Sights

Yemenieh Reef, just south of the Marine Research Center beyond the port, ranks among die world’s best for scoping fish, if that’s what you go tor. The new Royal Diving Center (tef. 31 75 30) in the Yemenieh area rents out snorkeling and diving equipment. Most luxury hotels also rent out equipment and organize outings. With a mask, snorkel, and pair of fins you can wander off on your own to some of the more isolated spots near the Saudi border, where the fish run on super-octane. See Underwater Adventures in Sinai for important information on snorkeling and scuba diving; for emergency medical help call 3141 11.

The Seastar Watersports Center (tel. 31 41 31/2, fax 31 41 33), located in the Al-Cazar Hotel, conducts dives daily at 9am and 2pm (arrive !4hr. early). Equipment rental for divers is US$ 15 for multiple dives, JD5 per half-day for snorkelers, including transportation. Try-out dives are also possible for beginners. If you have five days and are serious about submerging, you might want to take the official (American) PCEI scuba diving training course (US$330 including equipment and supplies). If you plan to spend more than a few days snorkeling, you could invest in your own equipment and go solo. The Yamani Bookstore across from the post office has the biggest selection of masks (JD8-12) and fins GDI 2-20).