Many people question the safety of Egypt’s Red Sea. It holds some of the hottest salt springs in the world. Also, the color changes from the cyanobacteria from blue-green to copper-red. Cyanobacteria is toxic to humans. However, these things should not intimidate people from ever SCUBA diving in the Red Sea. As long as you research and follow safety recommendations, you can enjoy the wonders of the Red Sea while keeping danger at bay.
Avoid the “bloom”. Before you venture into the Red Sea make sure the Cyanobacteria is at bay. Cyanobacteria are also known as the bloom and, it is toxic to humans and most animals. The reddish-pink bacteria here is very rare, and unlike modern bloom, it has been a regular part of the Red Sea cycle. The mangroves usually start to bloom first and should be avoided for the most part.
Visit During the Winter. For a warmer vacation, the May through March timeframe is recommended by some as the best time to visit. Winter is safer because the water temp is lower. Lower temperatures mean cyanobacteria are less likely to thrive. Also, the shark attack incidents are lower in the Winter. A higher number of humans increases human to shark interaction. You will also find the seas less crowded. This way, the water has better visibility.
Avoid using SCUBA diving groups on the blacklist in Egypt. CDWS.travel is an Egyptian travel site that has regulations and rules for diving in the Red Sea. They also have blacklisted different SCUBA companies that are not following PADI safety regulations. Illegal SCUBA companies are also listed, so you are less likely to stumble across a local scammer. Your best bet is charting your SCUBA excursion beforehand that complies with Egypt’s regulations.
Avoid visiting hot springs that are not regulated. Hot Springs in the Red Sea is a unique beauty to this ancient body of water. However, there is not a whole lot of information on the safety of the hot springs. Avoid these areas unless you are with an experienced research team or are visiting a designated National park. Reach out to a CDWS.travel representative for more information on safe hot spring sites to visit.
Take a cavern module course for SCUBA diving the caves and caverns of the Red Sea. The Red Sea is known for its magnificent rocky cliffs. SCUBA diving around cliffs and caverns requires safety training. You will need to speak with your SCUBA instruction for the best course to take. You may need one module or more, which will depend on the location of your dive.
The Red Sea has a unique and beautiful underwater habitat. The focus of the Red Sea is its history and shipwrecks. You can fully immerse yourself into a lost and mysterious world of artifacts under the sea. Due to Covid-19, the regulations of booking a dive and traveling to Egypt have changed. Keep up with the country’s updates if you have any intention of visiting the Red Sea. Right now, they are currently open to visitors. If you want to certify in the cavern SCUBA diving check out By The Shore SCUBA Instruction in Raleigh, NC.
