Like Scuba Diving? Here is your Guide to the Red Sea of Sudan!
By Ruqyah Sweidan / Arab America Contributing Writer
Diving is one of the most popular and enjoyable leisure activities. It reveals a whole new world beneath the surface, and there is a plethora of destinations for one to indulge in this exhilarating activity. The Red Sea, or Al-Baḥr Al-Aḥmar is a narrow strip of water that flows southeastward from Suez, Egypt, to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. It is about 1,200 miles long and 19 miles wide. The sea separates the coasts of Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea to the west from Saudi Arabia and Yemen to the east. In this article, we will explore the extensive wonders of diving in the Red Sea of Sudan, and why you should make it your next vacation spot!
Background History of the Red Sea
To begin with, the first thing you ought to know is that this relatively small water mass has a complex history! The Red Sea is one of the first large bodies of water ever recorded history. It was used for local commuted by the ancient Egyptians in 2000 BCE. Later, it was the way to reach India by about 1000 BCE. Afterward, the Phoenicians explored its shores during their exploration of Africa in about 600 BCE. In 1869, during the French colonization of North Africa, the Suez Canal, which began in 800 CE by the caliph Hārūn al-Rashīd, was completed. In the last century, the Red Sea has been thoroughly studied for its richness in chemical and biological properties along with its unique geographic structures.
What to Look For When Diving…
Due to Sudan’s recent conflict, the country has regrettably gone unnoticed for its Red Sea grandeur. Nevertheless, Sudan’s diving community continues to spread the word of its pristine reefs, healthy shark populations, uncrowded dive sites, unforgettable wrecks and big schools of fish. It is easily accessible by tourists through liveaboard trips from Port Sudan or Egypt’s Port Ghalib. To people who are regular divers, these areas provide the best diving in the Red Sea. The water’s visibility also accentuates the natural wonder of Sudanese waters.
Let’s Take a Dive!
Here are some popular sites to dive:
It is the southernmost reef in the Sudanese Red Sea and home to black coral bushes and spectacular hard and soft corals. A 400-meter-long island also lies atop of this water and is populated only by birds. Moreover, there are three marvelous shipwrecks to check out on the northwest side. You will find clear water, dizzying drop-offs and plenty of whitetip, silvertip and hammerhead shark
A great stone British-built lighthouse dominates this site. The reef there is no longer under British control since Sudan became independent in 1956. Now, it is a nature conservation site ruled only by pelagic fish.
Abington is the northernmost reef of Sudan. Schools of hammerhead and grey reef sharks as well as jacks, lionfish, blue-spotted string rays and fusiliers dominate these waters. You’ll also notice lots of large anemones and soft gorgonian corals that filter sustenance from the surrounding currents.
Research Usage
In addition to leisure, diving is also practiced for educational purposes in Sudan. For instance, “pyramid diving” is a method used for collecting information from ancient structures below water. One scientist, Dr. Pearce Creasman pioneered the method of being tethered to an air tube that allowed her to take in air from the surface while underwater. His team focuses on the Sudanese Red Sea’s mainly unexplored areas to learn more about the ancient trade routes between Sudan and other regions.
The pigments used on the tomb paintings of the Nubians, for instance, show what minerals the Sudanese were using and what customs they followed. Preservation is an unfortunate challenge as rising groundwater levels and exposure to elements threaten the integrity of the sandstone. It’s also impossible to extract these artifacts and place them in a museum. The only way to allow people to see this piece of history would be for professional teams to properly reproduce them and care for them. Thus, thanks to Red Sea Diving, the world’s first pyramid divers are doing essential work.
Yalla! Get Out There!
In conclusion, the Red Sea of Sudan is a hidden gem that should be on the bucket list of every diver! Its unique location between two continents and monumental features make for an amazing experience. And, once again, it is an Arab landmark that is not often as appreciated as non-Arab ones. The diving industry of Sudan should expand and receive more visitors from around the world. You should be next!
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