What's in the water, month by month.

After the spring full moons the reef releases a brief, magical snowstorm of coral spawn.

The world's biggest fish passes through in spring — harmless plankton feeders.

Summer schools patrol the offshore plateaus — an advanced, blue-water highlight.

Long-tailed threshers cruise the walls of the remote offshore islands.

An occasional, unforgettable visitor to plankton-rich offshore waters.

Resident pods rest in protected lagoons by day — often seen on snorkel safaris.

Graze the seagrass beds of shallow bays year-round; among the easiest big animals to see.

The Red Sea's gentle 'sea cow' grazes seagrass — a rare and special sighting.

Patrol current-swept walls and corners on the southern and offshore reefs.

Giant, friendly humphead wrasse patrol healthy reefs across the Red Sea.

Clouds of orange anthias over technicolour soft coral — the Red Sea's signature scene.