Plizio Visual Lab

Red Sea

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Sea

Weather…

The Sudanese Red Sea coast extends for approximately 850 kilometers and is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and high marine biodiversity. The coastline is characterized by a narrow coastal plain, bordered inland by the Red Sea Hills, a rugged mountain range rising up to 2,000 meters. The marine ecosystem hosts over 250 species of coral and more than 1,200 species of fish, making it one of the world's premier diving locations. Outstanding sites such as the Sanganeb Atoll, the only atoll in the Red Sea, have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Historically, the coast was a vital trade route for the slave and spice trades and features the ancient port city of Suakin with its unique coral architecture. Today, Port Sudan is the region's primary economic hub and the country's gateway to the global market. Despite climate change, Sudan's coral reefs are considered relatively resilient to rising water temperatures, making them a critical refuge for global coral conservation.

Location: Sudan
Nearby: Sanganeb (28 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	20	21	24	27	31	34	35	35	33	28	25	22
Rain mm	5	1	0	2	2	0	4	5	1	8	10	7

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The Sudanese coastline is most commonly accessed via the major port city of Port Sudan, serving as the primary hub for diving expeditions and coastal trips along the unspoiled shores.

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Best season

The months from February to June are typically favored by visitors and divers, offering the best combination of comfortable water temperatures, excellent underwater visibility, and calmer surface winds.

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Terrain & paths

Above the surface, the landscape features arid coastal plains and rocky coral beaches, while beneath the waves, it is home to some of the most pristine and dramatically structured coral reefs in the world.

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What to bring

Advanced diving or snorkeling gear is highly recommended for exploring the reefs, along with very robust sun protection, rash guards, and lightweight desert-appropriate clothing for onshore activities.

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Parking

For shore excursions, vehicles are generally parked at designated lots near popular resorts or harbor areas, from where visitors typically transfer to liveaboard diving vessels or small charter boats.

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Safety

Divers must ensure they follow safe diving protocols given the extreme depth of some walls, while all travelers should strictly heed regional safety advisories regarding travel in the wider local region.

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Time needed

A typical diving trip here is usually organized as a multi-day liveaboard expedition, often lasting between five to seven days to fully experience the remote reefs safely and comfortably.

Geography

Coordinates

19.58330, 37.21670

Facts

The Sanganeb Reef hosts over 300 species of fish and is famous for its scalloped hammerhead sharks.
The port of Suakin was mentioned in Ptolemaic writings as a major trading point.
Water depth reaches over 1,000 meters just a few kilometers off the coast.
Sudan possesses some of the largest mangrove forests on the Red Sea, vital nurseries for fish.
Salt production through evaporation is a traditional economic activity along the coast.
Dugongs, rare marine mammals, are regularly sighted in the shallow coastal waters.