Underwater Adventures

The Red Sea indisputably has some of the greatest coral reefs and marine life in the world. The reefs are also extremely fragile, and the breakneck pace of development of the Sinai could have very destructive consequences. All coral reefs from Dahab south to Ras Muhammad are under the jurisdiction of the Ras Muhammad National Park; regulations forbid removing or damaging any material, living or dead, coral, fish, plant, or even shell, from the sea. Obviously certain areas are open to fishing, and the park is fighting an uphill battle with developers hungry to exploit the region for tourism. You can do your part to preserve the reefs by observing a simple rule: look, but don’t touch.’ Even accidentally bumping the coral can damage it, so please be as graceful underwater as possible. It” you are interested in the National Park and its activities, call the director, Michael Pearson, in Sharm ash-Sheikh (tel. 60 05 59).

Here’s a second reason to avoid touching things-it could be very painful; hidden among the crevices in the reef are creatures capable of inflicting serious injury or death. If you see something that looks like an aquatic pin cushion, it’s probably a sea urchin or blowfish, both of which should be touched only as sushi. Avoid the feathery lionfish as well-its harmless-looking spines can deliver a paralyzing sting. The rare but well-named fire coral can bloat a leg to mammoth proportions, leaving welts the size of croquet balls. The stonefish is camouflaged flawlessly to resemble a mossy lump of coral or rock-step on one, then puff up and die in a couple hours. Reach into a hole and a 2m-long moray eel might just lock its jaws onto your hand. The list is long-before plunging in, look at one of the plastic cards that pictorially identifies these nautical nasties; most guides and diving shops carry these cards.

For snorkeling, wear plastic shoes, sneakers, or fins at all times. At the very least, the coral will make your feet into hamburger. Even better, sea creatures lurking in crevices and on the bottom will get you. Sharks are attracted by blood, so never enter the water with an open wound or if menstruating. Panicking and thrashing tends to excite sharks-if you see one, climb calmly out of the water and casually share the joyous news. Most sharks, however, are not aggressive and wouldn’t (even if they could) give you the time of day. Last but not least, underwater wonders may make you forget ongoing solar action: the sub-tropical sun can give you a crispy burn. Wear protective sunscreen or clothing.

Two informative publications, available in Israel, are the Red Sea Diver’s Guide, by Seapen (NIS55), or the Guide to Coral World Eilat, by David Fridman.