|
|
Marsa Alam Diving and Snorkeling
Marsa Alam is growing in popularity among the international diving community. The resort’s undisturbed tranquility, relatively remote location, approximately four hours away from the popular Hurghada resort, makes it the ideal destination for a peaceful, relaxing vacation. The appeal of Marsa Alam lies in its tropical appearance, boasting rich blue sea coasts fringed with coral reef barriers, paradisiacal beaches and proud palm trees. Marsa Alam has as a result become a favorite of divers eager to explore the resorts numerous un-spoilt diving sites where spinner dolphins and sea turtles swim freely. Snorkeling in Marsa Alam is par excellent with all the shore reefs and sea grass. It is possible to take a boat trip for snorkeling.
Marsa Alam marine is protected, and international bodies cooperated together in the preservation of the under water marine life of Marsa Alam. The diving centers operating in the resort abide to environmental friendly procedures. The city is well equipped with all sorts of diving centers scattered in all resorts and at considerable distance to cater the needs of international divers.
Diving sites in Marsa Alam:  Elphinstone Reef
About 30km north of Marsa Alam and 12km offshore this reef comes up from a depth of 130m. A very good spot for pelagic fishes. The north has different beautiful plateaus at 2Om 35m and 40m. At the edge of the plateau if you look down in the deep blue it's possible to see hammerhead sharks watch your depth! After the plateaus, drift on the east side of the reef and don't forget to look in the blue and up. Encounter with big pelagic including oceanic white tip shark (carcharhinus longimanus) is possible. Situated 6.5 nautical miles from the Marsa Alam coast, the Elphinstone site is teeming with sea life including sea turtles and anthias. An impressive variety of sharks are also known to visit the reef, including hammerheads, grey reef sharks and from October to January, white-tip sharks.
The Elphinstone site is suitable for sea users of all skill levels, from snorkeling to experienced divers. The reef's northern plateau is very shallow, offering superb snorkeling possibilities, whilst the southern plateau is much deeper, with a drop-off at 30m (100ft) leading down to depths of up to 70m.
Daedalus Island
It's a small island with a light house about 55 sea miles offshore. Because of the long distance from the shore this dive site is mainly dived from liveaboard boats. The north and west part are best. Encounters with big pelagic and hammerhead sharks are on the menu.
Samadai (Dolphin reef)
Nicknamed Dolphin House in reference to the pod of 60 or so spinner dolphins that frequent the site. One of the few places in the world where it's possible to dive with dolphins. They are wild free and not tamed or fed. A group of more than 100 dolphins is resident on this reef. Shaab Samadai is a horseshoe shaped reef off of the southern Marsa Alam coast.
In addition to the playful spinner dolphins that reside here, the shallow, turquoise lagoon is also populated by schools of reef fish including leopard groupers, lionfish and masked butterfly fish.
Shaab Samadai has 3 distinct scuba diving areas; the outer reef, the underwater caves and the pinnacles located to the south of the reef, with depths varying from 5m to 25m.
Shaab Marsa Alam
4km east of Marsa Alam. These 3 dive sites are on a 2km long coral reef which grows on a sandy bottom up to the surface. Nice coral and lots of reef fishes including white tip lagoon sharks. Small caves and canyons.
Max depth: 27m
Abu Dabbab
40 kilometers north of Marsa Alam. This reef contains a huge number of dive sites and is especially suitable for beginners and night dives. Small shark and stone fish are often to be seen there.
Max depth: 20m
Fury Shaol
A network of hard coral formations make up the complex reef system of Fury Shoal. Inhabited by a variety of pelagic fish, dolphins and several species of shark, Fury Shoal is a diverse coral garden and a spectacular dive site.
Aside from the endless colourful sea life, the lagoon also contains the wrecks of a tugboat and a sailing ship for your exploration.
|
 |
Copyright (c) 2007 Deluxe Travel Egypt, all rights reserved. Designed & Developed by Trigon Solutions