the Red Sea

The Red Sea is the closest tropical sea to Europe and has its name from a periodical mass propagation of the algae Oscillatoria erythraeum, which colors the water red. The Red Sea stretches from the Gulf of Suez in the north to the strait of Bab el Madab, the "Gate of Tears" average depth of the sea is 900 meters, although the deepest area, off the coast of Port Sudan, is more than 2700 meters deep.

Because of the almost total separation from the Indian Ocean, unique life forms evolved and created one of the best all year round diving destinations on earth, with water temperatures ranging from 21 degrees in winter to 29 degrees in summer.

The once small fishing village of Hurghada on the shores of the Red Sea has been famous among European divers since the mid eighties.