The Red Sea - Sea of Many Colours

Once described by E.M Forster as “that exquisite corridor of tinted mountains and radiant water”, the Red Sea is a sight to behold. Egypt’s Red Sea coast runs from the Gulf of Suez to the Sudanese border. Its mineral-rich red mountain range inspired the mariners of Egypt to name the sea Mare Rostrum, or the ‘Red Sea.’

Just a five hour flight away, the Red Sea boasts the nearest coral reef to the UK and over 1,000 diving sites from which to experience one of the richest eco-systems on the planet. It is almost completely closed from the Indian Ocean and surrounded by desert, its exotic location lying between Asia and Africa. Since no rivers flow into it there is a high salt content resulting in biodiversity dating back to Pharaonic times.

Heralded for its world-class diving and snorkeling – the Red Sea is dotted by colourful coral reefs and teems with over 1200 different species of fish, flora and fauna. Around 10% of these are unique to this sea - not to mention the dolphins, turtles, manta rays and 44 species of shark that can also be found here.

Home to the popular resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and El Gouna, the Red Sea provides a stark contrast for the visitor between old and new.

The Egyptian government recognises the rich marine life as a national treasure and as such established the Ras Mohammed National Park in Sharm el Sheikh in 1983. There are 20 dive sites within the park including the world renowned Shark Reef, Eel Garden and Shark Observatory. Visitors can also investigate ancient ship wrecks such as The Thistlegorm, a British warship discovered by Jacques - Yves Cousteau.

The current of the Red Sea is an ever changing artery running through Egypt, bringing life to the Eastern Desert.