Safaga: Hidden Pearl of The Red Sea -

Safaga

A Diving Treasure and a Hidden Pearl of the Red Sea.

Article by Ahmed Fouad

In the heart of Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, just a short distance from more popular cities like Hurghada, lies the small town of Safaga, an untouched secret of nature. Despite its small size and limited population, this city holds within it unparalleled natural beauty and unforgettable experiences for sea lovers, divers, and those seeking peaceful relaxation.

Safaga is considered one of the top destinations for professional and recreational divers in Egypt and around the world, thanks to its unique dive sites that are among the most beautiful in the Red Sea. The coral reefs here amaze the eye with their vibrant hues red, purple, orange, and blue as if nature itself painted them with delicate care. These reefs not only provide stunning visuals but are also home to rare marine creatures that are difficult to find elsewhere.

One of Safaga’s most remarkable features is the clarity of its waters, which is difficult to describe with words. Visibility can extend for tens of meters beneath the surface, offering divers an almost perfect experience where they can explore the depths without any visual barriers. This clarity is matched only by the calmness of the sea itself, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and escape from the noise of everyday life.

Diving in Safaga is not just about enjoying clear waters and colorful reefs, it’s also a chance to encounter a unique array of marine life. The dive sites here are home to rare, vibrant fish species, large sea turtles, and schools of fish that swim in mesmerizing harmony, like a dance beneath the waves. This biodiversity gives diving in Safaga a distinct character that sets it apart from any other Red Sea diving destination.

Unlike the crowded and noisy larger coastal cities, Safaga retains a calm, soothing character. Its weather is stable throughout most of the year, with clear skies and warm sunshine that’s pleasant rather than scorching. This makes it an ideal destination for both relaxation and therapeutic tourism. The peaceful ambiance is especially suitable for those seeking a reflective or spiritual retreat, where nature and serenity come together in perfect harmony.

One of Safaga’s most famous landmarks is Utopia Island, another gem in the town’s crown. This small island boasts of soft, white sands that feel like silk underfoot, and a stunning shoreline that captivates all who visit. Guests can reach it by short boat trips and spend their time relaxing in turquoise waters, swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking under the gentle sun. The island truly lives up to its name “Utopia,” the perfect place.

Few people know that Safaga also offers a unique health benefit through its mineral-rich black sand. This sand is used in the treatment of various bone and joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, by burying patients in it for specific durations under medical guidance. Proven effective by experience, this treatment has made Safaga a sought-after destination not just for leisure tourists, but also for those seeking natural healing.

As someone deeply connected to the world of diving, a diving instructor and proud member of the SDI (Scuba Diving International) family, I feel a strong responsibility to share Safaga’s wonders with the world. Diving in its waters is not merely a recreational activity; it’s a spiritual experience where you come face to face with nature in its purest form. I believe it’s my duty to let more people know about this incredible place.

Although Safaga may not enjoy the same level of media or tourist attention as other Red Sea cities, it remains an unmissable destination for anyone seeking a unique marine adventure. It offers natural beauty, incredible diving, mental peace, and therapeutic tourism all in one place. It is where the magnificence of nature touches your soul and fills you with rare tranquility and clarity.

Safaga is more than just a small city. It’s a complete world of natural wonder and rich experiences waiting to be discovered. It’s an open invitation to dive into the depths of the sea and the self and to discover a side of Egypt that many still do not know exists.