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:
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.
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.
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.
Sea turtles – usually not too sociable, but often swim alongside divers.
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.
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:
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.
Hedgehog fish – although they are not aggressive, their needles can cause serious injury. They usually live in coral reefs and shallow waters.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- Blue Island is an amazing place where continental and reef waters meet, creating ideal conditions for marine creatures.
- 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.