Exploring the Red Sea From the Resort of Hurghada

Located on the coast of the Red Sea, the resort of Hurghada is not only popular with European travellers on their holidays in Egypt, but with Egyptian holidaymakers too. Founded in the twentieth century and renowned for its warm waters and aquatic adventures, the city has developed into a captivating gateway to several uninhabited offshore islands and reefs.

Glass-Bottomed Boats

If you love the idea of looking at the astonishing marine life of the Red Sea, but are not so keen on getting your feet wet, then a glass-bottomed boat could be just the thing for you. Make yourself comfortable on deck and relax as you are taken out into the ocean to explore. Numerous species of bright and colourful corals will pass beneath you, sprinkled with starfish, urchins, molluscs and other fascinating crustaceans, whilst schools of vivid tropical fish swim in circles around the boat. If you are fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of turtles as they make their way through the clear waters below.

Snorkelling

For those who love jumping in at the deep end, another way to experience the marine life of Egypt is to get underwater yourself. With shallow lagoons and reefs dotted about the coastline, Hurghada is a prime location for snorkelling. There are several beaches near the town from which you can snorkel, but for the more adventurous types, sites slightly further afield, such as Giftun and Sharm el Naga, may be more rewarding. See whale sharks, mantas and eels closer than you ever imagined as you swim amongst them in their natural ocean habitat.

Diving

For some, snorkelling is only skimming the very surface of the Red Sea's rich aquatic wildlife. For these people, holidays in Egypt are simply not complete unless they do some diving. Hurghada is a notorious diving spot, high up on many scuba enthusiasts? shortlists of places to visit. But for those who have never taken the plunge before, the resort is bursting with watersport and diving centres, where you can hire equipment and learn the basics from the professionals. As well as being able to see even more of the stunning sealife, divers are free to explore wrecks such as the MV Heba Allah, a cargo ship that was beached on the shores of Hurghada. At 51 metres long, the ship has made an ideal wreck dive, suitable for divers of all levels.

Deep Sea Fishing

Another great way to make the most of the Red Sea is to try your hand at deep sea fishing. An 'active? fishing destination almost all year round, Hurghada is one of the most successful resorts for angling holidays in Egypt. Fishing trips out of Hurghada range from 1 day charters, to 7 day excursions, depending on how far out you want to go. Longer trips are advised as they allow you to make the most of the optimum fishing times early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The most common fish you will catch are King, Mahi Mahi, Sail and Barracuda. A very different way of experiencing the Red Sea, deep sea fishing is both exciting and gratifying.

However you choose to experience it, the Red Sea is certainly one of the highlights of holidays in Egypt and Hurghada is the perfect place to see and do it all.

Claire Bryant is an Egypt holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering holidays in Egypt as well as holidays to the Indian Ocean, the Far East, Cuba and the Caribbean, Southern Africa, Italy & the Mediterranean, Canada, Australia and the Pacific. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

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