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Visitors planning to take advantage of the special diving conditions available in the waters of the Red Sea off Sharm El Sheikh will have a safer, albeit smaller, selection of dive centres to choose from following a review of operations by Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Watersports.

The sea conditions at Sharm El Sheikh are often described as a diver's paradise, with crystal clear waters revealing a vast array of fauna, coral and rare tropical fish. The coastline on the Sinai Peninsula is surrounded by the protected areas of 3 National Parks and offers various bays and coves for divers to explore. Trips are also made offshore to dive on historical wrecks that lie in the waters there.

There are over 70 diving centres in and around Sharm El Sheikh, some of which are part of hotel or resort complexes. Of these, 14 have been identified as operating without the required Ministry of Tourism licenses and have been shutdown. It is unclear if these closures are permanent or just temporary until the issues identified have been corrected.

Diving is rapidly becoming an important part of the tourism industry in Sharm as can be seen by the number of divers heading down to the harbours every morning to set off on their adventures. Obviously the authorities are very keen to ensure this part of the travel industry is carefully regulated and kept safe. (picture by Carlos Sogorb)