Go diving
There are dive operations along the harbour and a chance to dive over some spectacular archaeological fields should not be missed if you are a diver. As well, there were major naval battles off Abu Qir in 1798 when the French fleet was routed by the English Navy led by the Admiral Horatio Nelson and in 1799 when the French defeated the Turks. The remains of the French fleet have been discovered on the sandy floor of the bay, in particular the admiral ship L’Orient which exploded during the battle with the loss of 1500 lives. As well, off the Abu Qir coastline are the remains of the ancient cities of Canopus (2 kms) and Herakleon (6 kms) which have yielded many important archaeological finds.
