Berenice, Egypt
Berenice may be little more than a wide spot in the road yet it offers the best shore-based snorkeling on the Red Sea Coast. And it boasts ‘hidden’ treasures as well. Take a boat trip to Qulan and visit the Maldives of the Red Sea. Take a desert excursion and, in addition to seeing colored canyons, learn about nomadic tribes and discover emerald mines worked from Pharaonic to Roman times. Tour the Temple of Serapis as well as the ancient town. Berenice, founded by Ptolemy II in 275 BC, was once a crossroads and important trading port.
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Getting There
Berenice is located 150 km (93 miles) south of the Marsa Alam and 400 km (250 miles) south of Hurghada. The nearest airport is in Marsa Alam and is more than a 90-minute drive. Numerous charter companies and low cost airlines offer direct service between Marsa Alam and European cities. Egypt Air offers service between Cairo and Alexandria and Marsa Alam. Air Memphis, an Egyptian charter company, connects Marsa Alam to Cairo and Hurghada but all flights are sold exclusively as part of a package.
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Most resorts and dive camps are located a considerable distance from the airport and main village. Taxis can be booked at most front desks. Area hotels offer a variety of sightseeing excursions.
When to Travel
The best time to visit Berenice is spring (March - April) and fall (September - October). The mercury pushes 40°C (104°F) in July and August. Winter days are short and a cool 22°C (71°F). April and May are extremely windy and it is frequently too rough to snorkel and dive. The peak tourist seasons are February - April, July and August, and 25 December - 10 January.
Things to Keep in Mind
The Red Sea Coast from Hurghada to Sudan is a protectorate. Leave no trace is essential for preserving the reefs. Don't touch the coral or feed the fish. Be conscious of your fins. Remove any rubbish. Don't collect coral, alive or dead. Bags are randomly checked at Egyptian airports and tourists found carrying coral are fined and in some cases barred from returning.
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