The Red Sea – balmy temperatures and kaleidoscopic coral

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The Red Sea – balmy temperatures and kaleidoscopic coral

From welcoming warm temperatures to vibrantly colourful sea life, it's no wonder the Red Sea is a sought-after destination in the Middle East. It's home to more than 1,200 species of fish, including 44 species of shark. Don your scuba-diving gear or grab your snorkel and spot angelfish, butterflyfish and clownfish as you glide through the underwater world. Plus, there are plenty of shipwrecks down in the depths, too. The most famous diving site is the SS Thistlegorm, a British steamship that was sunk during World War II. Prefer to just kick back and bask in the sunshine? Like the Dead Sea, the Red Sea is easy to float in thanks to its high salt concentration. It's also warm enough to visit throughout the year, with an average water temperature of 66°F, even in those winter months.

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Top Attractions in Red Sea

Snorkel at Giftun Islands – Hurghada, Egypt

Hop on a boat from Egypt's Hurghada to the remote Giftun Islands and you'll discover powder-soft sands and irresistible bright-blue waters. These two islands in the Red Sea include Giftun Soraya, Erg Somaya and Turtle Bay. They form part of a marine reserve which is home to magnificent reefs teeming with marine life. Spend your afternoon lazing on the shore before going out to explore for green turtles, barracuda and large spotted rays. Beginner or pro? There are plenty of dive and snorkelling sites, perfect for all abilities.
Dive at Ras Mohammed National Park – Egypt

Immerse yourself in the jewel in the crown of the Red Sea. Egypt's Ras Mohammed National Park is home to five of the most famous dive sites in the world – and it lies about 20km from Sharm el-Sheikh. We're talking Shark Reef, Yolanda Reef and Jackfish Alley. You can spot everything from hammerheads and manta rays to whale sharks, here. And besides the pristine coral that awaits offshore, the land flaunts footprint-free beaches, rugged cliffs and desert. Between sea and shore, the mangrove swamps are teeming with birdlife.
Kick back at Mahmya Island – Hurghada, Egypt

Powdery white sand and azure waters? You'll be forgiven for thinking you're in the Caribbean at Mahmya Island, a picture-perfect hotspot off the coast of Hurghada. This little paradise is definitely a must-see for anyone who visits Egypt. The only way to reach the island is by boat, and on the way you could feel the thrill of spotting a pod of dolphins swimming along in the wake. Once you get there, you can relax under a thatched beach umbrella or swim and snorkel amongst the colourful coral reefs.
Watch a sunset at Hurghada Marina, Egypt

Egypt's modern Hurghada Marina is a major dining destination, thanks to its up-scale bars, restaurants and cafés lining the waterfront. Sit down for an evening meal here after your fun day of snorkelling or exploring, and take in the multi-million dollar yachts bobbing up and down on the Red Sea. But that's not all it's renowned for. At sunset, this is the place to relax in the warm glow of the last of the evening light – camera at the ready.

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