Nuweiba is a town in South Sinai situated on the Sinai Peninsula about 185 kilometers north of Sharm El Sheikh and only 87 kilometers away from Dahab. It is also a 90-minute ferry ride from Jordan. Nuweiba is the largest oasis in Sinai, where fine-sand beaches are dressed with Bedouin beach tourist camps. There are also the usual hotel chains along the beaches but most people prefer staying in Bedouin Nuweiba camps in the desert for a more simple approach to a holiday. The scenery around Nuweiba is impressive with pretty beaches and the Sinai Mountains as a backdrop. The mountains provide an ideal location to go hiking and in less than one-hour car ride you can be at the beautiful 'Colour Canyon' which is a deep, narrow path of colorful sandstones of the mountains. For those who are not into diving, hotels can arrange excursions to Jordan and trips to the 6th Century St Catherine's Monastery, Mount Moses and Nawamis site. Jeep or camel safaris into the desert are also popular and don't forget it is possible to snorkel, swim or relax on the beach or at the hotel. The local village provides an opportunity to go shopping and Bedouin traders sell their homemade jewellery.
Diving in Nuweiba Egypt
Nuweiba is taken from "water wells" in Arabic. Named because of the large number of water wells in the area, Nuweiba gives a chance to submerge into the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. This is a great place for beginners to set off on an underwater trip over the colorful reefs. A large variety of shallow waters and macro life in the area of Nuweiba attract photo artists from all over the world. Some of the clubs even arrange specialized underwater photography workshops there. Technical divers can hone their skills in clear waters near Nuweiba.
Diving in Nuweiba is mostly from the shore as there is a lack of jetty facilities or safe anchorages for boats. There are coral gardens and house reefs covered with the usual Red Sea reef fish which are ideal for beginner level divers. There are also two marine parks: Ras Mumlach and Ras Abu Galum with steep walls and drop-offs that make stunning dives for those who are more experienced or for those who want to gain experience. It is also possible to have day trips to Dahab to some of the more popular dive sites.
Best Dive Season
Diving is possible in any month of the year in Nuweiba. Yet, the best time to dive is usually in May-June and September-November. From January to April, the sea gets colder and there are strong chilly winds, so you can feel uncomfortably cold as soon as you get out of the water. In July and August, you might find the opposite: these are the hottest months of Nuweiba weather.
Marine Life in Nuweiba
The area around Nuweiba has a great variety of hard and soft corals: different species of Anemones, Brain Coral, Table Coral, Broccoli Coral, Fire Coral, Yellow Hard Scroll Coral, and others. Among the reef inhabitants, you can notice a large variety of Flatworms, Slugs, Shrimps, Giant Clams, Nudibranchs (including Spanish Dancer), Ghost Pipefish and Seahorses. If you have a quick eye you might be able to identify the 4 different types of Frogfish: Freckled, Giant, Painted, and a rare Randall’s Frogfish.
Due to the shallow waters of the Gulf, it is not common to see Sharks and Manta Rays in this area.
