Monday, January 19, 2009

Adventurous Dive Spots in Hurghada, Egypt

By Ed J Price

Some of the best scuba diving in the world is found in the Red Sea, at Hurghada, Egypt. This seaside town used to be a fishing village, but has now turned into an international resort and tourist destination. It is known for the beautiful, vivid colored underwater gardens and coral reefs, making some of the worlds greatest dive spots in Hurghada.

With its warm, crystal blue water, the coral and rare, exotic marine life, thrive in the Red Sea. It is one of the most beautiful and serene scuba diving opportunities you are likely to find. The coral has the most vivid reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks you will find anywhere.

Dive Hurghada

Hurghada is the central resort town on the beaches surrounding the Red Sea. Its this fact that made it the gateway to the Red Sea. The resort areas to the North and South have contributed to the development of the wonderful place. An ideal time to visit Hurghada is between the months of June to September. This should be the best time for diving.

Summer all year round plus to sandy beaches to back it up, there is no better place to go. Hurghada is also a great spot for all types of water sports. It has over 100 resorts located right on the Red Sea. Other water sports include windsurfing, snorkeling, and water skiing. You can also take a catamaran out for the day.

Great Dive Spots in Hurghada

The Hilton Hurghada Long Beach Resort is right on the Red Sea and offers scuba diving expeditions. There are great dive spots right off of the beach at Hilton Long Beach.

Around the Giftun Islands by boat is another option that offers diving spots close to Hurghada. Day and Night diving is offered in some places here.

The Thistlegorm wreck is much easier to see under the clear waters at Shaab Abu Nuhas Reef.

Sofitel, Oberoi and the Marriot Long Beach all offer scuba expeditions to some great spots.

The entire shoreline to the north and south of town are surrounded by underwater coral reefs near Hurghada.

Thistlegorm Wreck Diving - Hurghada, Egypt

Jacques Cousteau discovered the Thistlegorm wreck in the early 1950s with the help of some local fishermen. The Thistlegorm sailed and sank in 1941 when the Suez Canal was closed due to another ship collision. It had waited for two weeks to pass through the Canal before becoming a target for the Germans on the way back to Crete. It sank immediately.

In the 1990s, it was rediscovered and now is a well known dive spot near Hurghada. When the massive explosion blew away the middle portion of the ship, it left the ship open and accessible for scuba divers. It is around 100 feet deep, located around the Shaab Abu Nuhas Reef. It is one of the best dive spots near Hurghada, and around the world.

Great scuba diving and snorkeling spots can be found in Hurghada Egypt. It is said to be some of the best in the world. - 16752

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