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Fish of the Red Sea: who you can meet while diving

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The Red Sea is one of the most attractive diving destinations, thanks to its incredible diversity of marine life. The water here is crystal clear, and the reefs impress with the beauty and diversity of life. Every diver can encounter interesting creatures such as dolphins, moray eels, stingrays and sea turtles. Let’s tell you what fish and other marine life you can encounter while diving in the Red Sea.

Why you should go diving in the Red Sea

The Red Sea is famous for its unique ecosystem. It is not only a crucial body of water for trade and fishing, but also one of the largest marine reserves on the planet. Diving here is a journey into a world filled with creatures you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

The marine life of the Red Sea is a stunning variety of fish, coral and other species, including rare and even dangerous species. For those planning a holiday in Egypt or other coastal countries, diving here will be not only fun but also a real adventure.

What fish can be encountered while diving in the Red Sea

The sea waters are full of life and every dive is an unforgettable experience. Here are just some of the creatures that can be found underwater:

  1. Dolphins are perhaps some of our favourite and most mysterious creatures. They are friendly and often come close to divers and are a thrill to watch. Dolphins are particularly common in the northern Red Sea, near Sharm el Sheikh and other resorts.

  2. Moray eels are secretive sea snakes that like to hide in crevices and coral reefs, and can often only be spotted up close. They are known for their aggressive nature, but are usually not a threat to divers unless disturbed.

  3. Stingrays are beautiful sea creatures that can be seen in open waters. Some species, such as mantas, even attract divers with their size and grace.

  4. Sea turtles – usually not too sociable, but often swim alongside divers.

  5. Octopuses – although they are stealthy and skilfully hide in secluded corners, experienced divers may encounter them. They are incredibly intelligent creatures and their ability to camouflage is amazing.

  6. Squid are molluscs that often swim in groups. They are considered an important part of the Red Sea ecosystem.

Dangerous fish species of the Red Sea

Despite the amazing diversity of marine life, some species can be dangerous to humans. It is important to remember safety when diving and be aware of your surroundings. For example:

  1. Needle-bellied type – known for prickles that can cause painful pricking. The fish are often found in coastal waters and like to hide among coral.

  2. Hedgehog fish – although they are not aggressive, their needles can cause serious injury. They usually live in coral reefs and shallow waters.

  3. Soldier-dwellers do not pose a direct threat, but some species can still attack.

It is important to remember that most Red Sea fish are not aggressive and behave peacefully if not disturbed. Diving with an experienced guide and following safety rules will ensure the safest and most exciting adventure possible.

Where is the best place to dive in the Red Sea

For diving in the Red Sea, there are several famous places such as Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and El Gouna. The resorts are famous for their stunning reefs where you can find a variety of fish and other marine creatures.

Sharm el-Sheikh

One of the most famous resorts that attracts tourists with its magnificent reefs and clear waters:

  1. Tiran Reefs is one of the most famous dive sites in Egypt. It is a group of islands located in the strait that divides the Red Sea into two parts. Here you can find a variety of coral species, marine animals, and large flocks of fish. This place is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
  2. Jackson Reef is one of the most famous and is located in the waters of Tiran. The place is known for its vertical walls overgrown with soft corals and huge caves where dolphins, soldier fish and other marine creatures live.
  3. Pharaoh’s Reef is another popular location that also attracts divers with its clear water, abundance of marine life and coral.

Hurghada

Hurghada is known for its incredibly beautiful reefs and the depths of the sea, attracting travellers from all over the world. This place is ideal for those who want to dive at a professional level, enjoying encounters with various creatures:

  1. Giftun area – here you can see a huge number of coral gardens and many rare animals. Giftun is known for its exuberance of life and is considered one of the best places for those who wish to observe marine life from a great distance.
  2. Mahmia is a secluded reef where underwater life thrives. You can spot dolphins, a variety of fish and even white sharks, which are native to these waters.
  3. The reefs of El Gotspa are attractive to all levels of diving, starting with beginners. Sea turtles, beautiful stingrays and many other creatures can be found here.

El Gouna

The site is ideal for those looking for a peaceful location for relaxation and diving. The resort is considered one of the most beautiful and unusual in Egypt:

  1. Jebel El Gouna – the area attracts divers with coral reefs, clear water and relatively low tourism. Here in the Red Sea you can see such species of fish as clownfish, soldierfish, urchins and others.
  2. Local reefs – El Gouna is home to other small formations that are home to an abundance of sea creatures, including rare species of stingrays and coral fish.

Dahab

Dahab is a more secluded dive site, ideal for those who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature in a tranquil environment. It is home to some of the most beautiful and unusual underwater landscapes, which provide unique diving opportunities:

  1. The Blue Hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, representing a deep hole in the coral reef that goes down more than 100 metres. The site attracts experienced divers as diving here is considered one of the most exciting and challenging dives.
  2. Blue Island is an amazing place where continental and reef waters meet, creating ideal conditions for marine creatures.
  3. Rasmussen Reef is another popular dive site in the Red Sea, characterised by coral formations and numerous species of fish.

Conclusion

The Red Sea is one of the most amazing corners of the planet where you can find an incredible variety of marine life, filled with exotic fish, amazing corals and other inhabitants. Diving in these waters is an unforgettable experience that will provide not only aesthetic pleasure, but also a deep understanding of how important resource conservation is. Don’t miss the chance to dive into this underwater world, following all safety precautions, and enjoy the beauty of the underwater horizons.

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Forget the days when choosing a hotel in Egypt was a game of luck. Standards have changed. Tourists no longer choose on the principle of “closer to the sea and cheaper”. Now the level of cuisine, access to entertainment, cleanliness of the beach and quality of service are in the centre of attention. To compile the top 10 hotels in Hurghada, we have carefully analysed reviews and ratings on the authoritative platforms TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa 5★ – a quiet suite without children

The five-star Premier Le Reve Hotel & Spa is firmly at the top of the list of the best hotels in Hurghada. Located in the Sahl Hasheesh neighbourhood, it offers an exceptional level of privacy. The hotel is geared towards adult guests. The service here is all-inclusive, with an emphasis on the premium segment: a restaurant with a Japanese menu, a wine list with a European balance, a SPA-zone with an area of more than 1000 m². A high rating according to travellers’ reviews forms a stable price-quality ratio. On the territory there is a warm outdoor swimming pool. For snorkelling, a private reef is available. Cleaning is carried out daily. Room-service serves without interruption – everything is included in the usual service.

Jungle Aqua Park Hotel 4★ is the record holder for the number of water slides

This hotel has been ranked in the top 10 hotels in Hurghada as a leader among family hotels. More than 30 pools and 35 water slides turn the grounds into a full-fledged theme park. It offers all inclusive with a variety of meals: from fresh fish to vegetarian delights. The territory has its own amphitheatre, shopping centre, football field. The animation team organises show programmes, mini-discos and activities for children from 4 years old. The rating of the best hotels in Hurghada for family holidays invariably includes this location.

Hilton Hurghada Plaza 5★

Hilton Hurghada Plaza is an example of symbiosis of global standards and Egyptian flavour. It made it to the top 10 hotels in Hurghada thanks to its balanced service: spacious rooms overlooking the Red Sea, three restaurants with world cuisine, 24-hour fitness centre. A 200 metre long sandy beach, easy access to the water and a diving pier. All inclusive system includes premium drinks and meals. The hotel is actively used for business tourism – conferences, corporate events and retreats are held here.

Hilton Hurghada Long Beach Resort 4★

The complex is located south of the city centre. Hilton Long Beach is firmly established in the top 10 hotels in Hurghada. Its distinctive feature is the longest beach on the coast, its length is more than 1000 metres. The hotel offers bungalows, suites and standard rooms with panoramic glazing. Meals are all inclusive with an emphasis on meat and fish specialities. Guests consider it a successful option for its practical value for money, convenient transport accessibility and entertainment infrastructure: mini-golf, amphitheatre, sports grounds.

Meraki Resort (Adults Only) 4★ – a paradise for party tourism

The only adults-only club hotel in Hurghada. Located on 2.5 kilometres of coastline with beaches, bars and lounges. Every day there are themed parties, music shows and rooftop parties. The hotel is aimed at a young audience. The all-inclusive system is available, and the menu in the restaurants is eclectic: from Indian curries to Thai spring rolls. The beach is undulating, sandy and suitable for SUP-boarding and yoga.

JAZ Makadi Star & Spa 5★ – quiet premium with oriental style

The hotel offers a combination of privacy, service and oriental aesthetics. It holds a steady position in the top 10 hotels in Hurghada. The spa complex with hammam, swimming pool and Thai massage is in constant demand. The hotel is oriented on a quiet, health-improving holiday.
The beach is equipped with marquees, the menu includes grilled seafood and speciality oriental desserts. High rating by travellers’ reviews confirms stable quality.

Bel Air Beach Resort 4★ compactness and functionality

The hotel is one of the top 10 hotels in Hurghada thanks to its concise format: compact territory, well thought-out logistics, convenient routes to the sea.
The rooms are in minimalist style, with Wi-Fi access and terraces. It offers an active entertainment programme, all inclusive, pool bar, night disco, board games. A heated outdoor pool is available 24 hours a day.

PrimaSol Titanic Resort & Aquapark 4★

Titanic Resort is among the top 10 hotels in Hurghada as one of the most affordable in the category “holidays with children”. The main advantage is the water park with 14 slides, including the “black hole” and “kamikaze”. Catering – all inclusive, the restaurant offers a healthy eating zone and dietary menu. There is a mini-zoo, amusement park and children’s animation on the territory. The price-quality ratio makes this hotel stand out against similar star hotels.

Steigenberger Aqua Magic 4★ – fun without going overboard

The Steigenberger Aqua Magic provides the format of a complete holiday “inside the hotel”. The hotel is among the best hotels thanks to its balanced concept: water park, trampoline centre, windsurfing, evening shows. Meals all inclusive with the concept of “live cooking”. The hotel is suitable for holidays with children. It offers a rich programme right on the territory. Guests get everything they need without travelling outside the complex.

Sunrise Holidays Resort 5★

Holds its position in the top 10 hotels in Hurghada due to its adult audience and high level of service. The hotel offers direct access to the lagoon, convenient access to the sea, bar on the pontoon. It operates in 16+ format, organises gastro-dinners, wine tastings, fitness classes on the beach. Catering – all inclusive with elements of Mediterranean cuisine.

Conclusion

Clearly, choosing a hotel today is an investment in future memories. This top 10 is the quintessence of thousands of opinions, ratings and impressions of real guests, collected and analysed by us. Choose among them to make no mistakes and get maximum pleasure from your holiday in Egypt.

Soft sand, warm sea, azure waves – all this is about the best beaches in Hurghada, which create great conditions for a holiday. But not all locations are equally convenient. It is important to study the peculiarities in advance to avoid unexpected inconveniences: paid entrance, lack of infrastructure or inconvenient entry into the water. This overview will help you find the best option for swimming, snorkelling or family holidays.

Popular neighbourhoods in Hurghada and their features

The best beaches are along the entire coast, but each area has its own specialities:

  1. Sahl Hasheesh is an upmarket resort, cleanest beaches, limited access.
  2. El Gouna – lagoons with turquoise water, yachts, expensive hotels.
  3. Dahar is a neighbourhood with accessible public beaches.
  4. New Hurghada – modern complexes, landscaped beaches.

Hurghada beaches on the map are divided into:

  • private;
  • public.

Hotel areas are usually equipped with sun beds, bars, playgrounds. Free beaches are less likely to have developed infrastructure, so they are chosen for budget holidays. Beach holidays offer many options – from sandy shores to coasts with coral reefs.

Best Hurghada beaches for holidays with children

Choosing the right beach for a family holiday is an important task, as conditions should be as safe and comfortable as possible. The best beaches in Hurghada for holidays with children are characterised by shallow waters, gentle entry to the water, soft sand and no strong currents.

The main criteria for a comfortable holiday, which you need to pay attention to when choosing a location:

  • clear water and soft sand – the absence of stones and coral makes it safe to play on the shore;
  • gentle entrance to the sea – the gradual increase in depth reduces the risk of unexpectedly entering deep water;
  • places with shade and infrastructure – availability of umbrellas, canopies and café with children’s menu;
  • entertainment for children – slides, swimming pools, mini clubs and play areas;
  • security and lifeguards – availability of personnel to monitor safety on the water.

Most family resorts in Egypt are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday with children, but there are a few places that particularly stand out in terms of comfort and convenience.

Top 3 best beaches in Hurghada for family holidays

Pay attention to them:

  1. Old Vic Beach is a cosy private spot with a safe swimming area. A popular family beach in the centre of Hurghada. Soft sand, calm sea without waves with a gentle entrance, clear water – ideal conditions for small children. The territory is equipped with children’s play areas, where you can ride on swings and trampolines. Entrance to the paid beach is about 7$ per person. There is a cafe with children’s menu, you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella.

  2. Dream Beach is a comfortable family beach with swimming pools. The private coastline is famous for its well-developed infrastructure. The main advantage is the presence of pools of different depths, which is ideal for children who are still insecure in the sea. The water is calm, and the beach area is equipped with palm trees, creating natural shade. There is a café with children’s meals, playgrounds, inflatable lap hire and a lifeguard station on site. Entrance is paid – about 10$, the price includes the hire of a sunbed and towel.

  3. Mahmya Island is the best place for swimming in shallow waters. The beach is located on the island of the same name and is accessible by boat. The sandy bottom creates ideal conditions for children, while security guards and lifeguards monitor safety on the water. Snorkelling equipment is also available, as the water is perfectly clear. Entrance to the beach costs from $30, but this amount includes boat transfers and drinks.

Choosing the right place guarantees a comfortable holiday at sea without any hassle. The best beaches in Hurghada offer safety and convenience to ensure a hassle-free family holiday.

Hurghada beaches with coral reefs

Egypt’s best beaches are known for their unique underwater world, which attracts not only professional divers but also snorkelling enthusiasts. Hurghada’s coral reefs are considered the most accessible in the country, as they are located just a few metres from the shore.

The warm waters of the Red Sea have created a rich ecosystem of corals, colourful fish, sea urchins, stingrays and moray eels. In some places you can meet dolphins and sea turtles.

The coasts with coral reefs will suit both beginners and experienced snorkellers. It is important to take into account that not all beaches have a convenient entrance to the water – in some places coral starts right at the shore, so special shoes are required.

Best beaches for snorkelling in Hurghada

We’ve highlighted three stunning places to look out for:

  1. Makadi Bay is a popular location for snorkelling enthusiasts. The coastline is famous for the extensive coral reefs that start right off the shore. The water is clear and the variety of marine life is impressive. Colourful butterfly fish, angel fish and barracudas are often seen. Entry to the water is easy, making the coast suitable for beginner snorkellers.
  2. Sheraton Beach is a beach with a unique house reef. Here the coral formations are close to the shoreline. This is the best place to swim above the reefs, as you can see not only the standard Red Sea inhabitants, but also rarer species such as octopuses, rays and small sharks. In some places the reefs are quite sharp, so special footwear is recommended.
  3. Abu Dabbab is a beach where you can encounter sea turtles. Although the coastline is a little further from Hurghada, it is considered one of the best places to explore the underwater world. The speciality is the opportunity to swim alongside large green turtles and dugongs (sea cows). The bottom is sandy, but there are small coral formations scattered around, where moray eels and stingrays hide.

Tips for safe snorkelling

To beach holiday in Egypt and acquaintance with coral reefs left only positive impressions, it is important to follow the rules:

  1. Use special footwear – coral can be sharp and poisonous sea urchins can be found among them.
  2. Not touching coral is not only dangerous for humans, but also destructive to the ecosystem.
  3. Avoid places with strong currents – it is better to choose sheltered lagoons.
  4. Do not feed fish – some species may be aggressive or poisonous.
  5. Use sunscreen – even underwater, the sun can severely burn your skin.

Hurghada’s best coral reef beaches offer incredible snorkelling opportunities. Proper preparation will help make this experience as safe and comfortable as possible.

Tourist Reviews

Beaches resorts in Egypt collect different reviews, it all depends on the expectations of holidaymakers.

What is most often praised by tourists:

  • the clear water, the beautiful colour of the sea;
  • good weather all year round;
  • variety of beaches: there are both sandy and coral beaches.

Frequent complaints:

  • Some beaches require a special entrance to the water because of the reefs;
  • high prices for sunbeds in hotel areas;
  • in places with free access, there may not be enough cleaning.

Choosing the right place will help make your holiday comfortable and memorable.

How much does a beach holiday in the resort cost

Prices depend on the format of the holiday. Entry is free at public beaches, but infrastructure is limited. Hotels provide sunbeds and umbrellas, but entry costs between $5 and $20.

An example of prices at the best private beaches in Hurghada:

  1. Old Vic Beach – $7 admission, sunbed included.
  2. Dream Beach – $10, includes towel and pool.
  3. Mahmya Island – up to $30, boat transfer, drinks included.

Egypt’s beach holidays offer options for every budget. Free beaches are suitable for a short holiday, but for comfort it is better to choose private areas.

Conclusion

Whatever your preference, Hurghada will offer the perfect beach for your holiday. Secluded coves, lively club areas, comfortable family-friendly ones, rich coral reefs – the choice is vast.

When planning your holiday, consider the accessibility of the location, ease of entry to the water and the availability of necessary infrastructure.