Clean snorkel and mask: check. Inflate pink
floatation device: check. Apply a thick layer of sunscreen: check. All clear
for takeoff.
Wearing a pair of flippers, I awkwardly wade
into the clear water I’ve been admiring from the comfort of my beach chair for
the last hour. The cool temperature takes my breath away, even though I feel
like a turkey slowly roasting in the intense desert heat.
Like most people, I came to Egypt to
experience the ancient tombs built for pharaohs and elaborate temples created
to worship hundreds of gods. But many people don’t know that the Red Sea along
Egypt’s coast is also one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world.
Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is a resort town known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. After 10 days exploring Egypt on a tour with Intrepid Travel, and dealing with persistent vendors hungry for my money, stepping into the five-star Jaz Fanara Resort felt like paradise.
The shallow water above the flat reef provides a unique opportunity to get a close look at life along the reef. Big, colourful parrotfish that look like a rainbow feed on what appears to be algae growing on damaged coral. Small fish hide in the coral’s nooks and crannies, darting out to chase away parrotfish whenever they get too close. Other species like sohal tang, Picasso triggerfish and bannerfish are plentiful.
After watching life in coral town, I swim towards Ras Um Sid, which can also be accessed at El Fanar Beach. The shallow water disappears and so does the flat reef. I'm now swimming beside a reef wall packed with vibrant corals and exotic fish of various shapes and sizes on one side and nothing but the deep blue ocean on the other.
It feels like entering another world. The hectic pace of life instantly melts away as I effortlessly propel myself from one section of the reef to another – like I’m flying.
I’ve snorkeled in a lot of places including the Galapagos Islands, Barbados, Jordan and Mexico, but Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has always remained number one on my snorkeling list – until now. Experiencing a slice of Sharm el Sheikh’s marine treasures has left me wanting to put my pink inflatable floatation device back on and explore more of the snorkeling paradise in the Red Sea.
