lundi 11 juillet 2016

Fabulous Time For Amazing Red Sea Holidays

By Helen Ellis


Since Mubarak resigned from the Presidency in 2011, Egypt has been in the news for various reasons and as a result tourism in the country has suffered greatly. While the northern cities of Cairo and Alexandria have seen demonstrations calling for greater democracy and North Sinai has been linked to ISIS, the southern parts of the country hundreds of miles away have continued to be stable and welcoming to tourists. Throughout the last few years of turmoil, red sea holidays have been safe and the resort areas unaffected by politics.

Since the sad loss of a Russian airliner to terrorism, the airport in Sharm El Sheikh on the southern tip of the Sinai has boosted security and many countries now deem it safe to fly in and out of the resort. Tourism is returning slowly and those who are taking the decision to visit this beautiful resort are enjoying the amazing scuba diving on near empty reefs. For many divers this is the perfect time to visit.

During the height of Sharm El Sheikh's popularity there were often long queues at the jetty, too few moorings at popular reefs and overcrowded boats. With tourism greatly reduced the queues have disappeared and snorkel boats no longer take all the best mooring spots. Instead of hunting for a place to tie on Jackson, the site is likely to be yours alone and the water teeming with fish instead of humans.

One of the biggest complaints from divers in years gone by was the crowds on Thistlegorm. This famous wreck is so popular that liveaboard boats travel overnight to get onto it early enough for a dawn dive. Day boats used to leave jetty before sun up to ensure they too could get a spot for their group and still the wreck was so busy that the enjoyment could be impaired.

A trip to Thistlegorm now is a relaxed boat ride to the wreck site where the likelihood of another boat already being tied is extremely small. Even if someone has beaten you to it, it is just a matter of waiting for them to surface and then enjoying this amazing WWII ship without bumping into another diver. Imagine exploring the decks at leisure with just the curious fish for company.

Another bonus of fewer visitors is the marine life being able to breed and feed undisturbed. Sightings of white tips, mantas, turtles and dolphins are increasing greatly and those working in the industry are ecstatic. The ability to almost guarantee something fantastic on every dive makes guests and guides very happy indeed.

For those who might still be nervous about travelling to Sharm, the mainland coast is an attractive alternative. Hurghada and Marsa Alam remain popular along with El Gouna and Safaga as these resorts can easily be reached by flying into Hurghada. Many of the dive centers in these areas operate both daily boats and liveaboards so there are plenty of ways to get into the water.

There has never been a better time to visit the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. Marine life is abundant and the reefs are not crowded. Summer is the time for hammerheads so do not miss out on seeing these incredible creatures.




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