Many travelers visit the countries in our catalog for their history and culture, for pilgrimage desires or for the gastronomic delights they offer. But there are also many who choose us to practice another activity: scuba diving and open water dives to swim with marine fauna. Here we show you some of the areas with more possibilities in this sense, in case you also have between eyebrow and eyebrow to enjoy the riches that the sea hides in its interior.
The Red Sea, the true Mecca of diving
It is no exaggeration to say that the Red Sea is probably the best diving and snorkeling spot in the world. For its crystal clear waters, for its warm temperature all year round (as well as on the surface) and for the variety of species that can be observed here. In addition, it is suitable for all types of divers: from the most experienced to those who dive for the first time.
Many of the marine species that can be sighted up close are present at a short distance from the shore, such as lionfish and humphead wrasse. Others, on the other hand, require boat trips to reach the open sea. This is the case, for example, of the dolphin: taking a bath with these endearing marine mammals is an incomparable experience. No company can guarantee that the meeting will take place, but it is not uncommon for this possibility to occur.
This is the case in the area around Sharm el-Sheikh, off the southern coasts of the Sinai Peninsula, for example in the Ras Muhammad National Park. From here, private boats are chartered for multi-day trips that include this possibility in the program. This experience can also be arranged from other destinations on the mainland coast of Egypt, such as Hurghada.
And for those who want to start from Aqaba, Jordan, it is also possible to dive among native fish, although the coastline here is smaller and, given the proximity of the city’s industrial port, the biodiversity is lower.
The Turkish Aegean Sea, another area full of possibilities
Turkey is also positioning itself as an interesting destination for diving with marine fauna. Especially in areas of the Aegean Sea, where the lucky ones will be able to see live monk seals, turtles, octopuses and schools of fish. This is the case off the coasts of Gökova, Bodrum, Fethiye or Marmaris, where there are also coral reefs. But if there is one destination that stands out, it would be Kas, on the Turkish Riviera, with numerous eagle rays, parrotfish and bannerfish, among many others.
In some cases, this biodiversity is generated spontaneously around other underwater attractions in the area (which is not exactly marine fauna): wrecks and cargo or warships sunk in the past.
In the latter, the destination of reference is undoubtedly Çanakkale, which played a major role in the First World War… as can be seen in the battleships now resting at the bottom of the sea. All this makes up the Historical Underwater Park of Gallipoli, where you can also spot various underwater species.
The Moroccan Mediterranean, on the rise
Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, which stretches from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Algerian border, is also taking off in the diving sector and dives for all levels. In Tangier, Nador or Al Hoceima, more and more companies are offering this activity. The marine fauna here is not large, but it is interesting to explore the underwater walls and caves that form here, with the presence of starfish, crustaceans and other species.
