Red Sea diving guide

One of the main reasons why the reefs and marine life of the southern Sinai Peninsula are considered to be thriving is that for a long period, diving here tailed off steeply. The threat of terrorism in Sharm El-Sheikh saw many countries suspend flights for several years, and the Red Sea tourism industry took a heavy hit. Flights have now resumed and business is picking up, but those few years of scarcity have allowed Red Sea reefs to flourish.

That’s not to say that everything is A-OK. Like virtually all coral reefs, those of the Red Sea face a range of serious threats, from climate change, which causes bleaching, to pollution, overfishing and inconsiderate diving practices that can damage coral.

Responsible diving holidays employ professional dive guides that are trained to preserve the marine environment and avoid dangers to the reefs, and will pass on their knowledge to their students. So as well as learning how to regulate your oxygen and how to signal underwater, you’ll also be clearly instructed on how to avoid kicking coral with your flippers, about the importance of picking up any litter you find down there, and why the principle of ‘look, don’t touch’ should hold sway at all times. And, because there is a ratio of just four students to each instructor, it makes it a lot easier to ensure that everyone is doing things right.

A typical Red Sea diving holiday is based in Dahab, just to the north of Sharm El-Sheikh, but far less busy. The lifestyle in this former Bedouin fishing village is pleasantly laidback, though there is plenty of nightlife there if you want it. You’ll likely be staying at a family-friendly eco hotel set a little away from the main strip and close to the Eel Garden diving and snorkeling site. The staff here will manage your entire stay from PADI lessons to guided dives and any other activities you want to do while there. Local Bedouin people are employed throughout, whether it’s working at the hotel or acting as guides, providing stable employment in a town that is largely dependent on tourism.

A big advantage of Dahab is that many of the best dive sites are accessible right from the shore. You can potentially be finishing off breakfast, and wading into the sea, in the space of half an hour. Dive sites such as the Blue Hole are world-renowned, while others, such as the Lighthouse and Eel Garden, are beloved by underwater explorers who can’t be doing with the hassle of climbing onto a boat every morning.