snorkling or diving

hi we are travelling with two children(9,12) and we would love to go snorkling or even better diving in the red sea in Egypt
Does anyone no the best place to go in Egypt with bright coral and tropical fish for snorkling or if the children are old enough diving?Are they?

I would recommend Dahab as a good place for both snorkling and diving. It is a small town an hour away from Sharm el Sheikh, but is not as touristy, with a much more laid back vibe. There are many dive sites to choose from, most with easy shore entrances. Children from the age of 10 can do the Junior Open Water course. Your youngest would be able to do the Bubble Maker Course where they only go to a depth of 2m. I'm not sure what dive centres in Dahab do this, as they would need to have equipment for a child. If you do end up in Dahab, there are mnay dive centres, with a varying reputations. Some good ones are Big Blue, Poseidon, Sea Dancer, Desert Divers, Dive Urge, Sinai Divers and Fantasea. Hope this helps some.

Never been to the Red Sea but I am beginning to enjoy snorkeling more than diving.

The colors are brighter in shallow water anyway.

...but i did see a snorkeler at 42 meters one time in the Philippines.

Have fun!

dp

there are plenty of places to go in egypt. taba is an excellent place for families and a great place for kids to start diving as its pretty gentle and easy.

hurghada is also very good. dahab is a valid suggestion though does not offer a family of complete beginners quite as much as taba or hurghada (IMHO) i agree that sharm is probably not the best place to go with youngsters who've never dived.

9 is too young for open water but they can do confined water dives. check around on the net for dive schools in the places suggested - a quick google search can throw a few up. their websites will give all the info you need.

wherever you go i am sure that you will find scuba a deeply rewarding family activity. enjoy!