A guide to diving in the Egyptian Red Sea

The Red Sea is one of the world’s best known diving destinations and considered to be one of the seven wonders of the underwater world. One of the earliest divers of the Egyptian Red Sea was Jacques Costeau in 1951 who’s early adventures are recounted in his book, The Silent World. 

Costeau was an explorer, photographer, filmmaker and researcher who studied the sea and marine life. He dived The Brothers Island which feature rare black coral, two wrecks and very often sightings of hammerhead sharks. Today, there are hundreds of dive sites in the Egyptian Red Sea that tourists travel to from all over the world because of its exceptional visibility, warm water and an incredible diversity of sea life. 

Take a look at the top ten must-see dive sites of Egypt:  

Ras Mohamed National Park : Shark reef
The park is situated approximately 12km from the famous tourist resort of Sharm el Sheikh.  The most prized spots in this fantastic location include Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef which offer divers the chance to see every single species of fish in the Red Sea in one location.  

Straits of Tiran: Jackson Reef (Sharm elsheikh)
Thanks to its strong currents and abundance of nutrients, the coral here is magnificent and attracts a wide range of larger fish including hammerhead, gray and guitar sharks.  

Thistlegorm (Sharm el Sheikh)
Many consider this to be the most popular wreck dive in the world.  SS Thistlegorm sank in 1941 after being attacked on its way from Glasgow to Alexandria.  The ships contents which included motorbikes, trucks and armored cars sit on the bottom of the ocean alongside the wreck itself, complete with the hole from German bomb.  Divers can use torches to look inside the wreck and may even be lucky enough to spot a rare crocodile fish.  

Brother Island  (only safari boats) Quseir
Divers will need to join a live-aboard to experience these spectacular islands and follow in the footsteps of Jacques Costeau. Both Big Brother and Little Brother have a truly splendid display of coral and the crystal clear waters make these islands a paradise for underwater photography enthusiasts.  The highlight are two shipwrecks, the Aida and the Numidia which are truly a sight to behold and one you’ll never forget.  

Elphinstone (Marsa Alam)
One of the best known diving sites in Egypt, this drift dive offers divers the chance to swim together with hammerhead and oceanic white tip reef sharks whilst admiring the vast array of corals.  For the lucky ones, sometimes tiger sharks and dolphins can also be spotted here making for a once in a lifetime experience.

Abu Dabbab (Marsa Alam)
For sea turtle enthusiasts this is the place for you.  At Abu Dabbab you are more likely to see a Sea Turtle and the lesser known, Dugong than at any of the other dive sites. There are two Dugongs living in Abu Dabbab who receive special protection as they are in danger of extinction.  


Deadalus (only safari boats) Marsa Alam
With its series more than four distinct dive sites, find this site by looking for the lighthouse that live aboard guests can visit. This is a deep dive which attracts hammerhead and thresher sharks and a unique pinnacle covered in pristine coral. 

Dolphins house Marsa Alam
Just off the coast of Marsa Alam, a pod of spinner dolphin live on this offshore reef.  Visitors can dive or even snorkel with these incredibly inquisitive creatives.  Whilst there are no guarantees of seeing them, those lucky enough will want to return again and again.  

Carnatic Wreck
One of the oldest wrecks in the Red Sea which is known by many as the ‘wreck of wine’ as it carried hundreds of crates of wine. Some of the wine bottles are still intact at the bottom of the ocean.  

Gifun Isl. Hurghada
With its steep drop offs and chance to see sea life including barracuda and tuna this collection of dive sites is a sight to behold.  Look closely in the caverns to spot the huge array of species and make sure to have the camera ready.  

Blue Hole (Dahab)
One of the most famous diving locations on the shores of the red sea, also known as a hot spot for free diving due to the sea depth in the area and the lack of current. It’s also known for its mesmerizing underwater marine life and coral reef, making it a diver’s paradise.

Things I loved about Canada (and the Canadians)

In my too-short-a-visit to Canada, a few things stood out more than the others and endeared me in a way I never thought the country would. But there you have it. It was never really on my bucket list of places I must visit (at least not in the top 10), but like so many unexpected joys that one often experiences when visiting a new place, I did too when i was in Canada.

What worked for me, i think, is also the absence of winter. I'm always the first one to feel the cold but since i was there in October - when the colours are still changing and winter has not arrived - I could enjoy the sights. There aren't too many sounds in Canada. It's a quite country, specially if you're coming from India.

Do keep in mind though that my perspective mirrors only the two cities of Canada that i visited and they're not the biggest ones there: Ottawa and Montreal. 

The changing colours during Fall
It's pretty as hell, the fall season. The blasts of colours that you see can mesmerise you - like an HD TV ad. And the maple leaves sure are easy on the eyes. 

The people
In general, they are very friendly and charming with their self-deprecating humour. Canadians are also super helpful, very polite and will take their time to greet you and even reply to your "How are you?" with enthusiasm. Its refreshing (and a little getting used to) after a dull "What's up?"

Sunny days
Yep, after days of low temperatures and drizzles, the occasional sun really brightens up your day (no pun intended). 

Boots and layers
The only things that can make Canada's cold bearable is being able to wear layers and stylish boots! Having lived in Bombay all my life, the words 'layered clothing' is restricted to the undergarment and a top. A stole is pushing it. And boots are those ugly things some people wear during the rains here. Shopping tip: If you need winter clothing, its best to buy it from Canada. Here, you will find loads of variety, styles and cuts. And who would know winter better than Canada!

Empty roads and footpaths
This is a no-brainer, really. Don't we love it when there are no people bumping into you, even when you're standing still on the side? Ottawa, Canada's capital, is smaller (and more quaint) than the other cities like Vancouver or Toronto and even Montreal. So there's hardly any traffic or people on the streets. But even the other cities have spacious streets when compared with Indian roads.

Their healthy lifestyle
Canadians will do anything to get their trainers on. Even on a "warm" day when i needed two layers instead of three, i saw many people in shorts running/cycling. Many cycle to work. In Ottawa when the Rideau Canal freezes over, they skate to work and when it unfreezes, many try to paddle to their offices. Also, unlike their American cousins, they prefer walking everywhere.

Their love for the environment
Canadians are very conscious about their environment and have very high levels of civic sense. So much so that smoking is by and large discouraged. In fact, in Ottawa it is positively looked down upon. Many public places like the bus stops will have warning signs for smokers disallowing them from smoking in the vicinity.

Their love and respect for their country
Canadians are very proud of their country and are not shy about it. You can see "Canada" with the maple leaf everywhere you go. 



     

Why you should visit Australia's Phillip Island

Unique wildlife 
Phillip Island is home to some of Australia’s most unique and special wildlife. In fact, we have the largest colonies of Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals in the whole of Australia right here on the island. Seal Rocks is home to approximately 35,000 fur seals and can be seen through the telescopes at the Nobbies Visitor Centre, or up close on a fantastic EcoBoat tour.

The Penguin Parade has many different viewing options to see the world’s smallest penguin, including the new Penguins Plus and Underground experiences which offer the closest possible viewing of penguins in Australia. You can see koalas up close from the elevated boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre, and you may even see some wallabies and echidna there as well.

Pristine natural environment
It's only 90 minutes from Melbourne, yet Phillip Island feels like a world away. Beautiful blue skies and crisp clean air, pristine sandy beaches and spectacular rugged cliffs, native woodlands and life-giving wetlands all come together to make up this natural escape from city life.

You can explore many of Phillip Island’s hidden secrets and natural environments on one of the many easy walking trails. A quick ten minute stroll will take you over the dunes to a spectacular sandy beach and the beautiful rock formations of Forrest Caves. For those wanting a little longer in this pristine natural environment, perhaps a walk to the Cape Woolamai Beacon which offers unforgettable views of the whole island. These and many other unspoiled locations are all waiting to be explored.

Phillip Island and the surrounding regions also provides some of the most fertile land in Victoria and as a result, many gourmet producers have established their operations here, giving visitors the opportunity to sample some epicurean delights and unique experiences.

Gourmet local produce 
On the way to Phillip Island, why not stop in at Bassine Specialty Cheeses for some handmade artisan farmhouse cheeses including feta, brie, haloumi and ricotta, with all milk sourced from their own herd of 180 Holstein cows.

Dining Out
The Cape Kitchen waterfront restaurant is one of the island’s newest eateries, and offers guests an indulgent menu, sourced from the bountiful harvest of local fresh produce. The location provides sensational views over the scenic and untamed south coast.

Wineries
The island’s climate is perfect for cool climate wines, so the Purple Hen Vineyard and Phillip Island Winery each grow a variety of grapes suitable to the region. The Purple Hen’s cellar door is open every day of the year while the Phillip Island Winery opens its doors to the public during the warmer months.

Breweries
Taking its name from the colour of beer, Rusty Water Brewery and Bar is home to a selection of small batch, hand-crafted ales like Koala Pale Ale, Chicory Stout and Shipwreck IPA. There is no better place to be on a cool winter’s day than sitting in front of the log fire with a tasting paddle of their fine creations.    

Uniquely Australian food
Imagine fishing for rainbow trout at a picturesque tree-lined lake, and then having the chef transform your catch into a magnificent meal. At Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm you can catch your own lunch and wander the 1.2km Bush Tucker trail, showcasing 27 different species of native foods.   

Farm experiences
Bimbadeen is a 340 acre farm in the heart of Phillip Island offering experiences like farm tours and paddock to plate barbecues. You can even enjoy a farm retreat and stay in their secluded eco-friendly, self-contained accommodation with peaceful rural views and participate in as much or as little of farm life as you would like.