The Red Sea is on every diver's top ten list. When under Israeli control, reefs were well protected, but now under Egyptian domain, Hurghada dive operators are failing to provide loving care for nearby reefs; live-aboards are trying to move southward, but are having difficulties with other governments, further complicated if the Egyptian government puts a heavy tax on nonEgyptian boats. Most of the good southern sites have been closed. Be sure to check ahead of time to see if this has changed. Water temperatures can drop into the cool 60 's during February and rise into the 80 's by August. . . . Many divers combine a trip to the Red Sea with a visit to Israel and biblical history. . . .

Red Sea

Sinai Divers/Ghazala Hotel, October 1996, Glynda Sleght, Washington, D.C. "Dived with our divemaster; they took great care of me and my husband a non­diving snorkeler. Fish were bright and not too shy. Corals were knock­your­socks­off spectacular. Water crystal clear, saltier than more open waters. Vis: 110 ft. water: 78 degrees. No diving restrictions. Days were hot, but cooler on the water. Dive boats well captained and crew helpful and friendly; were most Egyptians. Worth every penny."

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