About the Red Sea

The Red Sea at a Glance

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most breathtaking bodies of water. It was created nearly 30 million years ago as a result of the division of Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. And, it is home to a vast array of plant life, corals and sea creatures.

The world’s most northern tropical sea, the Red Sea is roughly 1,200 miles (1,900 km) long and 190 miles (300 km) wide. This unique body of water reaches a maximum depth of 8,200 feet (2,500 m) at its central median trench. Its average depth is 1,640 feet (500 m).

Known for its strong, gusty winds and strange currents, the Red Sea is the warmest sea in the world with surface temperatures ranging from 68° to 87.8° F.

Another little known fact about the Red Sea – it is also the world’s saltiest.

The Red Sea is one of the Middle East’s busiest shipping routes, bordering Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan and Jordan. While some of the largest ports in this part of the world are located along its shores, the Red Sea is also a popular destination for divers and tourists alike who come to take in its awe-inspiring scenery.