facilities as massage therapy and an outdoor pool area are available for a surcharge. 

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

The New Eagles Aqua Park Resort also features a saltwater pool along with diving, canoeing, and hiking. A wellness area and a spa lounge is sure to make for an excellent stay.

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

Situated in the Villages Road district, the property is approximately a 10-minute drive from Public Beach Number 9 Hurghada. From the hotel it will take 13 minutes to walk to Hurghada Grand Aquarium. Along with other cultural attractions Sand City Hurghada Open-Air Museum is nestled 10 minutes by car from the charming accommodation.

New Eagles Aqua Park Hurghada

Saturday, 16 November 2024

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser 

For those seeking an extra dose of wonder, consider adding an optional excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt's most famous archaeological sites. These temples, originally carved into the mountainside, were relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. They are a true testament to ancient Egypt's engineering and artistic prowess.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, in Nubia near Egypt’s southern border, is among the most awe-inspiring monuments of Egypt. It was cut into the living rock by King Ramesses II (the Great) of the Nineteenth Dynasty, around 1264 BC. The temple is most well known for the four imposing seated colossal statues that dominate its façade. One of these collapsed because of an ancient earthquake, and its fragments can still be seen on the ground.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

Colossal standing statues of the king line the main hall, leading to the sanctuary where four deities are sat: Amun Ra, Ra Horakhty, Ptah, and a deified version of Ramesses II. The temple was built with such precision that on two days a year, the 22nd of February and 22nd of October, the sun’s rays enter the temple, cross the main hall, and illuminate the innermost statues.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

Another rock-cut temple to the north, known as the Small Temple, is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramesses II’s Great Royal Wife, Queen Nefertari. On the façade of the Small Temple, her colossi are the same size as those of her husband, a very rare example of such display.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

The two temples were moved from their original location in 1968 after the Aswan High Dam was built, as it threatened to submerge them. The relocation was completed thanks to an international effort led by UNESCO, and the temple was admitted into its list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.

Virtual tour for Abu Simbel Temple

The Abu Simbel Temple, one of the most remarkable monuments of ancient Egypt, stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural genius of the pharaohs. Located in the southern region of Egypt, near the shores of Lake Nasser, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a historical treasure but a marvel of engineering that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover the rich history, architectural splendor, and cultural significance of Abu Simbel Temple, built by Pharaoh Ramses II to honor himself and his queen, Nefertari, as well as the gods of ancient Egypt.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

The History of Abu Simbel Temple 

Constructed during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, Abu Simbel was designed to project the power and divine authority of the pharaoh. The temple complex consists of two grand structures: the Great Temple, dedicated to Ramses II and the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and the Small Temple, dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

The temples were strategically built on the west bank of the Nile River to impress those who traveled along the river. What sets Abu Simbel apart is the precision with which it was carved directly into the sandstone cliffs, making it a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

The Relocation of Abu Simbel Temple One of the most extraordinary events in modern history involving Abu Simbel Temple was its relocation in the 1960s. Threatened by the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the subsequent creation of Lake Nasser, a massive international effort was undertaken to move the temples to higher ground. Each piece was carefully dismantled and reassembled in a new location, preserving this iconic monument for future generations.

The Architectural Wonders of Abu Simbel The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is dominated by four colossal statues of Ramses II, each standing over 20 meters tall. These statues guard the entrance and symbolize the pharaoh’s eternal power and divine status. Inside, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting Ramses II's military victories, including the famous Battle of Kadesh.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

The Small Temple, although smaller in size, is equally magnificent. Its facade features statues of Ramses II and Nefertari of equal height, a rare depiction symbolizing the queen's exceptional status. Inside, beautifully carved reliefs celebrate the couple's devotion to the gods and each other.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival 

One of the most fascinating aspects of Abu Simbel is its alignment with the sun. Twice a year, on February 22 and October 22, the temple is illuminated by the rising sun, which lights up the inner sanctum and highlights the statues of the gods seated alongside Ramses II. This phenomenon, known as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival, attracts thousands of visitors who come to witness this breathtaking spectacle.

Visiting Abu Simbel Temple 

For travelers, Abu Simbel is a must-see destination in Egypt. The site offers an immersive experience that takes you back to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Visitors can marvel at the colossal statues, explore the beautifully preserved interiors, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert and Lake Nasser.

Abu Simbel Temple Aswan lake Nasser

Why Abu Simbel Temple is a Cultural Icon ?

Abu Simbel Temple is more than just a historical site; it’s a symbol of human achievement, resilience, and the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. From its intricate carvings and colossal statues to its strategic relocation, this temple complex is a shining example of what can be accomplished through innovation, determination, and respect for cultural heritage. Plan your visit to Abu Simbel and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveler looking for unforgettable experiences, Abu Simbel Temple promises a journey back in time.

Sunday, 6 October 2024

Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt


Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt

Desert truffl es have always been a popular delicacy. Th e old writings reveal that the pharaohs of ancient Egypt cherished them and the Roman emperors regularly imported massive quantities from Libya and Greece. Th ey are collected for their unique fl avour, nutritional value and medicinal properties. Th ey have always been in demand, making them a profi table crop for local populations. Th ey are sold as fresh food, and in some seasons the price may amount, at 2009 prices, to about 100 US Dollars per kg. Th ey may also be canned. Th e local names of truffl es in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States are “faga”, “faqa” or “kamma”, and in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia theyare known as “terfaz.
Drived from “terfaz”, the common name for truffl es in the western part of the Arabic-speaking world.
Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt
Desert truffles do not have the same flavor as European truffles, but tend to be more common and thus more affordable. Forest truffles (genus Tuber) typically cost $1,000 per kilogram; Italian truffles may sell for up to $2,200 per kg, while Terfezia truffles sold as of 2002 in Riyadh for $200 to $305 a kg, and in recent years have reached, but not yet exceeded, $570.[7] Israeli agricultural scientists have been attempting to domesticate Terfezia boudieri into a commercial crop
Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt
Th e two main centres for collection of desert truffl es (ElKholy & Ali, 1992; Ibrahim 1995) are Marsa Matruh Governorate, on the Mediterranean coast of western Egypt, adjacent to the Libyan border (this is the major centre), and Al-Arish, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, in the Sinai Penninsula (this area has been and continues to be aff ected by its proximity to a Middle East confl ict area).
Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt
Human activities likely to be adverse to desert truffl es are currently taking place on the coastal area near Alexandria.

Egyptian truffles as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant

Desert truffles are edible ascomycetes fungi that are hypogeous, mycorrhizal, and indigenous in the semi-arid and arid Mediterranean region, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt
Edible desert truffles are obligate symbiotic macro hypogenous ascomycetes fruit bodies. These are growing in depth between 5 and 10 cm. These consider a miracle of nature and an unexploited source of therapeutic compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wonderful food, especially for Bedouins. The current study investigated the activity of premature and mature ethyl acetate truffle extracts (white and Red) collected from the Western Egyptian Desert as antimicrobial and antioxidant. This study evaluated in vitro the efficacy of antimicrobial activity of organic truffles extract, and their effect on various pathogens (Gramnegative, Gram-positive bacteria, filamentous fungi, and yeast) by using agar well diffusion. 
Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt

TEM micrographs had been done for the most effective crude extracts. Furthermore, the activity of DPPH scavenging was studied for both mature truffles. Both truffles extracts had antibacterial activity more than antifungal activity. The selected extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect on the cell wall and protoplasm of pathogens. Terfezia sp. had antioxidant activity more than Tirmania sp. This investigation concluded that the truffle extracts could be considered a promising antibiotic and antioxidant drug in near future.

Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt

Truffles may be regarded as a nutrient source for Bedouin and nomad diets in dry places during harsh winter conditions.

Truffles are high in anthocyanins, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, carotenoids, pheromones, and steroids, among other bioactive chemical elements. Truffles have anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and sedative bioactive constituents.

Terfeziaceae Desert truffles in Egypt

White and red truffles were harvested by manual digging from Al-Hammam City in Marsa Matrouh in the Western Egyptian Desert.

Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

 Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt 

Tawila Island Hurghada, The Ultimate Secluded Vacation Getaway If you're dreaming of a secluded, tropical escape, where the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea meet untouched beaches, Tawila Island near Hurghada, Egypt should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Known for its natural beauty, pristine surroundings, and ultimate privacy, Tawila Island is fast becoming a favorite for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

Why Visit Tawila Island, Hurghada? 

Tawila Island is one of the many hidden treasures of the Red Sea, offering an unmatched experience for those looking to get away from the crowds. Here’s why this island is the perfect spot for your next vacation:

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

1. Secluded Beaches The beaches of Tawila Island are unlike any other in the Red Sea. Here, you'll find white sandy shores and turquoise waters that seem almost too perfect to be real. Whether you're lounging under the sun or taking a stroll along the coastline, the serenity of this secluded paradise will leave you mesmerized. With fewer tourists and more space, it’s the ultimate escape for anyone in need of peace and tranquility.

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

2. Snorkeling and Diving Adventures Hurghada is known for being one of the best spots for snorkeling and diving in Egypt, and Tawila Island is no exception. The surrounding waters are teeming with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine life. The Red Sea's underwater world is a diver's dream, and Tawila Island's coral gardens offer an unforgettable experience for both beginner and seasoned divers. Don't forget to pack your snorkeling gear for a chance to explore these stunning underwater landscapes!

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

3. Private Yacht and Boat Trips A visit to Tawila Island often begins with a scenic boat or yacht trip from Hurghada’s marina. Many tourists opt for a private yacht charter for the day, allowing them to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You can relax on deck, take in the panoramic views of the Red Sea, or even fish and snorkel along the way. A private boat tour to Tawila is an adventure in itself!

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

4. Luxury Camping (Glamping) For those seeking a unique experience, Tawila Island also offers luxury camping (also known as glamping) options. Imagine sleeping under the stars with the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore. This eco-friendly way of camping combines comfort with the beauty of nature. You can experience the magic of the Red Sea while having all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. This is an ideal option for travelers wanting to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

5. Fishing and Watersports 

Tawila Island offers a wide range of activities for the adventure-seeker. From kayaking and paddleboarding to deep-sea fishing, there's no shortage of exciting ways to make the most of your trip. 

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation
Whether you’re interested in casting a line or trying out the latest watersports, the island offers something for every adventurer. The calm, clear waters make it ideal for both beginners and experts.

How to Get to Tawila Island from Hurghada 

Reaching Tawila Island is easy and part of the adventure! It’s located just off the coast of Hurghada, one of Egypt's top Red Sea tourist destinations. You can either book a day trip with one of the many tour operators in Hurghada or opt for a private boat or yacht rental to enjoy the ultimate personalized experience. Most trips to Tawila Island start early in the morning, allowing you to make the most of your day in this paradise.

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

Best Time to Visit Tawila Island The best time to visit Tawila Island and Hurghada is during the cooler months, from October to April, when the temperatures are pleasant, and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. During these months, you can enjoy long, sunny days without the intense summer heat. However, the Red Sea is a year-round destination, so even during the warmer months, the refreshing sea breezes and crystal-clear waters make for an enjoyable experience.

Tips for Visiting Tawila Island 

Pack Light: Bring sun protection, swimwear, and a camera to capture the beauty of the island. 

Bring Snorkeling Gear: Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Red Sea’s underwater paradise! 

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

Book in Advance: Whether it’s a day trip or a glamping experience, 

make sure to book your spot early, as Tawila Island is becoming increasingly popular. 

Enjoy the Silence: 

Take a moment to unplug and savor the peacefulness that comes with being on a secluded island.

A Must-Visit Red Sea Gem 

If you're looking for a hidden gem in the Red Sea, Tawila Island near Hurghada offers a vacation experience like no other. 

Tawila Island Hurghada Red Sea Egypt for a Secluded Ultimate Vacation

Its stunning beaches, untouched nature, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation make it the ultimate destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape. So, why not plan your next trip to Tawila Island and discover what makes this island paradise so special?

Tuesday, 1 October 2024

Ras Banas Travel Guide Red Sea Egypt

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

Ras Banas is a peninsula in Egypt extending into the Red Sea.Ras Banas, the world’s largest untouched coral reef ecosystem, The inlet of water sheltered to the south of it is called Foul Bay, at the head of which sits the ancient port of Berenice.

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

Ras Banas in Egypt.. Ras Banas is located 356 km from Luxor, and contains a 50 km long tongue that extends into the Red Sea. The area contains a port and a tourist area with several diving points and coral reefs, as it includes the largest coral reef cluster in Egypt.

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

Egypt started promoting the “Ras Banas” area on the Red Sea to investors to develop it similar to the “Ras El-Hekma” project, according to a statement by the Minister of Housing and Urban Communities Sherif El Sherbiny on Saturday. 

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

El-Sherbiny made his statements on the sidelines of a press conference held at the housing ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. Ras Banas is considered the largest pristine coral reef ecosystem in the world and the peninsula extends for 50 kilometres into the Red Sea encompassing the ancient Port Berenice. 

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

This investment plan recalls the $35 billion Ras El Hekma deal in February, the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) deal in the history of Egypt. According to that deal, the government maintained a 35 percent share in the project and its earnings.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced on Thursday that the Egyptian government have identified 5 spots on the Red Sea, including Ras Banas peninsula, to attract new investments in fully integrated cities similar to the Ras El-Hekma deal in February.

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt
Egypt and Emirati investors signed in February a historic deal to build a multi-billion new state-of-the-art city of Ras El-Hekma as a new massive urban, business, and tourism centre in the country's North Coast.

Saudi investments in Egypt 

PM Madbouly spoke with reporters on his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi businessmen and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

 "Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) will inject $5 billion into projects in key economic sectors,” Madbouly said. He explained that those $ 5 billion are separate from the Saudi deposits at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE).

Ras Banas Red Sea Egypt

With the launch of Ras Banas and additional developments along the Red Sea, Egypt is positioning itself as an emerging hub for investment and tourism, paving the way for robust economic growth.

Ras Banas Climate Summary 

Located at an elevation of None meters (0 feet) above sea level, Ras Banas has a Subtropical desert climate (Classification: BWh). The district’s yearly temperature is 28.27ºC (82.89ºF) and it is 3.37% higher than Egypt’s averages. Ras Banas typically receives about 0.85 millimeters (0.03 inches) of precipitation and has 2.98 rainy days (0.82% of the time) annually.

Ras Manazel, Khudaa, Shalateen and Wadi Diit

The Red Sea Coast in the southernmost part of Egypt is characterized with an early geological history of erosion and sediment transportation through a remarkably long and wide paleo-channel. Several alluvial deposits rich in economic heavy minerals have been identified along the coastal strip lying between Ras Banas and the Sudaniese border. Accumulations of heavy minerals have been observed along the Red Sea beaches sited at Ras Manazel, Khudaa, Shalateen and Wadi Diit. These deposits have been formed not only by transport processes related to the Red Sea offshore currents, but also by the drainage networks operating in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. Satellite imagery of the drainage networks indicates that the granites of the Sudanese highlands are the source origin of these minerals, with minor input from granites in the southern Egyptian highlands. 

Inland deposits emanating from the Red Sea current coastline have been formed before the opening of the Red Sea, and subsequent erosion and reworking through flash flooding and other catastrophic transport mechanisms has created more recent deposits along the current coastline. The deposits lying across the study area prove to contain ilmenite, magnetite, rutile, garnet, zircon and monazite, along with some radioactive minerals such as thorite with traces of gold. These mineral compositions are of high quality and match with those related to the granites persisting in Sudan and southern Egypt, as observed through the satellite imagery. The mineral concentrations and compositions appear to reflect the ilmenite granite series of Sudan and the magnetite granite series of the Egyptian Eastern Desert as derivative resources.

Ras Banas diving Rocky Zabargad St John's

with pristine environments and thrilling diving conditions, huge schools of fish, thriving coral reefs, gliding pelagic sharks, and plenty of tunnels and wrecks for exploration. And lying beyond the reach of diving day trips, guests can avoid much of the hustle and bustle of Egypt’s busy resort towns – and head straight to its epic diving.

Fury Shoal is a collection of reefs 10km north of Ras Banas, that mark the start of Egypt’s southern Red Sea. The conditions here are mild with plenty of shallow, sun-drenched reefs as well as the famous steep drop-offs with stronger currents. Guests can find several small caves and swim-throughs at less than 10-metres, as well as a couple of wrecks including the Tien Hsing tugboat. Situated immediately south of Ras Banas, Foul Bay extends all the way to Egypt’s border with Sudan. Although technically encompassing St John’s Reef, Foul Bay’s main attraction is the extraordinary maze of tunnels at a dive site known as Caves, where sunlight pierces through huge cracks in the reef, inviting plenty of exploration.

Ras Banas diving Rocky Zabargad St John's

Zabargad  

The biggest and southernmost island of the Egyptian Red Sea, Zabargad is an incredible dive location that offers wall diving and shallow diving, both of which afford you with a spectacular view of the unspoiled hard and soft coral gardens found there. 

Egyptian Red Sea, Zabargad

Zabargad is the largest marine park in Egypt’s southern Red Sea and is often grouped with the Rocky Island Marine Park which lies just 5km southeast. Zabargad’s Turtle Bay is home to an abundance of reef fish, cuttlefish, octopus, blue spotted rays and crocodile fish, and is also a nesting ground for turtles during August. Beyond the sheltered coves, Zabargad offers thrilling walls and strong currents as well as the Khanka Wreck and sightings of oceanic whitetips, grey reef sharks, hammerheads, silvertips and manta rays. Rocky Island is surrounded by a short reef plateau, which drops away into strong currents, encouraging serious schooling action as well as feeding sharks and giant barracuda.

St John’s Reef 

St John’s Reef is the southernmost of all Egyptian Red Sea dive sites and one of the marquee stops on most southern liveaboard voyages. This area boasts possibly the healthiest coral reef Egypt has to offer, stunning tunnel complexes, and an abundance of shark encounters – made all the more exhilarating with crystal-clear visibility.

St John’s Reef is Egyptian Red Sea dive site

St John’s Reef located on the Tropic of Cancer, this collection of reefs - Habili Gaafar, Habili Ali, Gotaa Kibeera, Gotaa Soghayara and St. John’s caves - offers a number of excellent dives spots. Part of the Elba National Park, its expansive underwater plateau is varied with drop-offs, breathtaking coral formations and gardens with lots of tunnels and caves to explore. There is a flourishing reef life and shark sightings are very likely. Its high visibility and good temperatures in winter make this a must-see destination. 

Abu Dabbab 

The reefs of Abu Dabbab are located nearby Elphinstone in the Marsa Allam area and offer beautiful coral gardens and swim through a canyon system. Here divers will also find a small shipwreck of a liveaboard from 2004. Depths reach up to 30-40 meters and currents may be strong.

Swisstouch Resort ex Sentido Dream Marsa Alam

Swisstouches Resort & Spa in Marsa Alam is a four-star hotel that features a spa, a large outdoor pool, and a private beach along the R...