The World's 12 Most Spectacular Coral Reefs: A Journey Through Underwater Paradise

6. Red Sea Coral Reefs, Egypt

Advertisement

Some of the most amazing and easily reachable coral reefs in the world lie off Egypt's eastern coast in the Red Sea. Covering more than 2,000 kilometres, these reefs are well-known for their great variety, vivid colours, and clarity of the nearby seas. Over 200 kinds of soft and hard corals have grown in the Red Sea's particular climatic conditions—high salinity and stable temperatures—creating an underwater paradise that draws divers and other marine aficionados worldwide. At the southern end of the Sinai Peninsula, Ras Mohammed National Park is among the most well-known diving sites in the Red Sea. Stunning wall dives, vibrant coral gardens, and plenty of marine life—including barracudas, moray eels, and sporadic visits from hammerhead sharks—this protected area boasts Renowned for their four main reefs after British cartographers from the 19th century— Jackson, Woodhouse, Thomas, and Gordon—the Straits of Tiran are another famous destination. Strong currents of these reefs draw big pelagic species and provide exciting drift dives for advanced divers. Shipwrecks abound in the Red Sea; one of the most well-known is the SS Thistlegorm. Originally sunk in 1941, this World War II cargo ship today acts as an artificial reef and underwater museum, providing an amazing window into history and helping to nurture a varied aquatic life. The Egyptian government has established marine protected areas and rules on fishing and tourism activity among other conservation initiatives meant to safeguard these priceless marine resources. These initiatives seek to protect the coral reefs of the Red Sea for next generations while yet allowing scientific study and sustainable tourism to bloom in this amazing underwater habitat.