Many stories and myths deal with pharaohs and pyramids. To see them truly is for many on the "bucket list" and that for a good reason. The relics of the ancient high culture attract numerous visitors to Egypt every year but I was irritated by something else. The coasts of Egypt offer fantastic conditions for snorkeling/diving and so I wanted to check off something else on my "bucket list": swim with turtles once and in the great outdoors.

PACKED THE BAG SPONTANEOUS

Of course, I did not only fly to Egypt because of the turtles. An offer from a travel agent was so irresistibly cheap that we quickly packed the bags to take a short break in the sun. Our goal for the next week is Marsa Alam.

Since, as I said, we left at very short notice, there was no time to apply for a visa. No problem, because we got it directly in Egypt from our travel agency. But you can also buy it at an official counter at the airport, which is usually cheaper because the tour operators charge a service fee. Still, it does not cost the world (about $ 25 for 28 days). After the tour group was together, we were distributed to the surrounding hotels.

PREJUDICE

Since I am not a fan of package tourism, I had some fears what awaits us in the "all-inclusive" vacation. Nagging guests, who will fight a battle, in the morning, for the most popular places, by the pool. Trowing the towels on the sun chairs to mark their territory. The same applies to the food. As soon as the restaurant opens its doors, the race for the buffet will begin. Well, that's exactly what happened but I do not want to complain. Since we were at the beach during the day, that did not bother us.

THE HOOK ON MY "BUCKET LIST"

As mentioned in the beginning, I wanted to look at the sea turtles once in their natural environment. Well, easier said than done. I stand on the beach and look at the bay lying in front of me. That alone is a huge body of water. How am I supposed to find turtles here? The best to do is to jump into the crystal clear water and just let me drift. Behind the nearby reef, the water quickly deepens and I can see the first divers at the bottom of the seabed. They all seem to have discovered something because they are pointing to a stone in nearby. Unfortunately, I can not see more from the water surface. Suddenly the "stone" leaves the seabed and rises to the surface. Very slow and comfortable and then I realize it is actually a sea turtle. Lucky me, because at the first attempt I found one of these animals. I would not have expected that in life.

I`m drifting on the water to observe the turtle without wanting to get to close to her. Not out of fear, but out of consideration and respect for the turtle. Even with some distance, this was an unforgettable experience. After a short stay on the surface, the rustic animal glides comfortably down to the bottom to eat there in a seagrass meadow. The turtle does not need a lot of time to breathe, because after just 2 minutes the whole spectacle is over. Amazingly, they can stay underwater for about 20 minutes with this air supply. That's what I call it effective. The next few days I keep coming back to these beautiful beings and spending hours watching them. Sometimes I just wish to have a bit of the serenity of a turtle, but that's another story. :)

SNORKELING AT THE REEF

Snorkeling, on the reef, in shallow water offers some variety from the search for the turtles. The biodiversity is amazing and there is always something new to discover. The sea is colorful and full of life. I forget everything around me, just enjoying the nature in all its colors. On one side the reef and on the other a huge swarm of small fish. Thousands of them lined up together to a big, silver-dancing cloud. They easily float through the water, although the predators are not far away.
By the way, the little comrade on the left was pretty curious and without any shyness. Courageously, he stood in front of me to watch me. Chapeau, you little creature. :)
As I said, the reef was located near the shore, in the shallow water, so that everyone here can snorkel carefree.

For more pictures, you can scroll left or right.

Although I have a diving translucent, I decided to go snorkeling exclusively. On the one hand, I have not done a dive for a long time, and thus too much respect for the dangers and secondly, this was not necessary here in the bay of "Abu Daddab". I enjoyed exploring the underwater world from the surface of the tranquil sea. If you also have the turtles on your "bucket list" and do not want to fly halfway around the world, then pay a visit to Egypt.

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Sunny greetings

@fromheart