News
Red Sea Resorts: The Beautiful South
Although the resorts of the Northern Red Sea have plenty of admirers and have become well-known for legions of divers, the Southern Red Sea remains an unknown quantity for many.
However, one only need consider the relative remoteness of the southern resorts of El Quesir, Shams Alam and Hamata with their unspoiled reefs, to make a direct comparison with the way the northern Red Sea resorts were decades ago, when the divers started to arrive.
The spectacular coastline to the south of Hurghada has opened up to reveal pristine diving, and direct flights into Marsa Alam throughout the year mean that it’s now even easier to access these impressive reef systems.
El Quesir was once one of Egypt’s most important trading hubs, but today it is a tranquil destination. The coral gardens, caves and reefs boast abundant marine life, and the advantage of less crowded sites means that the resort is perfect for those learning to dive, as well as keen underwater photographers who can take their time to find the perfect subject.
Shams Alam has access to more than thirty dive sites, as well as an excellent house reef. Sha’ab Sharm is a large reef lying atop a vast undersea mountain thought to be an ancient volcano. This site is famous for its dramatic, sheer walls swept by strong currents where you will often be accompanied by large schools of jacks and barracuda, as well as grey reef sharks, hammerheads and tuna.
Dolphin House is one of the most popular areas in the southern Red Sea. The three main dive sites offer a cave system and caverns, an eel garden, a little seagrass bed and the biodiversity of the pinnacles. The regular sightings of barracuda, mantas, sharks and dolphins, plus soft and hard coral, make this one of the most interesting and ecologically diverse sites in the Red Sea.
The small town of Hamata lends its name to the region opposite the Fury Shoal Reef system. This is the most southerly resort in the Egyptian Red Sea. The remoteness of this area – 110 miles south of Marsa Alam – makes it the ultimate in ‘get away from it all’ diving.
The house reefs in Hamata give divers the flexibility to dive to their own schedule and maximise their time in the water. There is an amazing array of hard and soft corals to be appreciated, all within a short walk of your hotel room. Night dives are also available and provide an exciting opportunity to watch Spanish dancers, lionfish and lobster.
The legendary Fury Shoal offers over 35 memorable dive sites. One of the sites – Gota Soraya – is rated as one of the best wall dives in the Red Sea, with large caves full of glass fish, sweepers and an abundance of corals. There is a good chance of enjoying encounters with dolphins and a variety of shark species, along with large shoals of mackerel in season. Turtles hatch along this coastline and sightings are common.
Ultimately, whichever Southern Red Sea resort you choose, you will leave remembering immaculate, uncrowded reefs supporting an abundance of marine life, including many species rarely found elsewhere. This far south the winter water temperature is significantly higher than that of the northern Red Sea, creating a relaxed dive environment that can be enjoyed all year round.
Divers, it’s time to turn back the clock and enjoy Red Sea diving as it used to be: visit the beautiful south.
Regaldive offer land-based trips and liveaboards in both the Southern and Northern Red Sea. Resorts include El Quesir, Shams Alam, Hamata and Marsa Alam in the south and Hurghada and El Gouna in the north. To find out more, call the Regaldive team on 01353 659999, or visit Diving in the Red Sea.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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