Red Sea Project Ecotourism

Located in Marsa Alam, Red Sea Project Ecotourism operates as an international non-profit organisation with a specific focus on the conservation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. Unlike a standard recreational dive centre, this is a hub for marine and terrestrial ecosystem research and environmental education.

The centre serves as a base for scientific monitoring and citizen science, bridging the gap between recreational diving and active biodiversity protection. It provides a structured environment for those looking to move beyond simple exploration and into the realm of professional marine conservation.

The organisation is affiliated with PADI and operates through a marine conservation and education centre. The team is structured around research, education, and field programmes designed to monitor the local environment.

Instruction and guidance are provided in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. This multilingual approach supports a diverse range of international students and researchers participating in their conservation programmes.

The centre offers a unique range of educational programmes that extend far beyond standard recreational certifications. They provide specialised PADI training through the RED SEA TURTLES PROJECT PADI Specialty, designed for divers interested in marine biology.

For those seeking a more intensive commitment, they offer several professional-level internships. These include the Marine Conservation Internship, Red Sea Defender Internship, Desert Ecology Internship, and a Nature Conservation Internship, all aimed at developing practical skills in field research and environmental protection.

The marine life in this region is defined by a high density of pelagic species and diverse reef inhabitants. You will regularly encounter various sharks, including grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos), silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis), and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus). Larger species such as hammerhead sharks (Sphyrnidae), eagle rays (Aetobatus), and manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are also part of the local ecosystem.

The reef itself is a complex habitat of hard corals (Scleractinia) and soft corals (Alcyonacea), providing structure for a vast array of fish. You can observe large Napoleon wrasses (Cheilinus undulatus), various species of groupers, and schooling fish such as fusiliers (Caesionidae) and snappers (Lutjanus). The presence of sea turtles (Cheloniidae), including green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), is a consistent feature of the area.

For those interested in macro life, the seabed and reef crevices host a variety of smaller organisms. Look for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), various species of octopus (Octopoda), seahorses (Hippocampus), and scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). You may also find diverse invertebrates, including shrimp (Caridea), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of anemones and sponges (Porifera) decorating the reef structure.