Bat fish
The bat fish is very thin and disc shaped and can be found around the reefs in the Red Sea at around 5 to 30 meters. They are fan shaped and are taller than they are long. They can grow to around 50 cm. The younger fish live alone or in very small groups in the mangroves and lagoons in places like Marsa Alam Egypt. The adult bat fish can be found in the open water and at greater depths. These adult fish can be identified by a black spot below their pectoral fin.
Read More
Blacktip Sharks: Unveiling the Intriguing World of These Nimble Predators
Blacktip Sharks recognized for their distinctive appearance and agile behavior have captured the interest of marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. In this comprehensive article we will examine various aspects of these remarkable creatures including their fish family size shape features coloration and social behavior. Join us as we uncover the fascinating realm of Blacktip Sharks. Fish Family: Blacktip Sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) belong to the Carcharhinidae family a group of requiem sharks...
Read More
Prickly tube – sponge
Just like fish there are many different types of sponges in the sea and although when you look at it you may not think that it is an animal it actually is! There are over 6000 species of sponges and most live in the marine environment. This prickly tube sponge is a sponge found in the Red Sea its complex name is Callyspongia crassa. It can reach around 50 cm and can be characterized by its flexible brown tubes. It weighs up to around 20pounds and has an amazing life span of up to 2300 years! Spo...
Read More
Types of sharks found in The Red Sea
The Red Sea is a must dive destination for all divers because of its vast and magnificent marine life. You can experience various dive sites all with their own unique quirks and infamous sea creatures. Diving in this region is growing more and more popular especially for advanced divers that want to catch a glimpse of larger sea creatures in the open water. The demand for shark diving is growing worldwide and The Red Sea is home to 10 different species of shark. This makes it a hotspot for divin...
Read More
Do’s and Don’ts when diving with sharks
Diving with sharks is an exhilarating experience that can t afford to be missed by any experienced diver. However it is crucial to dive safely and with a reputable dive center with professional instructors. Here are our top tips when diving with sharks to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience. 1 Safety in numbers It is always recommended to dive in a group because sharks usually target individuals alone. While in a group it s best to keep space between each other so that the shark does not ...
Read More
Swimming with dolphins
Types of dolphin experiences Swimming with dolphins is a dreamy experience for many people especially families with young children. Many vacation packages offer excursions guaranteeing swimming with dolphins. Although these types of tours sound incredible it is very important to choose excursions wisely because many treat the dolphins cruelly and even cause them harm. Safe and enjoyable ways to experience dolphins Fortunately there are safe and enjoyable ways to experience dolphins in the wild. ...
Read More
Reef – safe Sunscreen
What is reef safe sunscreen? We are all conscious nowadays of the importance of protecting ourselves in the sun. Thousands of people visit places like The Red Sea every year and the majority wear sunscreen. Sunscreen is very important for our protection from harmful sun rays however many sunscreens are damaging to sea life. Sunscreens fall into two major categories physical and chemical. Chemical sunscreens are popular but contain oxybenzone and octinoxate which causes the bleaching of corals. P...
Read More
Elphinstone Reef
What s special about Elphinstone? Visit one of the most famous dive sites in the world in The Red Sea. Elphinstone is one of the most incredible dive sites due to the reef position current and transparency of the water. Divers from all over the world come to see this marvellous site because it is teeming with marine life and the coral reef itself is well preserved. It is a must dive destination for advanced divers. This fabulous dive site is about a 2 and a half hour boat ride from Marsa Alam an...
Read More
Manta ray
Manta rays are phenomenal fish that are often found in tropical or subtropical waters as they prefer warmer climates. In The Red Sea they can be spotted in open waters in the south. They share many similarities to sting rays and eagle rays but it is easy for divers to differentiate them in the water. Manta rays swim in open waters whereas stingrays stay close to the ocean bottom. Mantas also do not have a stinger at the end of their tail. This means they are not dangerous at all for divers or sn...
Read More
Whale shark
Whale sharks are huge and can be spotted in open water in tropical climates. They prefer warmer waters which makes Marsa Alam the perfect spot for them! They are usually found in temperatures above 21 degrees. They are friendly warm creatures and completely harmless to humans. They are huge often reaching the average size of around 9 meters in males and 15m in females. Whale sharks have over 300 rows of tiny teeth and 20 filter pads. They are slow moving filter feeding sharks that eat plankton a...
Read More
Anemone Hermit Crab
This hermit crab is found in the Red Sea around the surface of the water and at deep depth on the coral reefs. They are approximately 10cm. The Anemone Hermit Crab is usually easy to spot by the anemones that they carry on their shells. The body of the crab is a pale pinkish color with white and orange blotches. The eye stalks are red and white whilst their actual eye color is almost green their bodies and legs are covered in light brown colored bristles. They have two sets of antennae one short...
Read More
Abu Galawa Kebir
Abu Galawa Kebir (tug boat wreck of the Teinstin) Have you ever heard of the Tienstin ? Or maybe you recognize it by its original Chinese name Tien Hsing. However if this seems too complicated for you it is also more familiarly recognized as the Abu Galawa. If you are already a diver in The Red Sea you will already be somewhat familiar with the famous tugboat. This ship s history is still to this day almost unknown. Its identity has been discovered however there are doubts throughout some shipwr...
Read More
Abu Galawa Soraya
Abu Galawa Soraya translated means little father of the pool a very fitting name for this beautiful reef full of variety color and magical views. Both soft and hard corals are scattered throughout parts of the reef to a depth of an impressive 24 meters! They also form a number of coral colonies which satisfy the large variety of reel fish and other marine life. One of the most captivating features of Abu Galawa is the small wreck and in this case size really does not matter as although the wreck...
Read More
The Bentfin Devil Ray
scientifically known as Mobula thurstoni is a captivating species of ray belonging to the Mobulidae family. This family closely related to sharks includes both manta rays and devil rays. While the Bentfin Devil Ray is less known than its larger relatives it still presents many interesting characteristics that make it a remarkable species. The Bentfin Devil Ray is a relatively small member of the Mobulidae family. Adult individuals can reach sizes of up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) in wingspan and th...
Read More
Squid
Sepioteuthis lessoniana also known as the big fin reef squid glitter squid or oval squid is a species of loliginid squid . This squid can be identified by its large oval fins. These squids are small to medium size averaging 35 cm (14 inches). From the moment they hatch they have the ability to change their colors. These squids however only have a life expectancy of less than a year and they grow very quickly. They can usually be found around coral reefs or near the shore line. These squids have ...
Read More
Shortfin Mako
(Isurus oxyrinchus) is a striking and powerful species of shark belonging to the Lamnidae family which includes the notorious great white shark and other mackerel sharks. Found in a wide range of oceanic environments from temperate to tropical waters the Shortfin Mako is known for its speed agility and unique body shape as well as its fascinating social behavior. Size: Shortfin Mako Sharks are medium to large-sized sharks with adult individuals reaching lengths of up to 13 feet (4 meters) and we...
Read More
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks: Unraveling the Mysteries of These Bold Ocean Wanderers
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks known for their bold demeanor and striking appearance have captivated the attention of marine enthusiasts and scientists alike. In this comprehensive article we will examine various aspects of these remarkable creatures including their fish family size shape features coloration and social behavior. Join us as we delve into the enthralling world of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks. Fish Family: Oceanic Whitetip Sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus) belong to the Carcharhinidae family a ...
Read More
Dugong
Dugong comes from the Malay and means lady of the sea . They are also commonly known as sea cows sea camels and even mermaids . They are indigenous to The Red Sea in Egypt. It is estimated that around 4000 live in the Red Sea particularly in Marsa Alam. Dugongs can easily be found by following the destructive path they often leave on the sea bed due to feeding. These curious mammals can eat over 40 kg of sea grass a day! Manatees and dugongs are marine mammals belonging to the scientific Order S...
Read More
Boxer shrimp
The boxer shrimp also known as a banded coral shrimp lives in the Red Sea. They live among the reefs and can be found as deep as 210m (690 ft)! They only have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years and are known as cleaner shrimp. They use their claws to remove parasites and fungi from passing fish. Their total length is around 60mm and their claws are twice the size of their body. They even have 3 sets of claws to enable them to clean. They use their very long antenna to signal their presence to oth...
Read More
Eagle Ray
The eagle ray can be found gliding in the Red Sea near the reefs and along the sea bed. The size of an eagle ray can vary however they can grow up to 3m long (10ft) with a wingspan of around 7m (23ft). They can be spotted at the edges of the outer reefs and in lagoons. Unlike other species they are not pack animals so you will usually find them swimming solo. They are generally very shy creatures but are considered dangerous when threatened due to their venomous stingers located behind the pelvi...
Read More
Eco awareness
Eco Eco Eco are you following this movement? The word Eco is everywhere these days; your car may have an eco mode your refrigerator vacuum cleaner and dishwasher water filters and many other household appliances may be eco or have eco-value. But that s not all: your plant fertilizers may be eco your resort or diving school may be eco. Even your scuba diving gear may be Eco. But what is Eco? Where does this word come from? How real is it and is the Eco movement worth following? All these question...
Read More
Looking Forward To Meet You Again At Blue Ocean
We have all been effected in a minor or major way as a result of the global COVID-19 crisis. We still feel the effects on a daily basis . Yet the world is gradually getting back on its feet. We are slowly recovering from our social trauma and just can t wait to restore or comfort zone and our familiar rhythm of social economic academic and leisure life. Now what better remedy is there than to change our senses. Egypt is facilitating these senses. It has set up regulations for the resumption of t...
Read More
Sharks of The Red Sea ; The Sensible & Sensitive Predator
Although slightly in decline and some species endangered at the same time the waters of the Red Sea are a stomping ground par excellence for sharks. The Red Sea sharks contingent include oceanic white tips scalloped hammerheads wale sharks silver tips black tips sand tips leopards nurses grey reef sharks zebra s sicklefins threshers etc. In essence sharks are relatively common and timid predators not to be challenged. In fact they are wary and shy and have no interest whatsoever for humans in th...
Read More
On the outbreak of COVID-19
Mankind is in the middle of one of the toughest and most uncertain situations for generations. In these unprecedented and challenging times we see true character emerging. We at Blue Ocean Dive Centers & Resorts believe in the true spirit resilience and support of the entire diving community. We are brothers sisters and family. Here in the Red Sea our industry is driven by camaraderie and generosity. We unite as one man and one woman to combat the impact of the corona threat. There s hope in our...
Read More
Save Our Reefs. Sun Creams & Screens
Environment-friendly natural sunscreen cause no harm or damage to marine life and coral reefs. Did you know that dozens of tons of sunscreens end up in corals worldwide? Did you know that tens of thousands of chemicals from personal care products end up in the oceans of the world? Did you know that one of the mist prominent contributors to this massive pollution is sunscreen? Why are sunscreen so deadly to coral reefs? Scientific research dictates that chemicals of the oxybenzone and octinoxate ...
Read More