Explore Coastal Egypt: Red Sea

The Red Sea is not any usual sea on the world map; it’s a place that is geographically fascinating, where coral grows beneath crystal-clear waves, and where ancient routes for trading have shaped Egypt for centuries. The name “Red Sea” itself symbolizes its underwater life, which holds both scientific and symbolic approaches. 

Here below you will get to know about the unstated facts and a lot more things about the Red Sea that influence the tourism in the coastal cities like Hurghada. There are a number of resorts and water activity centers that help tourists access the Red Sea and luxury on their trip to Egypt. Let’s dive deeper into the real secrets of the amazing Red Sea. 

Why is the Red Sea called the Red Sea?

The Red Sea did not get the name by accident; there are a number of theories that state why the sea is called the Red Sea. Some are from historians, scientists, or geographers; every reason that supports the fact of the Red Sea is listed below: 

One possible and highly relatable reason is natural algae blooms. At certain times of the year, microscopic organisms multiply rapidly near the surface. When these organisms die, they can create reddish-brown patches on the water, which made the ancients name it the Red Sea. 

Another explanation comes from ancient language traditions. In some old cultures, colors were used to describe directions. Red was sometimes linked to the south, so the “Red Sea” could have meant the “southern sea” from the perspective of northern civilizations. This highly comes from the time when trade was established with the Mediterranean world. 

There is also a geographical explanation. Some mountain ranges along the coastline contain reddish rock formations. When sunlight reflects off these landscapes at certain angles, the sea nearby can appear tinted with warm hues. This theory, or these facts, is accepted by scientists, as it has proper proof and can be proved. 

All these above-mentioned theories are proofs that the unique name comes from time, travelers’ perceptions, expert knowledge, and storytelling that have passed through generations. 

Where is the Red Sea on a map?

On the map the Red Sea appears between two continents: Africa and Asia. It forms a long, narrow body of water that connects the Indian Ocean in the south to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal in the north.

The sea borders African countries like Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea. Asian countries bordered by the Red Sea are Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Red Sea also spreads into the two arms as well; one is the Gulf of Suez, and the other is the Gulf of Aqaba. This strategic location has made the Red Sea one of the Middle East’s most important routes for trade, travel, and cultural exchange for thousands of years.

How Deep Is the Red Sea?

The Red Sea is not just a long water body covering 438,000 km² but also deep around 40% of the total area, which goes deeper than 100 m. A fascinating fact about this is that near the coasts, you find shallow coral reefs filled with life. Toward the center, you find dark, deep basins where pressure is extreme and sunlight disappears and a deep sense of a dense sea. The variation in depth is one of the reasons the Red Sea supports such unique marine ecosystems that lead to the growth of algae on and are home to countless pieces of the marine world. 

Red sea facts

It’s an extraordinary body of water, also one of the most beautiful seas in the world. A number of tourists explore the Red Sea every year through cruises and beach water activities. 

• One remarkable feature is its water clarity. Visibility underwater can be so sharp that divers often feel like they’re floating through air rather than water.
• It is also one of the saltiest seas in the world. Because there are few rivers flowing into it and the climate is very hot, water evaporates quickly, leaving higher salt concentrations behind.
• The Red Sea is home to thousands of fish species, hundreds of coral types, and marine creatures found nowhere else on Earth but in the Red Sea. 

What is the Red Sea Aquarium?

The Red Sea Aquarium is one of the finest man-made tourist places based on a body of water, where everyone can see the underwater beauty of the Red Sea. Not everyone wants to scuba dive, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the Red Sea’s beauty. That’s where aquariums were built; from kids to old age, everyone should know how the sea looks from underneath. 

Several aquariums in coastal cities like Hurghada recreate the Red Sea’s ecosystems. These spaces allow visitors to walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by fish, rays, and coral displays.

A Red Sea-focused aquarium experience typically includes giant tanks that mimic coral reef environments, educational zones explaining marine life to kids, close-up views of species like lionfish, moray eels, and sea turtles, and special interactive exhibits for children and students. So, if kids are with you on the Egypt tour, then visiting the Red Sea aquarium should be on your list for such a magical and fascinating experience. 

Red Sea Scuba Diving—A must-have on an Egypt trip 

The Red Sea is often described as a diver’s paradise, and for good reason. Some major pointers about scuba diving are listed below. When you book a cruise with Nile Cruisen, check their Egypt tour packages; they have packages that also include the Hurghada stay and enjoyment. In this way you can explore Egypt with one tourist partner. 

• The underwater visibility is so clear that divers often see over 30 meters ahead, making photography stunning and pure magic.
• Coral reefs here are extremely colorful and structurally complex, forming natural underwater cities, as most divers say after diving.
• Beginners can enjoy calm reef dives, while experienced divers can explore deep walls and strong-current drift dives; proper briefing and guidance are provided for scuba diving for beginners.
• Shipwrecks here are not just debris; they have become living reefs, covered in coral and surrounded by fish that seem like part of the underlife. 
• Night diving at the Red Sea is also available, which reveals a completely different world for the divers; mostly experienced and properly trained divers dive at night. 
• Warm water temperatures mean you don’t need heavy thermal gear for most of the year. Marine conservation zones protect many sites, keeping ecosystems healthy.
• Each dive location has its own different experience to offer; some are calm gardens, others dramatic underwater cliffs. This makes the Red Sea not just a diving destination but a full underwater experience.

Faqs 

Why is the Red Sea water so clear?

Because there are very few rivers bringing mud or pollution into it, the water stays clean and highly transparent. Also, the strategic location makes the water appear so clear that while scuba diving, one can see deep up to 30 meters.  

Can you see sharks in the Red Sea?

Yes, but mostly far from shore on sea ships or cruises. Shark sightings are rare near beaches and usually happen at deeper dive sites, and travelers need boats or yachts to reach there. 

Is there a need to be a swimmer to enjoy the Red Sea?

Not necessarily. You can enjoy boat rides, glass-bottom boats, aquariums, and shallow snorkeling even without strong swimming skills. Most of the sport activities that happen with trained experts can be enjoyed with minimal knowledge of swimming as well. By boating and aquariums, kids and old-age people can explore the deep Red Sea with comfort and safety.

What is the best time to visit the Red Sea?

October to April is ideal. The weather is pleasant, and the sea remains warm even during these months. Also, during this time Egypt has tourists, so group travelers can also enjoy discounts at some places.  Beaches with Red Sea views are properly managed and regulated, so as a tourist, the Red Sea is also safe for exploring during this time. 

Is snorkeling better than scuba diving in the Red Sea?

They offer different experiences. Snorkeling is great for beginners who do not find scuba diving safe for the sea, while diving allows you to explore deeper coral walls and marine life but is only preferred for those who have done it before or have experience in scuba diving.

Are there dangerous animals in the Red Sea?

Like any natural sea, some species can be harmful if disturbed (stonefish, lionfish), but accidents are very rare when you follow guidelines. Mostly the water sports and underwater activities are performed with the experts, so if you follow their instructions, then you can enjoy the views of the Red Sea without any fear of danger from marine life. 

Is the Red Sea man-made?

No, it is completely natural and formed by tectonic movement between Africa and Arabia. The geography for the formation of the Red Sea is rich and widely important for how the Mediterranean world looks good.