Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE UNDERWATER EXPERIENCE
What to See Underwater
According to the
Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan
( 06-5676173;
www.jreds.org
)
, the gulf has more than 110 species of hard coral and 120 species of soft
coral forming spectacular reefs. These reefs are home to about 1000 species of fish, includ-
ing colourful clownfish, parrotfish and angelfish, and a whole variety of life from dolphins
to molluscs and sponges. Protected green turtles frequent the dive sites and harmless whale
sharks pay a visit in summer.
Buy the plastic
Red Sea Fishwatchers Field Guide,
which can be taken underwater to
identify species of fish and coral.
Further Information
Books
Lonely Planet's
Diving and Snorkelling Guide to the Red Sea
concentrates on sites along
the Egyptian coast, but also has a detailed section about diving around the Gulf of Aqaba.
The major bookshops in Aqaba have a good range of books about diving, including
Intro-
duction to the Marine Life of Aqaba
.
The Red Sea: Underwater Paradise
by Angelo Mo-
jetta is one of the better glossy coffee-table books, with beautiful photos of marine flora
and fauna.
Internet Resources
Among the hundreds of internet references to help inform your underwater experience, the
following are recommended.
Wind Finder
(
www.windfinder.com/forecast/aqaba
)
Check on current conditions day-by-
day to ensure you pick the best day for your dive.
H2O Magazine
(
www.h2o-mag.com
)
The website of the quarterly publication of the Red
Sea Association for Diving and Watersports, with articles and updates on diving in the re-
gion.
Reef Check
(
www.reefcheck.org
)
A membership organisation working to save coral reefs
in the Red Sea and elsewhere in the world.
