Can coral polyps actually grow in human skin after a diving injury. What are the real risks of coral cuts and scrapes while scuba diving. How should divers properly treat and care for wounds acquired underwater.

The Origin of the Coral Polyp Skin Growth Myth

The idea that coral polyps can take root and grow in human skin is a persistent diving myth that likely originated from misunderstandings about marine injuries. While coral can certainly cause painful cuts, scrapes and infections, the notion of living coral colonizing human tissue is not scientifically accurate.

Why does this myth persist? There are a few potential reasons:

• The unusual appearance and prolonged healing of some coral injuries
• Misinterpretation of infections or inflammatory responses
• Exaggeration and embellishment of diving stories over time
• Lack of understanding about coral biology and human physiology

The Reality of Coral Injuries: What Actually Happens?

When a diver comes into contact with coral, several things can occur:

1. Abrasions and cuts from sharp coral structures
2. Stings from coral’s defensive nematocysts
3. Introduction of bacteria and other microorganisms into wounds
4. Exposure to coral’s natural toxins and chemical defenses

These factors can lead to infections, prolonged inflammation, and unusual wound healing patterns. However, this does not mean coral is actually growing in the skin.

Why Can’t Coral Grow in Human Skin?

Coral polyps require very specific environmental conditions to survive and grow, including:

• Constant submersion in seawater
• Stable water temperature and salinity
• Access to sunlight for photosynthetic symbiotic algae
• A hard substrate to attach to

Human skin simply cannot provide these conditions, making it impossible for coral polyps to survive, let alone grow and reproduce within human tissue.

Common Symptoms of Coral Injuries

While coral polyps won’t grow in your skin, coral injuries can still cause significant discomfort and require proper care. Common symptoms include:

• Redness and swelling around the wound site
• Persistent pain or burning sensation
• Oozing or discharge from the injury
• Slow healing or formation of crusty scabs
• Skin discoloration or scarring

These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for something more exotic, fueling misconceptions about coral growth in human tissue.

Proper Treatment of Coral Injuries

How should divers care for coral cuts and scrapes? Here are some essential steps:

1. Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean fresh water
2. Gently remove any visible debris or coral fragments
3. Apply an antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide or iodine
4. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
5. Monitor for signs of infection
6. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Fever or chills
• Expanding redness or warmth around the wound
• Pus or excessive discharge
• Red streaks extending from the injury
• Severe pain or swelling
• Delayed healing beyond 2-3 weeks

The Role of Bacteria in Coral Injuries

While coral itself won’t grow in your skin, bacteria associated with coral can cause significant infections. Coral surfaces harbor diverse microbial communities, some of which can be harmful to humans.

Common bacteria found in coral-related infections include:

• Vibrio species
• Pseudomonas
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus

These bacteria can cause cellulitis, abscesses, and even systemic infections if left untreated. This underscores the importance of proper wound care and monitoring after coral injuries.

Other Marine Organisms That Can Cause Persistent Injuries

While coral polyps can’t grow in human skin, there are some marine organisms that can cause persistent or unusual injuries:

Seabather’s Eruption

Caused by larval forms of certain jellyfish, this condition results in an itchy rash that can last for weeks. The larvae can become trapped under swimwear, leading to prolonged skin irritation.

Sea Urchin Spines

Sea urchin spines can break off in the skin, causing pain and inflammation. In some cases, the spines may need to be surgically removed if they don’t dissolve on their own.

Bristle Worm Setae

The tiny, barbed bristles of certain marine worms can become embedded in skin, causing irritation and inflammation that persists until the bristles are removed or work their way out naturally.

Prevention: Avoiding Coral Injuries While Diving

The best way to deal with coral injuries is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some tips for divers:

• Maintain proper buoyancy control to avoid accidental contact with coral
• Wear protective clothing like wetsuits, gloves, and booties
• Be aware of currents that may push you into coral structures
• Use reef hooks or mooring lines when appropriate to avoid grabbing coral
• Bring a first aid kit on diving trips to treat minor injuries promptly

The Importance of Coral Conservation

While we’ve dispelled the myth of coral growing in human skin, it’s crucial to remember the importance of coral conservation. Coral reefs are vital marine ecosystems facing numerous threats, including:

• Climate change and ocean acidification
• Pollution and coastal development
• Overfishing and destructive fishing practices
• Physical damage from boat anchors and careless divers

As divers, we have a responsibility to protect these fragile environments. By practicing responsible diving techniques and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure that coral reefs continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy.

How Can Divers Contribute to Coral Conservation?

There are several ways divers can make a positive impact:

1. Follow responsible diving practices to minimize physical damage to reefs
2. Participate in coral restoration and citizen science projects
3. Support marine protected areas and sustainable tourism initiatives
4. Educate others about the importance of coral reef ecosystems
5. Reduce your carbon footprint to help mitigate climate change impacts on coral

By taking these steps, divers can play a crucial role in preserving the underwater worlds we love to explore.

Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction in Marine Injuries

While the idea of coral polyps growing in human skin makes for an intriguing story, it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to marine injuries. Understanding the true nature of coral cuts and scrapes allows divers to properly care for wounds and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.

By dispelling myths and promoting accurate information about marine life and diving safety, we can foster a more informed and responsible diving community. This not only benefits individual divers but also contributes to the protection of the fragile underwater ecosystems we cherish.

Remember, the next time you hear someone claim that coral is growing in their skin after a diving injury, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to explain what’s really happening and provide guidance on proper wound care. Stay safe, dive responsibly, and continue to explore the wonders of the underwater world!

Can coral polyps grow in your skin?

Cacia

Contributor

• Dec 22, 2005

• #1

It has been a couple weeks….I had to grab a ledge (at the direction of our Palau guide, in a stiff current, with a big camera) and thought I had a “barren spot” but I came out with little nicks that turned into oozing festering wounds that are now sloughing like a spider bite, the skin sloughing off. It is like aliens are in there, trying to get out. Somebody yesterday on the boat said coral can live in your skin and you have to get it cut out. Is this true? How long should I wait? Messing up my holiday manicure schedule.

Rick Murchison

Trusty Shellback

• Dec 22, 2005

• #2

catherine96821:

It has been a couple weeks….I had to grab a ledge (at the direction of our Palau guide, in a stiff current, with a big camera) and thought I had a “barren spot” but I came out with little nicks that turned into oozing festering wounds that are now sloughing like a spider bite, the skin sloughing off. It is like aliens are in there, trying to get out. Somebody yesterday on the boat said coral can live in your skin and you have to get it cut out. Is this true? How long should I wait? Messing up my holiday manicure schedule.

Click to expand…

There are aliens in there, but they aren’t coral polyps. What you get from scraping skin against things under salt water are a host of bacteria, and a veritable soup of toxins, depending on what critters were living on the surface where the scrape occurred. Hot water may denature some of the toxins; a good topical antibiotic (like Neosporin) can help fight the bacteria.

Sometimes, however, you’ll get toxins in there that just have to run their course, and you may be sloughing skin for a month or more. If the topical doesn’t reduce painful swelling and redness, and

especially if you get any red streaking from the wound then take it to an MD. Some of these critters can be serious.

Rick

“You can have peace, or you can have Freedom. Don’t ever count on having both at once.” (Heinlein)
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Rick Murchison

Trusty Shellback

• Dec 24, 2005

• #3

All clear now Catherine?

Rick

“You can have peace, or you can have Freedom. Don’t ever count on having both at once.” (Heinlein)
“… they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep.” (Ps107:24)

Diver Dennis

Contributor

• Dec 24, 2005

• #4

I just had a bunch of green dead flesh cut out of a wound I got in a wreck in Truk a few days ago. I’m not sure what it was but I’m on antibiotics as of this afternoon.

Diver Dennis

Contributor

• Dec 24, 2005

• #5

I know how stiff the currents can be in Palau in certain ares. Was it Blue Corner? I was using 2 reef hooks to take photos.

drbill

The Lorax for the Kelp Forest

• Dec 25, 2005

• #6

Agree with Rick on this. I had a serious infection while diving in Fiji a few years back. Fortunately I take Cipro with me and once I started taking it, the infection subsided (although there are still two small scars).

As a biologist, it would be quite incredible if coral polyps were growing under your skin. But then we’ve found they grow in the deep dark ocean.

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Cacia

Contributor

• Dec 27, 2005

• #7

Rick, Dennis, Dr Bill

Thanks for the feedback. Nope, it is still very strange. Not like infected exactly, I guess I will eventually get it looked at. I contacted some fire sponge in The Rhone (Tortola) last year that caused some sloughing. Even the joints are swollen. I am an RN and I am pretty sure a physician will just say to put Neosporin on it.

Dennis, great Manta shot. Yes, one day the current was smokin’ and the guide said in our briefing that the plan was to not hook in. Well, he changed his mind because we saw some amazing shark action. He had everyone grab the wall which I have done many times with the hook. Since I had a big camera set up and a very low on air boyfriend……. I think I will post this in Photography Forum as “Photographers make the Worst Buddies” ……to be continued

Mike Veitch

Contributor

• Dec 27, 2005

• #8

He he he. ….

SO many dives in Micronesia and nary an infected wound…

By the way, Catherine and Dennis, you guys were there at the same time and you both know me….strange little world….

Nice sharks Catherine

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Diver Dennis

Contributor

• Dec 27, 2005

• #9

Mike I think the betle nut has saved you from any wound infection. Too bad we passed in the night Catherine, maybe next time. I actually had another wound on my leg get infected yesterday but it seems to be subsiding now.

Diver Dennis

Contributor

• Dec 27, 2005

• #10

Nice shark action by the way.

Coral Scrapes and Cuts – Divers Alert Network

Cuts and scrapes are the most common injuries incurred by divers and snorkelers. DAN receives about one inquiry a week related to someone who has come into contact with coral. A burning sensation, pain and itching are common and may also be accompanied by a rash. These injuries can have a latent evolution and take weeks or months to heal, confusing both patients and clinicians.

Mechanisms of Injury

Soft living tissues cover the surface of corals. In the case of stony corals, the rigid (abrasive) structure underneath makes the coral’s soft tissue easy to tear and get into the scrape or cut. Foreign material can prolong the wound-healing process since the different antigens and substances cause an acute inflammatory process and infection. Cuts and scrapes from sharp-edged coral and barnacles tend to fester and may take weeks or even months to heal. Granulomas can form if debris from the original wound remains in the tissue. The body attempts to remove it, resulting in an itchy rash or papule (small, raised, tender bump) that lasts for some time before the body eliminates it.

While most “raspberries” generally heal quickly, skin abrasions from a marine environment can sometimes be more challenging to treat than those we get from outdoor activities such as baseball or bicycling. Whether it is a coral, a rock or a wreck, they all share a common factor: They are covered by living marine organisms, which makes coral cuts and scrapes unique.

Manifestations

The extent of the reaction depends on the presence and amount of toxins, the size and location of the abrasion and the pre-existing sensitivity of the injured person. The most common manifestations are a burning sensation, pain and itching. A rash may accompany the injury if the coral is a hydroid, such as fire coral.

Most animals of class Hydrozoa become hydroids as a life stage. They are predominantly colonial, and while most of them are marine creatures, you can find a few species in freshwater environments.

Fire corals are cnidarians, so they contain nematocysts. Touching them with a simple rub can cause mechanical activation and envenomation. The manifestation is usually blistering, which typically appears a few hours after contact. They typically resolve in a few days, but it is quite common for these injuries to relapse within a week or two after what seemed to be healing progress. This delayed reaction is typical of these types of envenomations.

Prevention

When underwater, try to avoid contact with coral or any other living creature. Whenever possible, wear a wetsuit or dive skin to protect yourself if you are accidentally pushed into coral by another diver or a current. Ocean divers should consider a marine animal first aid kit for their travels. Ready supplies will speed up the time to properly administer first aid for injuries. Additionally, for divers who want to learn more about the various marine life injuries, there are courses in marine life identification, first aid courses and a variety of books and publications available.

First Aid

• Scrub the cut vigorously with soap and water, and then flush the wound with large amounts of water.
• Flush the wound with a half-strength solution of hydrogen peroxide in water. Rinse again with water.
• Apply a thin layer of antiseptic ointment, and cover the wound with a dry, sterile and non-adherent dressing. If you have no ointment or dressing, you can leave the wound open.
• Clean and re-dress the wound twice a day.
• If the wound develops a crust, use wet-to-dry dressing changes. Put a dry sterile gauze pad over the wound and soak it with saline or a diluted antiseptic solution (such as 1% to 5% povidone-iodine in disinfected water). Allow it to dry then rip the bandage off the wound. The dead and dying tissue should adhere to the gauze and lift free. The tissue underneath should be pink and may bleed slightly but should be healing. Change the dressings once or twice a day. Use wet-to-dry dressings for a few days or until they become non-adherent. Then resume the regular wound dressing described above.
• Look for any signs of infection: extreme redness, red streaks on the extremity, pain, fever, pus or swollen lymph glands. If you have any, consult a qualified health professional about starting an antibiotic. A possible Vibrio bacteria infection can cause illness and even death in someone with an impaired immune system (e. g., from AIDS, diabetes or chronic liver disease).
• Watch for coral poisoning, which can occur if abrasions or cuts are extensive or from a particularly toxic species. Symptoms include a wound that heals poorly or continues to drain pus, swelling around the cut, swollen lymph glands, fever, chills and fatigue. If you have these symptoms, see a physician.

Complications

The most frequent complications from non-stinging coral scrapes are inflammation (which leads to poor healing) and less commonly a secondary infection. Proper wound cleaning is crucial. If fire coral is the culprit, then a diluted acetic acid solution, such as household white vinegar, is a reasonable topical decontaminant and should be used as a soak to reduce the pain. Immersion in hot water can reduce the symptoms. Hot water is ideal, but you can use instant hot packs, cold packs or ice packs. Provide symptomatic treatment for the inflammatory response. Steroid creams are rarely helpful, and they can prolong a skin infection. If the inflammation is severe, you may administer systemic steroids in a moderate, tapering dose under the supervision of a trained medical provider. Oral antihistamines can sometimes help reduce the itching or burning sensation. 

Possible Complications of an Old Problematic Wound

It is not uncommon for divers to contact DAN concerned about a minor skin abrasion on their hands, knees or elbows that happened months ago and has not healed despite proper care. These chronic wounds often have a red and bumpy appearance, occasionally develop a crust and are usually painless. If common antibiotic ointments do not help, divers wonder if the cause may be a marine-specific pathogen.

Divers with an open wound, even a small cut or scrape, are at risk for skin infections. When an old problematic wound fits the descriptions above, it might have become infected with an opportunistic pathogen known as Mycobacterium marinum. Despite the name there are no marine-specific pathogens that affect humans. Some infections are more common in aquatic environments. M. marinum is responsible for a condition commonly known as fish tank granuloma, or aquarium granuloma.

The red and bumpy nodules, no larger than a centimeter, are granulomas — inflammatory immune cells trying to wall off the pathogen. Granulomas are usually isolated but can sometimes appear in small clusters. They are not necessarily painful. There may or may not be discharge from the wound.

Characteristics of

M. marinum That Affect Healing

• The pathogen is opportunistic. It causes infection only in the right conditions (environmental and patient-related), so it is often not considered as a potential culprit.
• It likes cooler temperatures, which is why these wounds tend to flourish in areas with lower body temperatures such as hands, knuckles, elbows and knees.
• Only specific antibiotics work, so the typical antibiotic treatments are usually unsuccessful.
• The life cycle is slow, which means treatments last a long time. Sometimes patients will abandon what could have been a successful treatment or doctors may look for other potential explanations for the symptoms.
• It requires specific culture media that a doctor would not ask for unless they suspected this pathogen. Standard culture results are often negative, which delays the diagnosis.

Allow your doctor to examine the wound and follow their standard procedures. The doctor will probably ask you how it happened or when it started. Tell them about the superficial abrasion in a marine environment. You may want to ask specifically if M. marinum could be the cause. Your doctor does not need dive-specific medical knowledge for this type of issue.

Fitness to Dive

Always take care of wounds and clean them thoroughly no matter the severity. The skin is our most effective and efficient means of immunological defense. A compromised wound can get seriously infected.

As a rule, treat wounds properly and let them heal before diving. This is particularly important before traveling to a remote location or one with limited local medical care capabilities. A skin lesion with the potential for infection might warrant a more conservative decision to stay ashore if you have such a trip planned.

Chronic skin lesions require specific consultation with your physician team before diving. Your doctor may prescribe treatment or a protective covering to prevent skin breakdown.

Why corals are disappearing on the planet: Ecology infographics ➕1, 06/08/2021

June 8 is World Oceans Day. The UN established it in 2008 to draw attention to the problem of the destructive human impact on marine ecosystems. The most fragile of these are coral reefs, which are in danger of extinction. Why and how soon will this happen? What can humanity do to avert catastrophe? Plus‑one.ru selected the main points from the latest UN Environment Program report on coral reef restoration.

Photo: Unspash

Coral reefs are found in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans in the waters of more than 100 countries. Most are located in the belt between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, but they also exist in regions further from the equator, where warm tropical currents lead. For example, off the coast of Japan or the US state of Florida. Now coral reefs occupy 284.3 thousand square meters in the world. km (almost like two Vologda regions, or one Italy).

Coral reefs are formed by colonies of coral polyps. These invertebrates secrete calcium carbonate from seawater and deposit it under themselves in layers that serve as the outer skeleton for an entire colony of polyps. This is how the reef frame is formed, which is complemented by many species of algae, sponges and mollusks.

Along with reef-building corals, there are also soft corals: they do not have a calcium base. They live not only in warm waters, but also in the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Norwegian Sea. Externally, soft corals look like bizarre plants, their clusters often look like colorful underwater gardens.

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Over 240 million years, coral reefs have become one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet. The mucus secreted by corals serves as a breeding ground for bacterial plankton, which envelops reefs in clouds of organic suspension – it is eaten by zooplankton and benthic invertebrates, which, in turn, feed on fish. Covering less than 0.1% of the world’s oceans, coral reefs provide more than 25% of all marine biodiversity, providing habitat and food for more than 1 million species of marine animals and plants.

Coral reefs protect, on the one hand, the coast from erosion, on the other hand, settlements and beaches from the impact of destructive ocean waves. As much more frequent and intense storms are predicted around the world amid global warming, the importance of this role for corals increases every year.

In December 2004, one of the most destructive tsunamis in history occurred in the Indian Ocean: waves up to 30 m hit the coasts of 18 countries – from South Africa to Thailand – and killed 228,000 people. However, some coasts turned out to be protected from waves by massive coral reefs – there were no destructions or casualties on some of these coasts. The opposite example – after the destruction of reefs as a result of sand and limestone mining in the Maldives, the authorities had to build wave protection structures at a cost of almost $10 million per km.

The annual value of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs around the world is estimated at $375 billion Polyps and algae that build bizarre structures support at least 500 million people from more than 100 countries, primarily fishermen and employees of the tourism industry. Fish and other coral reef dwellers are an important source of protein in the diets of nearly 1 billion people. From reef plants and animals, substances are extracted that are used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, leukemia, lymphoma, skin cancer and many other diseases. More than half of all research into new cancer drugs is conducted on coral fauna and flora.

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Over the past 30 years, the world has lost more than half of all coral reefs: back in the 1980s, their total area was about 600 thousand square meters. km. According to the World Natural Resources Institute, more than 60% of coral reefs are at risk of extinction. And by 2030, this share may exceed 90%.

There are many reasons for the disappearance. First of all, this is ocean pollution with sewage and garbage, as well as the destruction of the habitat of coral reefs. This is due to offshore construction and fishing methods such as fishing with explosives or bottom trawling, after which the seabed turns into a lifeless desert. Finally, sand and limestone are mined on many reefs.

55% of the world’s coral reefs are affected by fishing, which significantly reduces herbivorous fish populations. This leads to an overgrowth of algae, causing the coral polyps to die.

Added to this is the threat of global warming. Reef-building corals do not tolerate warmer temperatures—when the water gets too warm, they bleach and die. So, in 2014-2017, due to prolonged bleaching, a third of the corals of the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches for 2.3 thousand km along the northeast coast of Australia, died.

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Photo: iStock

Another threat is rising sea levels. At greater depths, corals receive less sunlight, which slows down their growth and makes them less viable. An increase in water acidity prevents corals from growing their skeletons: colonies become more vulnerable, including to diseases and sea storms. The ocean absorbs a quarter of all carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. With the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 19th century, the content of CO 9 in the air0043 2 has increased by a third and continues to grow – the water in the seas is becoming more and more acidic.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that coral reefs will virtually disappear even if global warming is kept within a “safe” 2°C by the end of the 21st century.

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One of the largest projects since 2018 has been implemented by the Australian Great Barrier Reef Marine Natural Park. The initiative is funded by the government and local tour operators. Park staff relocate healthy corals to affected areas of the reef, and release corals grown in nurseries at the bottom of the sea and in artificial pools into their natural habitat. By May 2020, the Australians managed to create 50 such nurseries. Over 17,000 corals have been colonized in the six largest tourist areas of the Great Barrier Reef. The organizers intend to expand their project.

The effectiveness of underwater coral breeding is evidenced by the experiment of the Israeli National Institute of Oceanography. Coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat of the Red Sea are suffering due to their proximity to the naval base, trading ports and diving centers. For more than 15 years, scientists have been releasing eight species of coral grown in a marine nursery near Dekel Beach to preserve ecosystems. Despite the harsh conditions of existence, artificially farmed corals grow on the reef at the same rate as in captivity. By 2020, 1.4 thousand colonies have been created. The coral landings have provided new habitats for the organisms associated with them (fish and invertebrates).

Another approach to coral farming is the construction of artificial reefs that are attractive to polyp colonies. This is what the authorities of Guadeloupe (a French overseas territory in the southern Caribbean) did. Ships entering Deshaies Bay destroyed the local reefs with anchors. To eliminate the threat without interfering with navigation, the authorities installed 40 mooring concrete blocks with an environmentally friendly design and banned the use of bottom anchors. Vessels are now moored to floating modules, which are fastened with cables to concrete structures. They are covered with bumps and notches, characteristic of real reefs. Within six years, these artificial ecosystems have been populated with native coral species. Following them, “underwater cities” were chosen by 43 species of fish. By the way, only 25 of them live on natural reefs in the same bay.

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Major coral reef restoration projects are being implemented on the island of Okinawa in Japan, in the state of Florida (USA) and the island states of Oceania (Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Samoa, Vanuatu , French polynesia). In addition to the relocation of corals and the construction of artificial reefs for them, other methods of restoration are also used. Among them are the breeding and settling of polyp larvae on reefs, the construction of artificial reef frames, the supply of electric current to sections of the reef to stimulate the production of calcium carbonate by polyps. Finally, breeding or, conversely, removing various algae and fish that affect the prosperity of polyp colonies.

Many of these approaches, especially combinations of them, require a lot of money and training for hundreds and even thousands of employees. Reef recovery is a long process, the first results of which become visible years later. But such is the price of preserving marine biodiversity. It is likely that before the end of the century, only those coral reefs that are cared for by underwater livestock specialists will remain on the planet.

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Beauties of the Red Sea: top 5 diving paradises

Warm, full of life, light and bright colors of the depths of the Red the seas never cease to amaze and delight both beginner divers, and extreme divers. We invite you to take a trip to its most beautiful places.

Blue Hole

The Blue Hole in Dahab (Egypt) is a rounded sinkhole more than 100 meters deep, formed in a coral reef. The diameter of the Blue Hole is about 50 meters, it is located very close to the coast. The path to it, which takes no more than 30 minutes, runs along a picturesque sheer wall with faults, generously decorated with a variety of underwater plants. In the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the hole, the wall changes slope; tuna, the main food fish of the Red Sea, and predatory barracudas are often found here. Inside, the Blue Hole is made up of different types of corals: some of them have tentacle-like outgrowths, others form a huge wavy covering called “elephant skin”.

From the Blue Hole there are two ways to get to the open sea: through a dense coral garden growing at a depth of 7 meters, or by swimming out of a huge arch located at a depth of 55 meters. Both ways, according to experienced divers, leave indelible impressions. Despite the fact that the road to the Blue Hole dive site is surrounded by signs with the names of divers who did not return from it, the sinkhole remains one of the popular places for diving competitions.

The Blue Hole is located about 15 kilometers from the quiet resort town of Dahab, you can get to it by bus, rented car or taxi.

Thomas Reef

Thomas Reef, located near the Egyptian Sharm El Sheikh, will please the diver not only with colorful corals, encounters with turtles, goopers and crunks. The most interesting begins at a mark below 35 meters: there is a crack going down to a depth of 109 meters – Thomas Canyon. Its width does not exceed 3 meters, and with depth it only becomes narrower, so for inexperienced divers such a dive is not always pleasant. The canyon has 4 arches: at a depth of 50, 65, 75 and 90 meters. After passing each of them and looking up from the water column, you will witness the extraordinary glow created by the sunlight concentrated on the reef break.
You can get to the reef from Sharm El Sheikh by safari boat or daily boat.

Dahlag Archipelago

Eritrea, even at the height of the season, is not yet teeming with divers, so the underwater world of the Red Sea near its shores is virgin flora and fauna, the most ancient reefs of the Red Sea, majestic whales and sunken ships. The Dahlag archipelago is a national park in Eritrea, and only 4 of its 200 islands are inhabited by people, not seabirds. Having plunged into the sea near Dohul Island, which is part of the archipelago, you can observe the life of dugongs and green turtles, sharks, watch starfish and hedgehogs. In the waters of the northern part of Dissey Island, there are gardens of hard and soft corals that provide shelter for rays, barracudas, reef sharks and turtles. A shallow diving depth near the islands of the Dahlak archipelago makes it possible to dive not only during the day, but also at night. Overgrown with corals and resting near the main island of the archipelago, a naval base and a cargo ship are another attraction of Eritrea.

Paradise Reef

Located in Eilat, Israel, Paradise Reef is one of the rare places where you can dive directly from the shore. In shallow water, it’s impossible not to marvel at the 150-meter ridge of live acropora coral, but diving a little deeper, you will have the opportunity to meet toad fish, ribbon fish and groupers that live in the sea lilies, hydroids and anemones that grow here. At a depth of just over 25 meters, the reef abruptly breaks off, the seabed opens up with its mysterious inhabitants: ghost fish, needle fish, starfish.

Japanese Gardens Reef – Aqaba, Jordan

Japanese Gardens Reef (Aqaba, Jordan) is also a great place to dive – you can do it right in front of the hotel. The main attraction of the reef is black coral bushes resembling trees, thanks to which the reef got its name. Corals grow at a depth of 5 to 20 meters, so a diver of any skill level can dive underwater and enjoy the contemplation of its many inhabitants – turtles, octopuses, dolphins, crabs, schools of colorful fish.