Red Sea Travel Guide: Notes for Visiting the Red Sea
The Red Sea is known for its exceptional marine biodiversity and for being a popular tourist destination for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling. In this Red Sea travel guide, you will find the information you need to visit the Red Sea and plan a dream vacation.
Visiting the Red Sea: A Must in Life
The Red Sea, located between northeast Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and associated with Egypt, as a significant part of its coastline is bordered by the Red Sea, is famous for its exceptional marine biodiversity and impressive coral reefs.
With an extension of approximately 2,250 kilometers, it is one of the warmest and saltiest seas in the world. Its crystal clear waters are home to an incredible variety of marine life, including tropical fish, colorful corals, sharks, and sea turtles.
The coral reefs of the Red Sea are considered some of the most diverse and best preserved on the planet, attracting divers and snorkelers from around the world.
In addition, the sea is also known for its many historic and modern shipwrecks, which offer a window into the region's maritime past.
The Red Sea, with its natural beauty and fascinating underwater history, is a must-see destination for diving and marine exploration enthusiasts.
Picture of <a href="https://unsplash.com/es/@nwahba?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Nassim Wahba</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/es/fotos/cuerpo-de-agua-en-calma-pb8MhOgjlEk?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a>
What to See and Do in the Red Sea
The Red Sea offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, from exciting underwater adventures, especially for those interested in diving, snorkeling, and marine exploration, to relaxing days at the beach.
Here are some options for things to see and do on the site.
1. Water Sports
In addition to diving and snorkeling, the Red Sea is also a popular destination for other water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing.
2. Coral Reef Exploration
You can take boat excursions to explore different reef areas or just enjoy snorkeling from the beach.
Picture of Nathalie Hurova on Unsplash
3. Marine Life Sighting
The Red Sea is home to a wealth of fascinating marine life, including tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. During your dives or snorkeling excursions, you will have the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural environment.
4. Shipwrecks
The Red Sea has a rich maritime history and is home to numerous shipwrecks that are popular with divers. Sites such as the SS Thistlegorm and the Dunraven offer the opportunity to explore ancient shipwrecks and discover the region's underwater history.
5. Beaches
Many of the Red Sea coasts have beautiful white sandy beaches where you can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the sea views.
Eating in the Red Sea Coast
Within the gastronomy of the Red Sea, you will find cultural and culinary influences, reflecting the diversity of the countries surrounding this coastal region.
On the Egyptian shores, you can enjoy traditional dishes such as Fish Fattah, which consists of fresh fish or seafood served on a bed of rice and pita bread, all topped with a spicy tomato and garlic sauce, or Fish Kofta.
Seafood is an integral part of the diet, with delicacies such as shrimp, lobsters, and crabs served with local spices and savory sauces. These can be found in a selection of small and varied dishes served as appetizers or starters, called Mezze of seafood.
In addition, rice and couscous dishes are common, accompanied by a variety of fresh salads and unique spice blends that bring out the flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Arab and Bedouin influences are reflected in dishes such as Kebab and Shawarma, while African influences bring spicy and exotic flavors to the region's cuisine.
Cultural Enchantment in the Red Sea
In the Red Sea region, several important festivals celebrate culture, music, food, and other art forms.
Some of the most prominent festivals include the following.
1. El Gouna Jazz Festival
This annual jazz festival is held in El Gouna, a resort town on Egypt's Red Sea coast. During the festival, visitors can enjoy live performances by internationally renowned jazz musicians at various scenic venues around the city.
2. El Gouna International Film Festival
For film lovers, this annual film festival presents a selection of films from around the world, including world premieres and outdoor screenings facing the sea.
3. Dahab Music Festival
Dahab, a popular destination for diving and adventure tourism in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, hosts this annual music festival featuring a variety of musical genres, including traditional Arabic music, rock, electronica, and more.
4. Red Sea Diving Festival
This festival is held in different locations along the Red Sea and brings together divers from all over the world to explore the coral reefs and diverse marine life of the region. The festival often includes guided dives, lectures, workshops, and social events.
How to Get to the Red Sea
Getting to the Red Sea is accessible by land, air, and sea, offering several options for visitors. Below we tell you about the access routes to the Red Sea.
1. By Air:
The most common way to reach the Red Sea from abroad is to fly into one of the international airports near the Red Sea coast, such as Hurghada International Airport in Egypt, Aqaba International Airport in Jordan, or Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan.
2. By Land:
If you are in Egypt, Jordan, or a neighboring country, you can reach the Red Sea by car, bus, or train, depending on your exact location and the availability of transportation. Roads and bus routes are generally safe and offer a convenient way to reach coastal cities.
3. By Water:
One option is to reach the Red Sea via a cruise ship or, if you are in the region and prefer to travel by sea, you can also consider taking a ferry to reach the Red Sea.
How to Move in the Red Sea
On land, you can move between cities and coastal destinations using ground transportation such as buses, cabs, and rental cars. But if you prefer to explore on foot, many coastal areas of the Red Sea offer opportunities for walking and hiking. About exploring the waters, below we tell you some of the ways.
1. Diving and Snorkeling
One of the best ways to explore the Red Sea is to dive into its crystal clear waters and enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling.
2. Boat Excursions
These excursions will take you to places of interest in the Red Sea, such as coral reefs, remote islands, and popular dive sites, which often include activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, and marine life viewing.
3. Cruises
If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can opt for a Red Sea cruise. These sail the waters of the Red Sea, making stops at different destinations along the coast.
Private Transfer in the Red Sea
If you are looking for the most comfortable and safe option to get to the Red Sea or nearby cities, book your private transfer with Greca, with experienced drivers and no surprise charges to make your stay in the Red Sea as pleasant as possible.
When to Visit the Red Sea
The best time to visit the Red Sea will depend on your preferences and the activities you wish to do. Here are some considerations for different seasons.
1. Spring (March-May)
During the spring, the weather in the Red Sea region tends to be pleasant, with warm but not excessively hot temperatures. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as diving, snorkeling, and hiking.
2. Summer (June-August)
During the summer, the Red Sea experiences very warm temperatures. Temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit)on land, and the seawater can be around 28-30 degrees Celsius (82-86 degrees Fahrenheit). This makes summer ideal for those who enjoy intense heat and water activities.
3. Autumn (September-November)
Like spring, autumn is also an excellent time to visit the Red Sea. Temperatures are pleasant and the sea waters are warm, making it ideal for water activities such as diving and snorkeling.
4. Winter (December-February)
During the winter, temperatures in the Red Sea region tend to be milder and more pleasant, with daytime highs hovering around 20-25 degrees Celsius (68-77 degrees Fahrenheit). The seawater can also cool down a bit but is still warm enough to enjoy water activities.
Destinations Near the Red Sea
The Red Sea is a fabulous place with a wide variety of activities to do during your stay, which makes it a truly attractive destination.
At the same time, due to its proximity to Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh, many travelers combine their visits to the Red Sea with these beautiful destinations.
Looking for incredible historical sites? Want to discover a vibrant and artistic culture? Want to taste delicious dishes?
If your answer is "yes", in Greca we have several proposals for packages to the Red Sea, and packages to Egypt, that you can modify and adapt according to your needs and time.
There are trips for all tastes, choose your adventure according to your needs!
More Travel Guides!
If you have been interested in our Red Sea travel guide, and want to continue learning about this and other wonderful destinations, we invite you to take a look at the section of all our Travel Guides. Plan your next adventure with Greca!
