Diving Egypt's Marine Park IslandsIn 1983 Egypt's offshore islands were declared natural protectorates granting them Marine Park Status. These Islands include the legendary Brothers (Al Akhawein) and Daedalus (Abu El Kizan) plus the lesser known Zabargad and Rocky Islands. Though it's diving is en par with the islands, Elphinstone reef does not fall into this group.
Their exposed locations, some distance from shore, combined with the nature of the prevailing winds and swell, can make for challenging diving conditions, particularly in the winter months October-April. But for more experienced divers the rewards are ample.
The Islands were closed to divers in 1995 due to fearers of environmental damage but in 1998 the Red Sea (or Al Bahr Al Ahmar) Governorate of Egypt issued a decree reopening the islands and has since controlled access through its guidelines for Egypt's Red Sea liveaboard operators. The limited number of fixed moorings and ban on anchors now restricts the number of boats at each site.
Diving Holidays in Egypt's Red Sea
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